Encyclopedia > List of Presidents of the Swiss Confederation
The list of Presidents of the Swiss Confederation (1848-present) presents the presiding member of the Swiss Federal Council, Switzerland's seven-member executive. Elected for one year, the President of the Confederation chairs the meetings of the Council and undertakes special representational duties. Primus inter pares, he has no powers above the others and continues to head his department. Traditionally the duty rotates among the members in order of seniority and the previous year's Vice President becomes President. See list of members of the Swiss Federal Council for all seven.