# Hans-Rudolf Merz > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Hans-Rudolf_Merz > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Hans-Rudolf_Merz.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans-Rudolf_Merz > Source revision: 1350644890 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) 90th President of the Swiss Confederation Hans-Rudolf Merz Official portrait, 2009 President of Switzerland In office 1 January 2009 – 31 December 2009 Vice President Doris Leuthard Preceded by Pascal Couchepin Succeeded by Doris Leuthard Vice President of Switzerland In office 1 January 2008 – 31 December 2008 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 Preceded by Kaspar Villiger Succeeded by Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf Member of the Swiss Federal Council In office 1 January 2004 – 1 November 2010 Preceded by Kaspar Villiger Succeeded by Johann Schneider-Ammann Personal details Born Hans Rudolf Merz (1942-11-10) 10 November 1942 (age 83) Herisau, Switzerland 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** (German pronunciation: [\[ˈhansʁuˌdɔlf mɛrts\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Standard_German); born 10 November 1942) is a Swiss politician who served as [President of Switzerland](/source/President_of_the_Swiss_Confederation) in 2009. He concurrently served as a member of the [Federal Council](/source/Federal_Council_(Switzerland)) from 2004 to 2010 for the [Free Democratic Party](/source/Free_Democratic_Party_of_Switzerland) (since 2009 [The Liberals](/source/The_Liberals_(Switzerland))). Born in [Herisau](/source/Herisau), Switzerland, into an industrial family, Merz graduated from the [University of St. Gallen](/source/University_of_St._Gallen) with a [Doctorate](/source/Doctorate) in [economics](/source/Economics) in 1971. Upon graduation he worked for various banks as well as consultant in [emerging countries](/source/Emerging_market) before entering politics. During his tenure in the Swiss government he was mostly associated with the [Swiss Banking Secrecy](/source/Swiss_banking_secrecy) and the tax dispute with the U.S. (UBS affair) as well as the [Libya-Switzerland relations](/source/Libya%E2%80%93Switzerland_relations), after the crisis stemmed from the arrest of [Hannibal Gaddafi](/source/Hannibal_Gaddafi), son of [Muammar Gaddafi](/source/Muammar_Gaddafi). ## Early life and education Merz was born 10 November 1942 in [Herisau](/source/Herisau), Switzerland, the oldest of three children, to Adolf Merz (1916–1996), a textile manufacturer, and Hedwig Merz ([née](/source/Birth_name) Brand; 1912–1996). He had two siblings; Adrian Merz (born 1945) and Doris Merz (born 1948).[1] The Merz family originally hails from [Beinwil am See](/source/Beinwil_am_See) on [Lake Hallwil](/source/Lake_Hallwil). In 1866, his great-great-grandfather, Heinrich Merz (1831–1872), emigrated to [Eastern Switzerland](/source/Eastern_Switzerland), where the family was active in the textile industry until 1970.[2] During his youth, Merz was a [Scout](/source/Swiss_Guide_and_Scout_Movement) and visited the National Jamboree of Switzerland in July 2008.[3][4] After completing his [compulsory schooling](/source/Compulsory_education) with the [Matura](/source/Matura) at Kantonsschule Trogen (KST), Merz studied [economics](/source/Economics) at the [University of St. Gallen](/source/University_of_St._Gallen), graduating with a [Doctorate](/source/Doctorate). ## Political career From 1969 to 1974, he was party secretary of the [Free Democratic Party](/source/Free_Democratic_Party_of_Switzerland) (FDP/PRD) in St. Gallen. From 1974 to 1977 he worked as vice president for [UBS](/source/UBS)'s Wolfsberg formation centre in [Ermatingen](/source/Ermatingen). Since then he has worked as a management consultant. In 1997 he was elected to the [Swiss Council of States](/source/Council_of_States_(Switzerland)) for the [canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden](/source/Canton_of_Appenzell_Ausserrhoden). He presided over the finance committee and was a member of the foreign policy committee. ### Swiss Federal Council Merz was elected to the [Swiss Federal Council](/source/Federal_Council_(Switzerland)) on 10 December 2003 and took office on 1 January 2004. At the time he was on the board of directors of the Helvetia-Patria insurance company and Anova Holding. He was also a member of the board of trustees of the Max Schmidheiny Foundation. 