Guy Parmelin, in Washington, DC, United States, on August 6, 2025. DREW ANGERER / AFP
Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin, who shuttled back and forth to Washington trying to reduce whopping US tariffs, was on Wednesday elected as the country's president for 2026. He was formally elected by lawmakers from both houses of the Federal Assembly parliament with 203 out of 210 valid votes.
"These are difficult times. I am taking office in a turbulent and uncertain context, on a fragile and vulnerable continent. Our times demand determination, foresight, courage, and hope," he told lawmakers.
US President Donald Trump shocked Switzerland in August when he announced 39% duties on imports of Swiss goods, among the highest in his global tariff blitz. Parmelin went to Washington three times in a bid to get the rate down. Eventually, last month, Switzerland and the US announced a declaration of intent to cut the tariffs to 15%, with the wealthy Alpine nation vowing to invest $200 billion in the US.
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