The lightning election of Ignazio Cassis

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The so-called Night of the Long Knives in the Bellevue bar Keystone / Anthony Anex

Ignazio Cassis, the favourite, gives a pre-election interview Keystone / Peter Schneider

Flowers and applause for outgoing minister Didier Burkhalter swissinfo.ch

Cassis casts his vote Keystone

As does his rival Isabelle Moret Keystone / Anthony Anex

It's not known for whom Radical Party president Petra Gössi voted Keystone / Pool / Anthony Anex

Despite not being a member of parliament, Pierre Maudet got more votes than Isabelle Moret. In theory any Swiss citizen with the right to vote can be elected to cabinet Keystone

Jubilant Cassis supporters Keystone

Isabelle Moret shows no hard feelings Keystone

Cassis is sworn in as Switzerland's 117th cabinet minister Keystone

Flower power: the 56-year-old doctor savours his victory Keystone

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Every election of a Swiss cabinet minister actually begins in the bars of Bern – the night before. This is where surprise candidates are chosen in backroom deals. This year, however, the election of Iganzio Cassis was not only surprise-free but also extremely quick. (Photos: Keystone)

Traditionally politicians and journalists meet on the eve of a cabinet election in the foyer of the palatial Bellevue Palace hotel, right next to parliament. This is where coalitions are discussed and final interviews are given – and from time to time a surprise candidate is chosen. 

But not on Wednesday. Cassis was quickly chosen as the 117th cabinet minister in two rounds, having just failed to get an overall majority in the first round. It’s the first time Italian-speaking canton Ticino has been represented in the cabinet since 1999. 

The centre-right Radical Party had put forward three official candidates to replace Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, who is stepping down at the end of October. Cassis held off a challenge from French speakers Pierre Maudet, from Geneva, and Isabelle Moret from canton Vaud.