Economics minister to step down from Federal Council
Originally from canton Bern, Schneider-Ammann earned an electrical engineering degree from the Swiss Federal Technology Institute ETH Zurich in 1977.
Keystone
Swiss Economics Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann will not seek another term in the seven-member government, and plans to step down by the end of next year.
Switzerland’s 20 living ex-presidents: a world record
This content was published on
Twenty former Swiss presidents are still alive. What does this record say about the country’s political stability and leadership?
He told the Neue Zürcher Zeitung newspaper on Friday that he had “a clear landmark, namely the end of the 2019 legislative term”, which would be his last.
Aged 66, Schneider-AmmannExternal link began his career as an engineer and businessman, before being elected to the House of Representatives for the centre-right Radical Party in 1999. He took his seat on the Federal Council in 2010, and served a one-year term as Switzerland’s president in 2016 — a mainly ceremonial post.
Key political issues for Schneider-Ammann during his tenure included ensuring full employment in Switzerland and maintaining industry.
One of the achievements he was most proud of was a free-trade agreement with China, which took effect in 2014. He had to negotiate more unpopular issues as well, notably the ongoing agricultural reform with the country’s main farmers organisation.
His decision to step down follows that of Transport Minister Doris Leuthard last July.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
UBS has cut 10,000 jobs since Credit Suisse takeover in 2023
This content was published on
UBS Group has cut more than 10,000 roles since it bought Credit Suisse, marking a milestone in the lender’s efforts to integrate its former rival.
Swiss multinational SGS to move HQ from Geneva to Zug
This content was published on
The Swiss multinational SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, plans to move its headquarters from Geneva to canton Zug in central Switzerland.
Swiss army takes part in international tank competition
This content was published on
Around 20 Swiss army personnel and two Leopard 2 tanks are taking part in an international tank competition in Grafenwöhr, Germany, this week.
Omega-3 supplements seem to slow ageing process, Swiss study finds
This content was published on
Taking a daily omega-3 supplement appears to slow down the rate of biological ageing by up to four months, according to a study by researchers at the University of Zurich.
This content was published on
The Swiss writer and translator Alain Claude Sulzer has been awarded the Solothurn Literary Days Prize 2025 for his lifetime's work.
Prix de Lausanne features 85 dancers from 23 countries
This content was published on
The 53rd Prix de Lausanne international ballet competition is underway. A total of 85 young dancers from 23 countries are competing in the Swiss city.
Swiss Solidarity charity collected CHF34 million in 2024
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), raised CHF34.4 million ($37.7 million) in donations in 2024 and spent CHF63 million on humanitarian projects.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Future of farming at risk, says farmers’ association president
This content was published on
Markus Ritter of the Swiss Farmers’ Association said on Monday that to meet agricultural demand, 43,000 working farms will still be needed by 2030.
Switzerland still competitive despite US tax reforms, says economics minister
This content was published on
Swiss Economics Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann says he does not think sweeping US tax reforms will drive American firms from Switzerland.
Chinese president talks trade, innovation on Swiss visit
This content was published on
Chinese President Xi Jinping is in the middle of China’s first state visit since 1999. The two nations have signed several new bilateral agreements.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.