2009 Swiss Federal Council On 20 September 2008, whilst in Eastern Switzerland, Merz was rushed to hospital, having suffered from a [heart attack](/source/Myocardial_infarction). He was soon flown to Bern University Hospital, where he had a multiple [bypass operation](/source/Bypass_surgery). He was also placed into an artificial coma. This led to a reorganisation of the cabinet and the absence of President [Pascal Couchepin](/source/Pascal_Couchepin) from the [United Nations General Assembly](/source/United_Nations_General_Assembly) in New York City.[5] On 10 December 2008, as the Member of the Federal Council that had not been its president for the longest time, Merz was elected [President of the Confederation](/source/President_of_the_Swiss_Confederation) for 2009. In the [Federal Assembly](/source/Federal_Assembly_(Switzerland)), the 66-year-old received 185 out of 209 valid votes. He succeeded Free Democratic Party colleague [Pascal Couchepin](/source/Pascal_Couchepin). [Doris Leuthard](/source/Doris_Leuthard) was elected as Vice President of the Confederation, succeeding Merz. On 20 September 2010, a recording of Merz replying to a question about meat imports in the Federal Assembly[6] became a [viral video](/source/Viral_video), drawing international attention. Merz convulsed with laughter when speaking, later saying that he found the dense bureaucratic language of the reply drafted for him by customs officials amusing.[7] He was attempting to provide information about whether the sales of [Bündnerfleisch](/source/B%C3%BCndnerfleisch) in Switzerland were endangered by meat imports.[8] ## Personal life In 1968, Merz married Roswitha Katharina Schüller (1941–2016), daughter of Wilhelm Schüller, an artist, and Anna Schüller ([née](/source/N%C3%A9e) Schüffler). They were introduced since she worked at his parents company in the creative department.[9] His wife suffered from [Alzheimer's disease](/source/Alzheimer's_disease).[10] They had three sons; - Markus Merz (born 1969), married to Daniela Sturzenegger, no issue. - Urs Merz (born 1971), married to Zlatica, one son. - Felix Merz (born 1976), never married and no issue. Merz resides in [Herisau](/source/Herisau), Switzerland.[11] He is an aficionado for [classical music](/source/Classical_music) and the [opera](/source/Opera).[12] ## Works - Merz, Hans-Rudolf: *Finanz- und Verwaltungsvermögen in öffentlich-rechtlicher und wirtschaftlicher Betrachtungsweise, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Staatsrechnungen der Kantone.*, St. Gallen 1971 - Merz, Hans-Rudolf: *Die aussergewöhnliche Führungspersönlichkeit: Essay über Elativität und elative Persönlichkeit.*, Grüsch 1987. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [3-7253-0297-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/3-7253-0297-9) - Merz, Hans-Rudolf: *Der Landammann und weitere Erzählungen aus dem Appenzellerland*, Herisau 1992. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [3-85882-072-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/3-85882-072-5) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["80 Jahre Hans-Rudolf Merz - «Ich bin alleine, aber nicht einsam»"](https://www.srf.ch/radio-srf-musikwelle/lebensgeschichte/80-jahre-hans-rudolf-merz-ich-bin-alleine-aber-nicht-einsam). *Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF)* (in German). Retrieved 2025-03-03. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Peter Granwehr - Spuren der Familie Merz in der Ostschweiz (in German) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** news.search.ch. ["Hoher Besuch im Pfadfinder-Bundeslager"](http://news.search.ch/inland/2008-07-25/hoher-besuch-im-pfadfinder-bundeslager) (in German). Retrieved 2008-07-25.