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On Wednesday, the die was cast: parliament chose Beat Jans (59) as successor to the outgoing Alain Berset (51). The new federal councilor from Basel will not have an easy task. But the office also offers some amenities. Blick says what will change in the life of the newly chosen person.
The first day
On the first day after the elections, Jans was given his own office in the Federal Palace by the Federal Chancellery. He must immediately familiarize himself with the important files, so that he can start at full speed on January 1. To this end, he also receives an introduction to the procedures of the meetings of the Federal Council.
Which department Jans will lead will be determined this week. Newcomers, however, are the last to make their wishes known – and often have to take what’s left. There is a good chance that Jans will have to take over the Home Affairs department.
Duties, working hours and prohibitions
A federal councilor is not only a member of the government, but also the head of his department. So there are dozens, if not hundreds, of employees you need to get to know. He will spend their working days with them. And they are long: a normal working day of the Federal Council lasts a maximum of twelve hours. Before or after, a mountain of files must be reviewed.
There are also new external tasks. Jans must always represent the opinion of the full Federal Council towards the population and parliament – in accordance with the principle of collegiality. He is no longer allowed to interfere in cantonal votes and elections.
Salary
You are a federal councilor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Therefore, government members must give up all other offices and jobs to avoid conflicts of interest.
But a part-time job is not necessary at all. Federal councilors are well paid – from 2024 with a gross salary of 472,959 francs per year, to be precise. In addition, there is a fixed expense allowance of 30,000 francs per year. Even after dismissal, financial worries are spared. If you have been in office for at least four years, you are entitled to half of your salary as a pension.
communication
Jans can keep his private cell phone. Because they also communicate a lot about secret and confidential topics, federal council members receive a listening device, the so-called ‘Tego’. However, this is rarely used in everyday life.
Most confidential conversations take place through face-to-face meetings. The federal government uses the encrypted Swiss messaging app Threema for written communications. Regardless of which channel: a federal councilor must always be available from election to resignation.
mobility
A summit here, a speech there, a meeting there – as a federal councilor you are on the road a lot. They therefore have access to a representative vehicle and a company car with driver. In addition, each federal councilor receives a first-class GA.
The flying is also first class. The Federal Council has two of its own aircraft. When occupied, federal councilors have VIP status on Swiss flights, including lounge access and everything that comes with it. In addition: You will receive a diplomatic passport, which makes traveling easier.
Living
A federal councilor does not have to move to Bern; the choice of place of residence is his. However, the official residence is in Bern and the magistrates must be able to reach it within a short time. That is why many federal council members rent an apartment in or around Bern where they spend the night during the week.
In all apartments, the federal government bears the installation and costs of television, telephone connection and IT equipment such as computers. But even federal councilors are not immune to compensation. If the Serafe bill passes, government members will also have to pay for it.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
