The Minister of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications of Switzerland, Simonetta Sommaruga, who represents the Social Democratic Party in the government, was elected President of the country for 2020. The elections were held on Wednesday at a joint meeting of the two chambers of the Federal Assembly (parliament), the voting process was broadcast online on its website, TASS reported.

Earlier Wednesday, parliament elected seven members of the Federal Council (government) for a four-year term. The vote was held in connection with the parliamentary elections held in Switzerland on October 20. The Federal Council has not changed.

The government again consists of representatives of four large parties representing a wide range of political forces of the Swiss Confederation - from left to right. Members of the government will decide on the distribution of ministerial portfolios at one of the upcoming meetings.