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Karin Keller-SutterMember of the Swiss Federal Council since 2019
Date of Birth: 22.12.1963
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Karin Keller-Sutter: A Swiss Political Pioneer
- Career in Education and Politics
- Cantonal and Federal Parliament
- Unsuccessful Federal Council Bid and Ascent to Council Presidency
- Federal Council Member and Justice Minister
- Minister of Finance
- Personal Life
Karin Keller-Sutter: A Swiss Political Pioneer
Early Life and EducationBorn into a large Catholic family in late 1963, Karin Keller-Sutter grew up in a rural setting before her family relocated to the French-speaking canton of Neuchâtel. After completing school, she pursued a degree in translation from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, later interning at the Université de Montréal.
Career in Education and Politics
Upon her return to Switzerland, Keller-Sutter embarked on a career as a conference interpreter. She subsequently earned a postgraduate degree in pedagogy from the University of Fribourg and taught school. In 1992, she stepped into the political arena, becoming a municipal councilor five years later.
Cantonal and Federal Parliament
From 1996 to 2000, Keller-Sutter represented the canton of St. Gallen in the Swiss Council of States. During this period, she led the local branch of the Free Democratic Party of Switzerland. From 2000 to 2012, she served as a cantonment councilor in the Swiss cantonal government.
Unsuccessful Federal Council Bid and Ascent to Council Presidency
In 2010, Keller-Sutter lost an election to the Swiss Federal Council. However, she was elected to the Council of States' upper house the following year, and from 2017 to 2018, she unanimously led the body.
Federal Council Member and Justice Minister
In 2018, Keller-Sutter was elected to the Federal Council, becoming the first woman from St. Gallen to hold the position. She assumed the role of Justice Minister on December 1, 2018, a post she held until the end of 2022.
Minister of Finance
On January 1, 2023, Keller-Sutter remained within the Federal Council while assuming the lead of the Federal Department of Finance.
Personal Life
Karin Keller-Sutter is married to the lawyer Morten Keller, and they reside in Wyl.
