Federal Council How the Federal Councillors are spending their summer vacation

The summer vacations are upon us in Switzerland. The members of the national government are also treating themselves to a break or two. In addition to vacations at home and abroad, the Federal Councillors are also taking official appointments or international trips.

President Viola Amherd, for example, will also be making official appointments and international trips in the summer. Among other things, working trips are planned to Mongolia and Japan in the Far East, as the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) announced on Friday at the request of Keystone-SDA. In between, Amherd is also planning to spend a few days relaxing in the Swiss countryside, as she did last year.

Energy Minister Albert Rösti will spend his days off hiking in the mountains, among other things, according to an inquiry. Rösti will also accompany his wife Theres on a trip abroad. Around the national holiday, Rösti will take part in public events and give various speeches. In addition, the Energy Minister will also be occupied with the numerous dossiers of his department during the time without meetings, as was reported on request.

Economics Minister Guy Parmelin - like the President of the Swiss Confederation - is traveling to the Far East. A one-week economic and scientific mission will take the Federal Councillor to China, according to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). Parmelin will then spend his vacation days at home in Vaud and in the mountains, as well as a week in Burgundy in eastern France. Last year, Parmelin already spent four days in this historic region, which is famous for its wines.

Olympics in Paris and time for good books

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis also undertakes official trips in the summer: The first will take him to Central Asia, while a second is expected to take him to South and Central America, according to a statement from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. A visit to the House of Switzerland at this summer's Olympic Games in Paris is also planned for the end of July. Mr Cassis will spend the rest of his summer vacations at home in the canton of Ticino.

Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter, for her part, is looking forward to "spending time with family and friends in Switzerland and abroad during the session-free period", the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) announced on request. The magistrate is also looking forward to "finding time for good books in addition to studying files".

Justice Minister Beat Jans plans to meet friends and relatives in Italy and Croatia during his time off, according to his department. Personal meetings and studying files are also on the agenda. Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider could not be reached for comment on Friday.