Raising the Bar for Swiss Federal Council Candidates: Why International Skills Matter
While legal eligibility criteria for candidates in Switzerland are met ahead of the 2015 Swiss Federal Council election, Dr. Thomas Borer argues these are no longer sufficient in today’s interconnected world. Switzerland’s globalized position demands leaders who can negotiate with the EU, OECD, and G-20 on complex issues like migration, trade, and taxation. He calls for candidates to be fluent in English, capable of representing Switzerland with confidence abroad, and equipped with leadership and crisis-management skills. He further urges the Federal Assembly to prioritize sovereign, internationally adept personalities for the nation’s highest leadership roles.