ADVERTISEMENT

New Swiss foreign minister faces thorny EU ties

The government then tapped him on Friday to replace outgoing foreign minister Didier Burkhalter, who is leaving politics.

Cassis, a 56-year-old medical doctor, was elected by parliament earlier in the week to the Federal Council, making him the first politician from the country's Italian-speaking minority to join the executive branch in nearly two decades.

The government then tapped him on Friday to replace outgoing foreign minister Didier Burkhalter, who is leaving politics.

Cassis, who supports legalising marijuana, wants 100 days to "take stock" of his new duties and will not make public comments until the end of the exercise, according to a government statement.

ADVERTISEMENT

But that delay may clash with the pressing need to tackle Switzerland's EU relations, currently defined by dozens of overlapping agreements on areas ranging from migration and labour to trade.

The country's rightwing Swiss People's Party wants more distance from the EU, while some in the centre and on the left insist now is the time for a new comprehensive accord.

Cassis, from the conservative Liberal Democrats, has been cautious on EU questions, saying there was a need for a "settlement" with Brussels, while not committing to supporting a new comprehensive agreement.

The Federal Council is made up of seven ministers who choose their portfolios based on seniority, and the largely symbolic position of president rotates every year between them.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT