Viola Amherd
Awards & Honours
0
Awards Won
2
Honours
2
Records
Viola Amherd's career is defined by a series of historic firsts and high public trust. As the first woman to head the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, she broke a significant gender barrier in Swiss politics. Her election as President of the Swiss Confederation in 2024 was a testament to her standing among her peers, and she performed the role with the same composed competence she brought to all her work.Her re-election to the Federal Council in 2019 and her subsequent election as President in 2023 reflect the confidence that the Federal Assembly and the Swiss public placed in her. While she may not have a shelf of trophies, her legacy is one of dedicated service and quiet leadership, qualities that have earned her lasting respect.
Honours & Distinctions
President of the Swiss Confederation
Elected to serve as the ceremonial head of state for the year 2024.
First Female Head of Defence
First woman to lead the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport.
Records & Feats
First woman to lead the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport
Broke a gender barrier in Swiss defence leadership when appointed in 2019.
Second woman to serve as President of the Swiss Confederation
Following Micheline Calmy-Rey, Amherd became the second female president in 2024.