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Parmelin elected president, US tariffs lowered

Thursday, 11 December 2025 06:30

Guy Parmelin (c) admin.ch

Yesterday proved a standout day for Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin.

In the morning, he secured a historic election as President of the Confederation, winning 203 out of 210 votes. That's the strongest result ever recorded.

Then by mid-afternoon, Parmelin announced that the United States would immediately cut additional tariffs on Swiss goods from 39 to 15 percent, with the measure applied retroactively to mid-November – that aspect of the announcement was a pleasant surprise. 

Commentators say it sets up Parmelin well for his presidency next year.

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