The top Swiss job that nobody wants

A top position is up for grabs in the Swiss government – but nobody seems to want it. Who will succeed Viola Amherd on the seven-person Federal Council? Several favourites have expressed their disinterest, including Centre Party president Gerhard Pfister and Martin Candinas. How attractive is the office of Federal Councillor really? Political scientist Michael Hermann analyses the situation. Michael Hermann Michael Hermann is a political scientist and the director of the Sotomo research institute. SRF News: Is it unusual that several favourites don't want to take the position? Michael Hermann: Yes, I've never seen not just one, but all four or five of the top favourites say they do not want the position. At least that hasn't happened in the last 25 years. In the past, you didn't know exactly who was going to run and who wasn't. Possible candidates were often discussed behind the scenes. It's different today. SRF News: The reasons given by the favourites for their rejection included ...