Martin Pfister, the Gesundheitsdirektor (Director of Health) for the Canton of Zug, has announced his candidacy for the Swiss Federal Council. This news was made public by his party, Die Mitte (The Center), on Monday, February 3, 2025. Pfister, 61, plans to hold a media conference soon to discuss his plans but will not be answering questions until then.
Having served as Zug's Health Director since 2016, Pfister brings significant political experience to the table. His prior roles include being the managing director of various associations and serving as a member of the Zuger Kantonsparlament (Cantonal Parliament), where he held positions from 2006 until early 2016. His candidacy is seen as an important step not just for himself but for the representation of Zug, which has not had anyone on the Federal Council since Hans Hürlimann from 1974 to 1982.
According to the Zuger Cantonal Party, Pfister’s extensive experience as both executive politician and military officer makes him well-suited for the role. “We are convinced he has what it takes to be a Federal Councillor,” stated Manuela Käch, a member of the Zuger Mitte presidium. Pfister's academic background includes degrees in history and German studies, complemented by teaching qualifications.
His life isn’t all about work; Pfister, who is married and the father of four adult children, enjoys activities such as hiking, jogging, and reading. This blend of personal and professional experience paints the picture of Pfister as not just a politician but as someone grounded and relatable.
The Federal Council election will take place on March 12, 2025, to fill the seat being vacated by Viola Amherd, who has decided not to run again. The urgency surrounding this election is underscored by the historical significance, with Pfister being noted as the first candidate from Zug for the Federal Council in over five decades.
While Pfister is stepping forward, he is not alone. Other candidates have also expressed interest, including Markus Ritter from St. Gallen, who is currently the only other candidate openly vying for the position as of now. Interestingly, several potential female candidates have distanced themselves from the race, echoing concerns about gender representation within the party, as raised by Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter, who stated, “Of course, this ticket is missing a woman. The center is all the more called upon to early and sustainably take women’s representation seriously when filling top positions.”
The political climate surrounding this election reflects the challenges of finding candidates capable of representing both party and public interests effectively. The Zuger Mitte party, which is being led by Pfister in this candidate push, has emphasized the need for balanced representation for their constituents amid calls for greater inclusivity.
Election timelines are also significant, as the Zuger Cantonal Party, having until the day of the election to nominate candidates, looks to finalize their official ticket. Only those meeting specific qualifications will be presented before the Federal Assembly.
This moment could usher not only Pfister but also the Canton of Zug back onto the national political stage. It will be interesting to see how his media appearances and subsequent discussions around his candidacy play out leading up to the election date. The reactions from party officials and the public will likely provide insight not only about Pfister's candidacy but also the broader political trends taking place across Switzerland.
Unquestionably, March 12, 2025, marks not just the election date for the individual who will take over Amherd's responsibilities but also serves as the latest chapter for the canton of Zug, aiming to reclaim its seat within Switzerland's political hall of fame.