Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Newcomer to Swiss executive body chosen as foreign minister

Newcomer to Swiss executive body chosen as foreign minister | iNFOnews.ca
Ignazio Cassis gives his first press conference after his election as Federal Councilor by the United National Assembly, in the National Council in Bern, Switzerland, Sept. 2017. The Swiss parliament has elected the center-right doctor to the country's seven-member executive branch, the first member from the country's Italian-speaking south in 18 years. (Peter Klaunzer/Keystone via AP)

GENEVA – The newest member in Switzerland’s seven-member executive body is set to become the Alpine country’s next foreign minister.

The Federal Council has chosen free-market proponent Ignazio Cassis of the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland to become head of the Department of Foreign Affairs after he joins the council on Nov. 1.

The Swiss government said Friday that Cassis has decided not to speak publicly about his tasks over the first 100 days, which he will use to get up to speed with his job.

A doctor and a polyglot, Cassis is a relative newcomer to politics and lacks foreign-policy experience. He will take over from Didier Burkhardt, who is resigning for personal reasons.

Cassis was elected Wednesday to the council, Switzerland’s seven-member executive. Each member runs one of the federal departments.

News from © iNFOnews.ca, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

Abbey Westbury

Related Articles