Previous Swiss Leader Appointed Head of Council of Europe's Executive Body
Apart from Berset, Didier Reynders from the EU Justice Commission and Indrek Saar, a former Estonian Culture Minister, were also running for office. Come September 18th, Berset will step down and be replaced by Marija Pejcinovic Buric from Croatia.
Berset served as the Swiss Federal President back in 2018 and 2023, also being part of the Federal Council and overseeing the Federal Department of Home Affairs for a dozen years. When the Corona pandemic hit, Berset's role as head of home affairs landed him under police protection, which is quite unusual in Switzerland. Following December 2021, this popular Social Democrat is no longer in office.
Made up of 46 nations, the European Council kicked Russia out due to its aggressive war against Ukraine. This global organization, based in Strasbourg, focuses on fostering democracy, human rights, and upholding the rule of law worldwide.
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- Alain Berset, the Former Swiss Federal President, will hand over his role as the head of the Council of Europe's Executive Body on September 18th, with Marija Pejcinovic Buric from Croatia taking over.
- In addition to Alain Berset, Didier Reynders from the EU Justice Commission was also a contender for the role, indicating the EU's involvement in the Council of Europe's leadership.
- Switzerland, as a Swiss, Berset served as the Federal President for two terms and was part of the Federal Council, overseeing the Federal Department of Home Affairs for a dozen years, which made him a key figure in the Council of Europe's affairs.
- The Council of Europe, which includes Switzerland as a member, was established with the aim of fostering democracy, human rights, and upholding the rule of law across its 46 member nations, including the EU.
