Ueli Maurer (born 1 December 1950) is a Swiss politician who served as a member of the Federal Council of Switzerland from 2009 to 2022, representing the Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC). He held the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS) from 2009 to 2015 and the Federal Department of Finance from 2016 to 2022. Maurer served twice as President of the Swiss Confederation, in 2013 and again in 2019, a role that rotates annually among the Federal Council members.
Early life and education
Maurer was born in Wetzikon, Canton of Zürich. He completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter and later obtained a diploma in business administration from the University of Zurich.
Political career
- Cantonal politics: Maurer entered politics in the 1970s, serving in the cantonal parliament of Zürich and later as a member of the Zürich cantonal government (Executive Council) from 1995 to 2009, where he was responsible for finance, education, and other portfolios.
- National politics: He was elected to the National Council (the lower house of the Federal Assembly) in 1991, serving until his election to the Federal Council in 2009.
- Federal Council: Appointed on 1 November 2009, Maurer succeeded Federal Councillor Samuel Schmid. As head of the DDPS, he oversaw Swiss defence policy, civil protection, and sports. In 2015, he transitioned to the Department of Finance, managing the federal budget, tax policy, and customs.
- Presidency: During his presidential year in 2013, Maurer chaired the Federal Council and represented Switzerland internationally. He again held the presidency in 2019, focusing on economic stability and Swiss neutrality.
Political positions
Maurer is known for his conservative stance, particularly on immigration, national security, and fiscal policy. He has advocated for strict asylum controls, a strong defence posture, and low tax rates to maintain Switzerland's competitiveness.
Later life
After stepping down from the Federal Council on 31 December 2022, Maurer retired from active politics. He has remained involved in public discourse through occasional commentary and participation in Swiss political forums.
Personal life
Maurer is married and has three children. He is fluent in German, French, and English.
References
- Federal Department of Finance (Eidgenössisches Finanzdepartement). “Ueli Maurer – Biography.”
- Swiss Federal Council official website. “Members of the Federal Council.”
- Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) archives.
See also
- Federal Council of Switzerland
- Swiss People's Party
- Presidents of the Swiss Confederation