Pierre Graber Swiss politician, president. Date of Birth: 06.12.1908 Country: Switzerland

1. Pierre Graber: Swiss Politician and President
2. Early Life and Education
3. Entry into Politics
4. Mayorship of Lausanne
5. Federal Councillorship
6. Foreign Policy Achievements

Pierre Graber: Swiss Politician and President

Pierre Graber, a notable Swiss politician, served as a member of the National Council, Mayor of Lausanne, and a member of the Federal Council.

Early Life and Education

Graber was born into a political family, with his father being a former member of the National Council. He pursued a legal education at the Universities of Neuchâtel and Vienna, becoming a lawyer in Lausanne in 1933.

Entry into Politics

Graber embarked on a political career in 1934, joining the Social Democratic Party and being elected to the Lausanne Municipal Council. He subsequently served in the Grand Council of the Canton of Vaud from 1937 to 1946.

Mayorship of Lausanne

In 1946, Graber became the Mayor of Lausanne, a position he held until 1962. During his tenure, he oversaw the city's finances, earning a reputation for his financial acumen.

Federal Councillorship

Following his term as Mayor, Graber became a member of the Cantonal Council of Vaud from 1962 to 1970, leading the Finance Department. He was also elected to the National Council in 1942, serving with a brief interruption until 1969.

In 1969, Graber was elected to the Federal Council, where he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Under his leadership, Switzerland ratified the European Convention on Human Rights, joined the Helsinki Final Act, and recognized North Korea and North Vietnam.

Foreign Policy Achievements

Graber's tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs marked a period of significant diplomatic activity for Switzerland. He pursued a policy of neutrality and non-alignment, while also fostering closer ties with European and international organizations.