Does the Federal Council Find Its Way Out of the Crisis? The Body Is Missing a Leader

Summary

The Swiss Federal Council is in a leadership crisis as the previously dominant figure Karin Keller-Sutter has lost power and no successor has taken on her role. Precisely in the critical year 2026, when significant decisions are pending – particularly on immigration and European policy – the national government appears leaderless and directionless. The failed appearance of Defense Minister Martin Pfister on new security policy symbolizes confusion within the body, while the SVP under President Marcel Dettling confidently positions itself for the decisive vote on the "10-Million Switzerland."

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Detailed Summary

Lack of Leadership in Critical Times

2026 will be decisive for Switzerland. Times are uncertain: Russia threatens Europe, the USA pushes for quick solutions in the trade conflict, and the population will vote on central issues. Precisely in this critical phase, the Swiss Federal Council is missing a leadership figure who can provide clear direction and give the body stability.

The Debacle of Martin Pfister

The failed appearance of Defense Minister Pfister in mid-December becomes a metaphor for the crisis. Pfister warns of a "dangerously precarious" security situation, calls for a "Helvetic turning point," and emphasizes the necessity of a capable military. Immediately afterward, however, he admits that the federal government wants to order fewer F-35 fighter jets than originally planned due to cost reasons – despite the Federal Council itself believing that 55 to 70 jets are necessary. This contradiction leads to complete confusion: Is the situation really that threatening or is it about saving money? The answer remains unclear.

Politicians from various parties criticize this inconsistency sharply. FDP Co-President Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher demands "swift clarification," the SVP leadership under Marcel Dettling accuses the Federal Council of squandering its credibility.

The Weakening Power Center

A year ago, there would have been a clear answer to the question of leadership: Karin Keller-Sutter and Albert Rösti would have dominated. The liberal Federal President shaped the first year of the new legislative term with clear leadership ambitions. But 2025 became her "annus horribilis." She failed with Trump and lost authority. After twelve months of fierce criticism, she appears weakened, and speculation even arises about her possible resignation.

Rösti, the strong bourgeois partner at her side, is not the type to seize sole leadership. This does not match his temperament. Moreover, his 2026 will be difficult: As Media Minister, he must defend SRG against the halving initiative of his own SVP – an ungrateful position that likely won't push him into the foreground.

Guy Parmelin: Savior, but not a Driving Force

Guy Parmelin has positioned himself as a savior in the trade dispute with the USA and has thus become a "superstar" for the SVP. He takes on the Federal Presidency in turn. But the Vaud politician is not the man who can give the body new momentum. He is at the end of his career and has made collegiality his maxim. Moreover, new trouble is already looming: The USA is pushing for a legally binding contract and has threatened to raise tariffs again. The deal could backfire.

The Decisive Vote on the "10-Million Switzerland"

The dominant date of the year will be the summer vote on the SVP immigration initiative "10-Million Switzerland." If the people vote yes, the Federal Council's European policy lies "in ruins," warns SP National Councilor Cédric Wermuth. Early polls already show high approval rates for the initiative.

The problem is that the Federal Council and Parliament want to fight the initiative without a counter-proposal – which actually strengthens it. In this vote, the Federal Council and Parliament are going "all out," yet the government shows no real unity.

Beat Jans as Justice Minister

Beat Jans, the responsible Justice Minister, is urged by various politicians to lead energetically against the initiative. But the Basel politician appears anything but happy in his role as Federal Councilor and is, from his urban profile, the wrong person to convince in rural, German-Swiss cantons – precisely where the vote will be decided.

GLP President Jürg Grossen demands that Parmelin and Rösti also demonstrate in rural regions, as Economy Minister and SVP man, how important relations with Europe are. But both are unlikely to want to fight against their own parties.

The SVP Senses Its Chance

While the Federal Council appears leaderless, SVP President Marcel Dettling is brimming with confidence. He describes the Federal Council as "weaker than ever" and sees the rejection of a counter-proposal as an "affront" that shows the Federal Council doesn't take the immigration problem seriously. Dettling is "very optimistic" that the initiative will succeed. The population sees immigration as the greatest concern – and the Federal Council ignores this.

Outlook: Hope for Change

The article concludes with the observation that little will likely change in this constellation. The national government appears unsure in uncertain times. Perhaps one or more retirements of long-serving magistrates would be the path to new momentum. Should multiple members step down together and a reshuffle occur, this could be "a stroke of luck for the body and the country."

Key Statements

• The Swiss Federal Council lacks leadership: The dominant figure Karin Keller-Sutter has lost power, and no other member could assume her leadership role.

• The contradictions in security policy (urgent warning about Russia, but cost-cutting on fighter jets) demonstrate the government's lack of strategic clarity and damage its credibility.

• In the decisive vote on the "10-Million Switzerland" initiative, the Federal Council lacks unified and convincing campaign leadership, particularly in rural regions.

• SVP President Marcel Dettling and the initiative could benefit from the Federal Council's leadership weakness; polls indicate high approval.

• One or more resignations of Federal Council members could enable a reshuffle and give the body new momentum – possibly the only way out of the crisis.

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