Thierry Burkart elected new leader of FDP Switzerland

Delegates of FDP Switzerland gathered in Biel on 2 October and elected Thierry Burkart, a member of the Council of States (Upper House), as the party’s new leader succeeding Petra Gössi who held the role for more than five years.

Speaking before the delegates who gave her a standing ovation, Gössi said: “I am proud that, thanks to discussions and active grassroots democracy, we are a lively party. And I think it's important that we cultivate a culture in which we treat each other with respect."

Later she wrote: “Thank you very much for this overwhelming farewell as President of the FDP! I congratulate Thierry Burkart and welcome his election as President of the FDP and wish him as many enriching moments as I have been able to have in this office.”

Herzlichen Dank für diesen überwältigenden Abschied als Präsidentin der @FDP_Liberalen! 🙏💙 Ich gratuliere @ThierryBurkart herzlich zur Wahl als Präsident der FDP und wünsche ihm ebenso viele bereichernde Momente, wie ich sie in diesem Amt haben durfte. 😊 #DVFDP pic.twitter.com/lDpr1E5ZmW
— Petra Gössi (@PetraGoessi) October 2, 2021

Also at the Congress, an amendment to the statutes that creates a five-person vice-presidency was approved with already serving members Andrea Caroni and Philippe Nantermod being joined by Member of the Council of States Johanna Gapany, and National Councillor (lower house) Andri Silberschmidt as Vice-Presidents.

The party also took the decision to support the COVID-19 law in the Parliament and recognition of the COVID-19 certificate and take positions on matters that will be put to referenda in the near future.

.@ThierryBurkart ist neuer Präsident der FDP Schweiz. 👏🏼 Er wird bei seiner Aufgabe von 4 Vizepräsidenten unterstützt: @AndreaCaroniAR, @nantermod, @johanna_gapany und @andrisilbi. Sie wurden heute von den Delegierten gewählt. Herzlichen Glückwunsch! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/Ayo6yDcare
— FDP Schweiz (@FDP_Liberalen) October 2, 2021