Guy Parmelin trat 1993 als Präsident des Einwohnerrats von Bursins in die Politik ein. Von 1994 bis zu seiner Wahl in den Nationalrat 2003 war er Mitglied des Grossen Rats des Kantons Waadt. Vor seiner Wahl zum Bundesrat im Dezember 2015 bewirtschaftete er als Mitbesitzer ein Landwirtschafts- und Weingut und war Vizepräsident des Verwaltungsrats der Unternehmensgruppe der Schweizerischen Agrarwirtschaft (fenaco). Von Januar 2016 bis Dezember 2018 stand er dem Eidgenössischen Departement für Verteidigung, Bevölkerungsschutz und Sport (VBS) vor. Seit Januar 2019 ist er Vorsteher des WBF.
2020
Federal Council member and Vice President of Switzerland Guy Parmelin illustrates the role of the Federal Council during the Corona-crisis and reflects on the decisions made and measures implemented during the first months of the ordeal. One thing is certain, namely that the health of the population remains the highest priority for the Federal Council, which makes it all the more important that another lockdown does not become necessary during the second wave of the virus. The economic repercussions have been drastic; however Switzerland has fared better than most throughout the pandemic due to the reaction of the government and a multitude of structures in place that contribute to the economic stability of Switzerland. A clear strategy was put in place by the government, with guaranteed loans and shortened work hours. Many aspects of life have been affected with digitalization and the rise of home office, and many lasting developments were made that will remain even after the crisis has passed.
