 |
Viola AmherdSwiss politician, member of the Swiss Federal Council since 2019
Date of Birth: 06.06.1962
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Viola Amherd: A Swiss Political Trailblazer
- Early Life and Education
- Early Career and Local Leadership
- National Politics and Federal Council
- First From Valais and Party Affiliation
- Vice-Presidency and International Stance
- Personal Life
Viola Amherd: A Swiss Political Trailblazer
Born in 1962 in Brig, Switzerland, Viola Amherd embarked on a remarkable political journey that has broken barriers and made history.
Early Life and Education
Amherd completed her secondary education at the Latin Gymnasium in 1982. Subsequently, she pursued a law degree at the University of Fribourg, graduating in 1987.
Early Career and Local Leadership
After graduating, Amherd worked as a lawyer and notary in Brig from 1991 onwards. Her political involvement began in 1992 when she became a member of the city council. She rose through the ranks, becoming vice-president in 1996 and president in 2000.
National Politics and Federal Council
In 2005, Amherd was elected to the National Council, serving until 2018. In December 2018, she made history by becoming a member of the Swiss Federal Council. She was the first woman to hold the post of Minister of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports.
First From Valais and Party Affiliation
Amherd was the first woman from the Valais canton to serve on the Federal Council. Following the merger of the Christian Democratic People's Party and Conservative Democratic Party in 2020, she became the first representative of the Centre Party on the Federal Council.
Vice-Presidency and International Stance
On January 1, 2023, Amherd succeeded Alain Berset as Vice-President of Switzerland. She has been a vocal advocate for international cooperation and has taken a strong stance against Russian and Belarusian participation in sporting events following the invasion of Ukraine.
