Presidential duties

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President Arnold Koller greets a delegation from Gambia at the traditional New Year reception in 1997. Keystone

Swiss television preparations for the New Year 2000 speech of President Adolf Ogi at the north entrance of the Lötschberg tunnel. Keystone

Preparing to record the speech of President Ruth Dreifuss on the occasion of Switzerland's National Day on August 1, 1999. Keystone

President Micheline Calmy-Rey makes an address on the Rütli meadow - the birthplace of modern day Switzerland - on August 1, 2007. Keystone

President Pascal Couchepin and his wife Brigitte in 2008 on a state visit to Egypt watching a 3D animation film in the Library of Alexandria. Keystone

Children of Swiss expatriates present President Moritz Leuenberger with a mobile in 2001. Keystone

An unforgettable day for the federal president: Switzerland joins the UN in 2002. Kaspar Villiger on his way to the General Assembly. Keystone

President Samuel Schmid and his wife Verena accompanied by the mayor of Shinshiro in Japan at the 2005 world exhibition in Aichi. Keystone

Following the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005 President Samuel Schmid writes in the book of condolence at the Vatican embassy in Bern. Keystone

President Moritz Leuenberger receives the president of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel, in 2001. Keystone

President Pascal Couchepin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in 2003 on the Fafleralp in Lötschental, canton Valais. Keystone

President Joseph Deiss visits a kindergarten in canton Ticino in 2004. Keystone

President Willi Ritschard wishes everyone "Happy New Year" in 1978. Keystone

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The office of federal president rotates every year among the seven cabinet ministers.

The president represents the Swiss government and leads cabinet meetings. He or she is the “primus inter pares”, or first among equals, and does not enjoy extensive power. (Pictures: Keystone)