The presidential term, extended for two years, instead of one, will “better serve Switzerland’s interests”, said Swiss President Doris Leuthard, who will finish her second term as president on December 31, Swissinfo reported. 

“After a year, you have built up quite big network because you are travelling, you get to know quite a few presidents and then afterwards you step back and somebody else has to work on these relations. It’s not really very good for international contacts,” said Doris Leuthard.

Seven members of the Swiss Federal Council rotates on the presidential office without interrupting their ministerial duties. This system reportedly avoids excessive concentration of power.