Ruth Metzler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruth Metzler
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Metzler in 2016
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| Vice President of Switzerland | |
| In office 1 January 2003 – 31 December 2003 |
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| President | Pascal Couchepin |
| Preceded by | Pascal Couchepin |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Schmid |
| Head of the Department of Justice and Police | |
| In office 1 May 1999 – 31 December 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Arnold Koller |
| Succeeded by | Christoph Blocher |
| Member of the Swiss Federal Council | |
| In office 1 May 1999 – 31 December 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Arnold Koller |
| Succeeded by | Christoph Blocher |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 May 1964 Sursee, Switzerland |
| Political party | Christian Democratic People's Party |
| Spouses |
Lukas Metzler
(m. 1991; div. 2010)Stephan Zimmermann
(m. 2015) |
| Alma mater | University of Fribourg |
Ruth Metzler (born Arnold on May 23, 1964) is a Swiss politician. She was a very important person in the Swiss government. From 1999 to 2003, she was a member of the Swiss Federal Council. This is like being a top minister in Switzerland. She was part of the Christian Democratic People's Party. During her time, she was in charge of the Federal Department of Justice and Police. This department handles laws and safety for the country.
Contents
Ruth Metzler's Political Journey
Early Career and Education
Ruth Metzler studied at the University of Fribourg. After her studies, she started her career in public service. From 1996 to 1999, she worked in the government of Appenzell Innerrhoden. In this role, she was in charge of the canton's finances.
Joining the Swiss Federal Council
On March 11, 1999, Ruth Metzler was chosen to join the Swiss Federal Council. This is the main governing body of Switzerland. She was a member of the Christian Democratic People's Party. She officially started her new job on May 1, 1999. She took over from Arnold Koller as the head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police. This department is responsible for justice and police matters in Switzerland. On January 1, 2003, she also became the Vice President of Switzerland.
Changes in the Federal Council
On December 10, 2003, Ruth Metzler was not re-elected to the Federal Council. This was a rare event in Swiss history. In the 2003 federal election, her party lost many votes. The Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) became the largest party in Switzerland. Because of this, the Swiss People's Party asked for another seat in the Federal Council.
During the elections for the Federal Council on December 10, the Federal Assembly chose Christoph Blocher instead of Ruth Metzler. He won by a small number of votes. Ruth Metzler stayed in her position until the end of 2003. Christoph Blocher then took over her role on January 1, 2004.
Life After Politics
After leaving the Federal Council, Ruth Metzler wrote a book about her experiences. The book is called "Grissini & Alpenbitter" and was published in 2004. From February to July 2004, she taught a class at the University of St. Gallen. The class was about how to shape politics. Since April 2005, she has been working for Novartis, a large Swiss pharmaceutical company.
See also
In Spanish: Ruth Metzler-Arnold para niños
