Public service Federal Council candidate Martin Pfister improves his French language skills
Federal Council candidate Martin Pfister wants to improve his French. Following criticism of his language skills, he is now taking lessons and listening to French-speaking Swiss radio in the car and at home, as he revealed in an interview with "Schweiz am Wochenende".
22.02.2025, 05:34
SDA
He understands Italian well, mainly thanks to his military service in Ticino, but he still wants to improve his oral expression. The Zug cantonal councillor is also trying to raise his profile. This has definitely increased among the population, but it is crucial for him that the members of parliament get to know him better.
The centrist politician also wants to open up in his private life. So far, he has not presented his family publicly. "But I also want to show this part of my life, because I want to be tangible as a person," he told "Schweiz am Wochenende". However, he wants to protect his family from too much intrusion into his private life.
Pfister lives in a patchwork family with four children and a Brazilian wife. "It's normal for my two older daughters to have two fathers. And it was always clear to me that I was their father," said the 61-year-old. He actively accompanied his children, for example with their schoolwork and club activities, while his wife took on other tasks. When the older children were in puberty and the younger ones were toddlers, he was not yet in government - that suited him.
Intact chances for the Federal Council
Together with St. Gallen National Councillor and Farmers' Association President Markus Ritter, Martin Pfister was officially nominated as a candidate for the Federal Council by the Center Group on Friday. The parliamentary group heard both candidates and then unanimously recommended both Ritter and Pfister to the United Federal Assembly for election.
Observers currently see Ritter as having an advantage in the Federal Council race - in particular because he has been present in Bern for years and has celebrated many political successes at national level as probably the best-known farmer lobbyist.
Pfister's chances are nevertheless intact. He can score points with his many years of experience as an executive politician and, as an officer, brings a great deal of military knowledge with him. It is expected that the vacant Federal Council seat will remain in the Department of Defense following the departure of Viola Amherd, but a final decision will be made by the full Federal Council.
