Hans-Rudolf Merz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hans-Rudolf Merz
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Official portrait, 2009
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| President of Switzerland | |
| In office 1 January 2009 – 31 December 2009 |
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| Vice President | Doris Leuthard |
| Preceded by | Pascal Couchepin |
| Succeeded by | Doris Leuthard |
| Vice President of Switzerland | |
| In office 1 January 2008 – 31 December 2008 |
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| President | Pascal Couchepin |
| Preceded by | Pascal Couchepin |
| Succeeded by | Doris Leuthard |
| Head of the Department of Finance | |
| In office 1 January 2004 – 1 November 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Kaspar Villiger |
| Succeeded by | Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf |
| Member of the Swiss Federal Council | |
| In office 1 January 2004 – 1 November 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Kaspar Villiger |
| Succeeded by | Johann Schneider-Ammann |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Hans Rudolf Merz
10 November 1942 Herisau, Switzerland |
| Political party | Free Democratic Party (before 2009) FDP.The Liberals (2009–present) |
| Spouse |
Roswitha Katharina Schüller
(m. 1968; died 2016) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of St. Gallen |
| Profession | Management consultant |
Hans-Rudolf Merz is a Swiss politician born on November 10, 1942. He served as the President of Switzerland in 2009. He was also a member of the Federal Council, which is like the Swiss government, from 2004 to 2010. He belonged to the Free Democratic Party, which later became The Liberals.
Merz was born in Herisau, Switzerland, into a family involved in industry. He studied economics at the University of St. Gallen. Before becoming a politician, he worked for banks and as a consultant in different countries. During his time in government, he was known for his work on Swiss banking rules and a tax issue with the U.S. He also dealt with Switzerland's relationship with Libya during a difficult time.
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Early Life and Education
Hans-Rudolf Merz was born on November 10, 1942, in Herisau, Switzerland. He was the oldest of three children. His father, Adolf Merz, was a textile manufacturer.
His family has roots in Beinwil am See. They were involved in the textile business in Eastern Switzerland for many years. When he was young, Merz was a Scout. He even visited a big Scout event in Switzerland in 2008.
After finishing school, Merz went to the University of St. Gallen. He studied economics and earned a special degree called a Doctorate.
Political Journey
Merz started his political career in 1969. He worked for the Free Democratic Party in St. Gallen. From 1974 to 1977, he was a vice president at a training center for UBS, a large bank. After that, he became a consultant, helping businesses with their plans.
In 1997, he was chosen to be a representative for the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden in the Swiss Council of States. This is one of the two parts of the Swiss parliament. He led the finance committee and was part of the foreign policy committee.
Serving on the Swiss Federal Council
On December 10, 2003, Hans-Rudolf Merz was elected to the Swiss Federal Council. He started his new role on January 1, 2004. At that time, he was also involved with an insurance company and a holding company.
In September 2008, Merz had a heart attack and needed surgery. He recovered well. On December 10, 2008, he was elected President of Switzerland for the year 2009. The President of Switzerland changes every year among the members of the Federal Council. He received many votes from the Federal Assembly. He took over from Pascal Couchepin. Doris Leuthard became the Vice President.
In September 2010, a video of Merz laughing during a speech became very popular online. He was answering a question about meat imports. He later explained that he found the official language of the answer, written by customs officials, very funny.
Life Outside Politics
In 1968, Hans-Rudolf Merz married Roswitha Katharina Schüller. She worked at his parents' company. They had three sons: Markus, Urs, and Felix. Sadly, his wife passed away in 2016.
Merz lives in Herisau, Switzerland. He enjoys classical music and going to the opera.
See also
In Spanish: Hans-Rudolf Merz para niños
