Alain Berset

It was a photo that raised eyebrows: Federal Councillor Alain Berset sitting on the edge of a New York sidewalk in a blue suit, nonchalantly studying his notes. The picture, taken in 2018 during the UN General Assembly, epitomises the confident, purposeful image that the Fribourg social democrat likes to project as one of the more unconventional members of the federal government.

Berset, just 51, has announced his surprise resignation from the Federal Council. He will not be running for another term after this autumn’s federal elections. In his 12 years as interior minister, Berset had to deal with difficult issues like pension provision and rising healthcare costs – areas in which he made little progress. An avowed bon vivant, he rode a tidal wave of popularity for his leadership during the Covid crisis.

Berset has also been a little less than statesmanlike at times. He flew a light aircraft into French airspace without permission. He had an extramarital fling which led to a blackmail attempt against him. The interior minister was able to come through these incidents without his popularity taking a hit.

More serious are allegations that Berset’s communications chief leaked confidential information to the boss of Ringier media group during the Covid crisis, as this potentially compromised public trust in the Federal Council.

Stepping down from government is now another bombshell. With Berset’s government seat up for grabs in December, the Federal Council “magic formula” (2 SVP, 2 FDP, 2 SP, 1 Centre) could change if the October elections lead to a shift in the parliamentary balance of power.

JÜRG STEINER