Thurnherr, 60, told journalists in Bern on Wednesday that his decision to bow out was not due to any political ill will, but that it was time to move on after decades in the civil service.
Before being named federal chancellor at the end of 2015, he had been secretary-general of the foreign, economics and environment/transport ministries.
Thurnherr did however say that the multiple crises over the past few years – Covid-19, the war in Ukraine, the Credit Suisse meltdown – meant the 2019-2023 legislative period had been the “worst” for Switzerland since the Second World War.
As head of the Federal Chancellery, Thurnherr is responsible for planning and coordinating government business. While not the equivalent of one of the seven cabinet ministers, he nevertheless takes part in weekly government meetings, where he has an advisory role – but no voting rights.
Thurnherr himself previously said that he “doesn’t see himself as the eighth government minister but rather the first civil servant […] My power is limited, although I can still exert some influence. I can mediate, direct, coordinate and make proposals”.
Publicly he made a name for himself as a polished and rhetorically talented official, the Keystone-SDA news agency wrote on Wednesday.
His successor will be elected by parliament on December 13, along with a replacement for outgoing minister Alain Berset.
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
This content was published on
The majority of high level decisions in Swiss companies remains in the hands of men, says the latest Gender Intelligence Report.
Swiss canton wants to test collection of electronic signatures for initiatives
This content was published on
St Gallen wants to become the first Swiss canton to use electronic signatures (e-collecting) for referendums or initiatives.
Swiss government launches attempt to secure 2038 Winter Olympics
This content was published on
After failing to host the Winter Olympics in 2030 and 2034, Switzerland is trying again - this time for the 2038 Winter Games.
Study highlights Swiss cantons’ failings over adoptions from India
This content was published on
A Swiss study released on Friday has revealed that cantons Thurgau and Zurich are responsible for shortcomings linked to adoptions of children from India.
Glacier melt causes changes to Swiss-Italian border
This content was published on
Switzerland has adapted its borders with Italy and France. The changes with Italy are linked to melting glaciers, while those with France concern a tram line and rivers in the Geneva region.
Zermatt restaurateurs sentenced for defying Covid-19 measures
This content was published on
A Swiss court has given three restaurateurs in Zermatt, who were arrested in 2021 after repeatedly ignoring police orders to close their establishment, suspended sentences and fines.
Report: one in five Swiss tunnels damaged, but safe
This content was published on
According to Switzerland's Federal Roads Office (Astra), national roads are in good condition overall. Almost one in five tunnels has moderate damage but they are safe, it said on Thursday.
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.