Switzerland changes its president

Viola Amherd, the Swiss Defence Minister, has become the country's president for a year, Report informs via Swiss media.

Amherd, 61, was the first female Defense Minister of Switzerland. She succeeds Alain Berset as president.

The President of Switzerland has no real powers. It is changed every year on January 1st. One of the members of the Federal Council (government) becomes the president for one year.

The President represents the country abroad, presides over meetings of the Federal Council and mediates in cases of disputes.