Federal Councillor Viola Amherd

Personal data

• Date of birth: 7 June 1962
• Marital status: single
• Place of residence: Brig-Glis (Canton of Valais)
• Places of civil origin: Brig-Glis, Naters (Mund), Zwischbergen
  

Profession

• 1991–2018: Own practice as lawyer and notary, office in Brig-Glis
• 1994–2006: Part-time judge in the Federal Personnel Appeals Commission (now Federal Administrative Court)

Education

• 1991: Admission as lawyer in the Canton of Valais
• 1990: Admission as a notary in the Canton of Valais
• 1987: Law degree from the University of Fribourg
• 1982–1987: Law studies at the University of Fribourg
• 1982: Baccalaureate Type B
• 1978–1982: Spiritus Sanctus Baccalaureate School in Brig
• 1976–1978: Secondary school in Brig-Glis
• 1969–1976: Primary school in Brig-Glis
  

Political activities

• Since 2019: Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS
• 5 December 2018: Election to the Federal Council
• 2005–2018: Member of the Swiss National Council
  Vice president of the CVP parliamentary group
  Member of the CVP Upper Valais board
• 2000–2012: President of the commune of Brig-Glis
• 1996–2000: Vice president of the commune of Brig-Glis
• 1992–1996: Member of the communal council of Brig-Glis

Hobbies

• Outdoor sports, skiing, hiking, reading