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Ueli MaurerSwiss politician, President of Switzerland
Date of Birth: 01.12.1950
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Biography of Ueli Maurer
- Early Life and Career
- Military Service and Political Career
- Leadership and Success
- A Controversial Figure
- Presidency and Current Life
Biography of Ueli Maurer
From Humble Beginnings to Swiss PresidencyUeli Maurer, a Swiss political figure and the President of Switzerland, has come a long way from being the son of a poor farmer to becoming the face of Switzerland. Despite facing numerous difficulties along the way, Maurer proved his worth and silenced all his skeptics.
Early Life and Career
Maurer was born into a poor farmer's family in the hilly region of Zurich. He initially studied commerce and accounting, eventually obtaining a diploma in accounting. From 1994 to 2008, Maurer held the position of Director of the Zurich Farmers' Association. He also led the Swiss Association of Vegetable Farmers and the Association of Farm Mechanics. However, he left these positions after being elected to the Federal Council.
Military Service and Political Career
Maurer also served in the Swiss army, rising to the rank of Major and leading a battalion of bicycle infantry. From 1978 to 1986, he worked in the municipal government of Hinwil, Zurich. In 1983, Maurer was elected to the Zurich cantonal government and later became the President of the cantonal government in 1991. Despite losing the 1991 elections to Moritz Leuenberger, Maurer entered the National Council. In 1996, he became the President of the Swiss People's Party, largely due to the support of Christoph Blocher.
Leadership and Success
Initially, Maurer faced skepticism and was even portrayed as a loyal follower of Blocher by a television comedian. His children also suffered from his questionable reputation, enduring bullying at school. However, Maurer soon proved himself to be an exceptional leader. Under his presidency, the Swiss People's Party doubled its number of supporters, solidifying its position as the strongest political party in Switzerland. Maurer compensated for his lack of charisma with hard work, maintaining strict party discipline, a keen sense for popular issues, and memorable remarks.
A Controversial Figure
In contrast to traditional Swiss political etiquette, Maurer did not shy away from personal attacks. He labeled the right-wing democrats as weak and the social democrats as irrational. He even gave derogatory nicknames to a couple of federal councilors who had defected from his party. However, despite his controversial public image, Maurer proved to be a talented politician within parliament, demonstrating integrity and a good grasp of current political issues.
Presidency and Current Life
In October 2007, after the Swiss People's Party achieved its greatest victory in history, Maurer stepped down as party president. His attempt to win the elections for the Council of States ended in failure. However, in 2008, Maurer won the elections for the Federal Council, marking the beginning of his rapid ascent. In 2012, he was elected Vice President of Switzerland, and on December 5, 2012, Maurer won the presidential elections. He assumed the presidency on January 1, 2013. Currently, Maurer resides in Hinwil, Zurich, and is married with six children.
