Thomas Aeschi, leader of the Swiss People’s Party (UDC) parliamentary group, announced on November 8, 2026, that he is running to succeed Guy Parmelin on the Federal Council. He stated in an interview with SonntagsBlick that he wants to replace Justice Minister Beat Jans and take over the asylum dossier.
Aeschi highlights parliamentary experience for Federal Council
At 47 years old, Aeschi points to his 15 years in the National Council and nine years leading his parliamentary group as vital preparation. Je suis convaincu d’avoir acquis les compétences nécessaires pour occuper cette fonction gouvernementale,
he told SonntagsBlick. He previously ran for the Federal Council on December 9, 2015, where he lost to Parmelin. Looking back on that earlier race in an interview, he recalled walking from his hotel to the Federal Palace and noted it was an intense experience for someone so young. He lives in Baar, is married with a daughter, and studied management consulting at the University of St. Gallen and Harvard University in the United States.
Did You Know? Thomas Aeschi has served as a National Council member for the Canton of Zug since 2011 and has led the largest parliamentary group in the Federal Palace since 2017.
Domestic Focus and Asylum Priorities
If elected, Aeschi intends to center his work on domestic policy and tackle significant challenges within the Federal Department of Justice. He noted that problems concerning asylum and migration remain prominent, with numerous cantons complaining that their concerns are ignored. A physical altercation involving Aeschi and federal police during a security perimeter dispute in June 2024 drew criticism from left-wing lawmakers and defense from his own party. Aeschi maintains that he is fully prepared to transition from the legislative branch to the executive branch.
Critique of European Union Treaties
Beyond domestic affairs, Aeschi identifies the preservation of Swiss sovereignty and direct democracy as core federal duties. In his SonntagsBlick interview, he criticized the package of agreements with the European Union as a traité monstre
(monster treaty) and termed the postponement of certain accords malhonnête
(dishonest). He told Schweiz heute that, as a federal councillor, he would ensure the public receives objective information regarding these EU agreements.
Upcoming Selection Timeline
Aeschi explained to Schweiz heute that he delayed his announcement to consult calmly with family, friends, party colleagues, and representatives of other political formations, though he did not discuss the bid with former federal councillor Christoph Blocher. The UDC parliamentary group is scheduled to officially designate its candidates for the Federal Council on November 20, 2026. The ultimate election is slated for December 9, at which point Aeschi notes he will accept whatever outcome democracy delivers.
UDC parliamentary group schedules candidate designation
When will the UDC choose its official candidates?
The UDC parliamentary group is scheduled to designate its candidates for the Federal Council on November 20, 2026.
Which government department does Thomas Aeschi aim to lead?
Aeschi has stated that he is ready to take charge of the asylum dossier and wishes to replace Justice Minister Beat Jans at the head of the Federal Department of Justice, though he also stated he would welcome leading any department.
What is Thomas Aeschi’s stance on EU agreements?
He characterizes the package of agreements with the European Union as a monster treaty, criticizes the delay of certain accords as dishonest, and asserts that a federal councillor must objectively inform the public about these treaties.
How do you view the upcoming transition of power within the Swiss government as candidates prepare for the December election?