Pierre Aubert facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pierre Aubert
Member of the Swiss Federal Council
In office 1978–1987

Pierre Aubert (born March 3, 1927 – died June 8, 2016) was an important Swiss politician and lawyer. He was a member of the Swiss Federal Council, which is like the government's cabinet in Switzerland, from 1978 to 1987.

Pierre Aubert's Early Career in Politics

Pierre Aubert first became a lawyer in 1953 after finishing his law degree. His journey in politics began in his hometown, La Chaux-de-Fonds. From 1960 to 1968, he was a member of the City Parliament there.

He then joined the Cantonal Parliament of Neuchâtel, serving from 1961 to 1975. A canton is like a state in Switzerland. He even became the President of this parliament from 1969 to 1970.

Joining the Swiss Federal Parliament

In 1975, Pierre Aubert was elected to the Council of States. This is one of the two chambers of the Swiss Federal Parliament. He worked there until he was chosen for the Federal Council in 1977.

From 1974 to 1977, he also worked with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. He helped with the process for Portugal to join this important European group. Before joining the Federal Council, he was also the chancellor of the University of Neuchâtel from 1971 to 1977.

Serving on the Swiss Federal Council

Pierre Aubert was elected to the Swiss Federal Council on December 7, 1977. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party. He served until December 31, 1987.

During his time in office, he was in charge of the Political Department. This department was later renamed the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. He held this role from 1978, and then from 1979 to 1987.

President of Switzerland

Pierre Aubert had the honor of being the President of the Swiss Confederation twice. He served as President in 1983 and again in 1987. The President of the Confederation is a leading role in the Swiss government.

Switzerland's Role in the World

Pierre Aubert believed Switzerland should be active in global affairs. He especially focused on human rights around the world. He traveled to other countries 55 times, with 39 of these being official trips.

In 1979, he visited four African countries. In Nigeria, he signed a statement against apartheid. Apartheid was a system of racial segregation in South Africa. He also made history by meeting with leaders of the PLO in 1980. This was the first time a Swiss foreign minister had done so.

He also led a campaign for Switzerland to join the United Nations in 1986. However, this effort was not successful at the time. Only 24% of Swiss voters supported joining.