A commentary with a sharp pen

Switzerland is known for punctuality, precision – and of course for golden severance packages with soft landings in the valley of taxpayers.

Now also at the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP):
Director Michaela Schärer is leaving – by mutual agreement – on April 30, 2026.
And gets to take a year's salary with her. 🎉

At least we know from the official announcement that the Federal Council has agreed to the "amicable end" of the employment relationship and that the compensation is based on Art. 78 of the Federal Personnel Ordinance. This is stated in black and white in the Federal Council's press release.

Expensive Freedom: Who Pays? (Spoiler: us)

How expensive is this "amicable freedom" actually for the federal government?
But what the heck: After five years in office (started right in the middle of the pandemic — without an introduction phase, quite heroically) one has surely earned a little federal thank-you. A year's salary as farewell – who among us doesn't know that feeling!

Selection Committee: The Search Has Begun

Of course, a selection committee will be established immediately. That sounds like another body that nobody controls and everyone pays for.

Big question:
Was the National Council or the relevant committees actually involved in advance —
or does Parliament learn about important personnel decisions from the media as always?

Fluctuation: The Federal Roulette Keeps Spinning

FOCP, FOPH, Office of the Attorney General... Somehow one gets the feeling that the executive chairs have a built-in revolving door.

How stable is the top leadership level in the federal government really?
When an office talks more about successions than about content – then something is broken.

Maybe we soon need a special website:

"Swiss Leadership Roulette – Spin the Wheel of Personnel Policy!"

And Now?

The official announcement thanks Schärer for her "work in civil protection"
– and we mean that quite sincerely:

Thank you, really!
And have fun during the well-tempered transition year.
The rest of us remain protected in the meantime – or at least amused.

📌 Fact Box

📣 Social Media Teaser

📢 Federal government treats itself again: Civil Protection chief leaves – and gets a year's salary as farewell.
Transparency? Only for insiders. Leadership continuity? Overrated.
👉 More in the new blog: "Federal Government Pays Again – Departure with Golden Parachute"

✏️ Cartoon Idea for the Editorial Team

Motif:
A roulette table with federal coat of arms.
The chips are called "Annual Salary".
On the wheel: "FOCP", "FOPH", "Federal Prosecutor", "Federal XY..."
A Federal Councillor spins the wheel grinning and says:

"We'll surely find someone again!"

In service of healthy cynicism.