00:00Swiss President Guy-Guy Parmelin announced Friday he would leave the federal government
00:06on December 31, after a decade as one of Switzerland's seven federal councillors.
00:11The 66-year-old leader is stepping down amid strong criticism from progressive sectors
00:15for having signed countless trade treaties that prioritise markets and exports, but which
00:20were never subjected to a referendum.
00:22His greatest challenge was the trade dispute with the United States, and he succeeded in
00:26establishing channels of understanding with Washington's power's elite.
00:32However, his handling of the pandemic was not as successful.
00:35After 11 years in office, he is stepping down and leaving behind a political battle in the
00:39making as Switzerland faces the challenge of maintaining its economic position amid pressure
00:44from the United States, his relationship with the European Union, and domestic demands from
00:49workers in the corporate and agricultural sectors.
00:51In addition to Parmelin, Helen Putliger, his Secretary of State, has also resigned.
