Arnold Koller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arnold Koller
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the Federal Council | |
| In office 1986–1999 |
|
| Preceded by | Kurt Furgler |
| Succeeded by | Ruth Metzler |
| President of Switzerland | |
| In office 1 January 1997 – 31 December 1997 |
|
| Preceded by | Jean-Pascal Delamuraz |
| Succeeded by | Flavio Cotti |
| In office 1 January 1990 – 31 December 1990 |
|
| Preceded by | Jean-Pascal Delamuraz |
| Succeeded by | Flavio Cotti |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Arnold Koller
29 August 1933 St. Gallen, Switzerland |
| Political party | Christian Democratic People's Party of Switzerland |
| Spouses |
Erica Brander
(m. 1972) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of St. Gallen (Licentiate) University of Fribourg (Licentiate) University of Fribourg (PhD) |
Arnold Koller, born on August 29, 1933, is a Swiss professor and politician. He was a member of the Federal Council from 1987 to 1999. This is like being a top government minister in Switzerland. He belonged to the Christian Democratic People's Party.
Before joining the Federal Council, Koller was a member of the National Council from 1971 to 1986. He also served as President of the Swiss Confederation twice, in 1990 and 1997. He is well-known for starting a Swiss law called Lex Koller. This law helps control how people from other countries buy land in Switzerland.
Early Life and School
Arnold Koller was born in St. Gallen, Switzerland, on August 29, 1933. He was the oldest of five children. His father was a music teacher and played the organ. His mother took care of their home.
Arnold went to school in Appenzell. He studied economics in St. Gallen until 1957. Then, he studied law at the University of Fribourg and the University of California, Berkeley. He earned degrees in both subjects. Later, he received his PhD, which is a very high university degree, from the University of Fribourg.
Arnold Koller's Career
In 1960, Arnold Koller became a lawyer in Appenzell Innerrhoden. He first worked as a lawyer for the Swiss Post (PTT). From 1964 to 1966, he worked for a group that makes sure businesses compete fairly.
After finishing his advanced degrees, he became a university professor. He taught both economics and law to students.
Political Journey
Arnold Koller was chosen to join the Federal Council on December 10, 1986. He represented the Christian Democratic People's Party of Switzerland. He left this important role on April 30, 1999.
During his time in the Federal Council, he was in charge of different government departments:
- He led the department dealing with the military from 1987 to 1988.
- He was in charge of justice and police matters in 1989.
- He returned to lead the military department again in 1989.
- From 1990 to 1999, he was again in charge of justice and police.
He also served as President of the Confederation twice. This is a special role where he led the Federal Council for a year. He was President in 1990 and again in 1997.
Arnold Koller was also the chairman for a big meeting in 2002. This meeting was about how different parts of a country can work together. It was called the Second International Conference on Federalism. He also helped edit a book about this topic.
From 2006 to 2010, Arnold Koller led the Forum of Federations. This is an international group that helps countries learn how to share power between their central government and local regions.
Personal Life
In 1972, Arnold Koller married Erica Brander. She used to be a flight attendant. They have two daughters together.
In 2011, Arnold Koller was made an honorary citizen of Gossau. This means the town recognized him for his important contributions.
See also
In Spanish: Arnold Koller para niños
- Lex Koller
