Alain Berset takes over Swiss presidency

Interior Minister Alain Berset takes on the rotating role of Swiss president for 2023, Report informs via Swiss media.

As expected, vice-president Berset was selected from the seven-member executive body to start his second term as president from January 1. He previously held the post in 2018.

The Swiss presidency changes hands every year and passes between government ministers, who also continue with their ministerial duties.

In 2022, for example, Ignazio Cassis was both president and foreign minister. The system is designed to ensure that no single person can concentrate too much individual power in their own hands.

Besides chairing government meetings and giving speeches on important occasions, such as the August 1 Swiss National Day, the president has an international diplomatic function.

The Swiss president also meets visiting foreign heads of state and dignitaries when they come to Switzerland on official business.

Parliament of Switzerland was less certain about whom to choose as 2023 president than in previous years. Berset received 140 votes, well below the 190 parliamentarians who endorsed him for the role in 2018.