Céline Amaudruz, a Geneva National Councillor and vice-president of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), is considering whether to run for the Federal Council seat that Guy Parmelin will leave at the end of 2026. Notably, she has not announced a candidacy.
Parmelin announced his departure on Friday after 11 years in government, sparking a contest over whether the SVP’s seat should remain held by a politician from French-speaking Switzerland.
Amaudruz is seen as a strong potential contender from that region, but Zurich cantonal minister Natalie Rickli and St Gallen parliamentarian Esther Friedli are also being discussed. The SVP has not selected its candidate.
Amaudruz’s finance-sector background has become part of the coverage of her possible run. She worked at UBS in wealth management for about 11 years before leaving in 2019 and joining Geneva-based bank Reyl in 2022. A local financial blog suggested her election would benefit UBS as the bank faces debate over capital requirements.
However, her previous drunk-driving conviction has also resurfaced. Amaudruz was stopped while driving in Geneva in 2016. She received a suspended financial penalty in 2017. The incident is a matter of public record.
The party’s cantonal sections have until October 23 to submit prospective candidates. The SVP parliamentary group is due to nominate its candidate or candidates on November 20, ahead of a Federal Assembly election scheduled for December 9. Until then, Amaudruz remains a potential contender—not Parmelin’s designated successor.