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service)) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** SF Tagesschau. [""VIP-Tag" im Pfadi-Bundeslager- Lagerleitung empfängt Bundesrat Merz"](https://web.archive.org/web/20091101135128/http://tagesschau.sf.tv/nachrichten/archiv/2008/07/25/schweiz/vip_tag_im_pfadi_bundeslager) (in German). Archived from [the original](http://tagesschau.sf.tv/nachrichten/archiv/2008/07/25/schweiz/vip_tag_im_pfadi_bundeslager) on 2009-11-01. Retrieved 2008-07-25. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** news.search.ch. ["Cabinet announces reorganisation"](http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/front/Cabinet_announces_reorganisation.html?siteSect=108&sid=9758381&cKey=1222179725000&ty=st). Retrieved 2008-09-23.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service)) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["10.5354. Fragestunde: Frage Grin Jean-Pierre, Zunahme der Importmenge von gewürztem Fleisch"](http://www.parlament.ch/ab/frameset/d/n/4815/334353/d_n_4815_334353_334373.htm). *Official Bulletin of the Swiss Federal Assembly*. 20 September 2010. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Guardian_2010_7-0)** ["Swiss watch as minister cracks up"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/blog/2010/sep/24/swiss-watch-minister-crack-up). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. 24 September 2010. Retrieved 24 September 2010. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Merz klebt auf dem Bü.. Bü.. Bündnerfleisch"](https://www.20min.ch/story/merz-klebt-auf-dem-bue-bue-buendnerfleisch-202380161822). *20 Minuten*. September 23, 2010. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/de/articles/044859/2022-10-10/](https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/de/articles/044859/2022-10-10/) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Schmid-Gugler, Brigitte (2016-03-09). ["Die Fülle des Lebens ausgeschöpft"](https://www.tagblatt.ch/kultur/die-fuelle-des-lebens-ausgeschoepft-ld.1009211). *St. Galler Tagblatt* (in German). Retrieved 2025-03-03. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Hans-Rudolf Merz: «Meine Söhne wissen, wo mein Geld ist»"](https://www.schweizer-illustrierte.ch/people/swiss-stars/alt-bundesrat-hans-rudolf-merz-zur-cs-rettung-meine-sohne-wissen-wo-mein-geld-ist-588939?srsltid=AfmBOopSAQzr_Df6Yt5ASh0tfGJV1NTM0DaIS6OBrCzrkerKGIu5ddtJ). *Schweizer Illustrierte* (in Swiss High German). Retrieved 2025-03-03. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Südostschweiz (2012-09-15). ["Merz-Biografie zahlt den Preis der Autorisation | Südostschweiz"](https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/zeitung/merz-biografie-zahlt-den-preis-der-autorisation). *www.suedostschweiz.ch* (in Swiss High German). Retrieved 2025-03-03. ## External links - [Profile of Hans-Rudolf Merz](https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/federal-council/members-of-the-federal-council/hans-rudolf-merz.html) with election results on the [website of the Swiss Federal Council](https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html). - [Biography of Hans-Rudolf Merz](https://www.parlament.ch/E/Suche/Pages/biografie.aspx?biografie_id=398) on the website of the [Swiss Parliament](/source/Federal_Assembly_(Switzerland)). (in German) - "Hans-Rudolf Merz" in [German](http://www.hls-dhs-dss.ch/textes/d/D44859.php), [French](http://www.hls-dhs-dss.ch/textes/f/F44859.php) and [Italian](http://www.hls-dhs-dss.ch/textes/i/I44859.php) in the online *[Historical Dictionary of Switzerland](/source/Historical_Dictionary_of_Switzerland)*. Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Hans-Rudolf Merz](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Hans-Rudolf_Merz). Political offices Preceded by Kaspar Villiger Member of the Swiss Federal Council 2004–2010 Succeeded by Johann Schneider-Ammann Head of the Department of Finance 2004–2010 Succeeded by Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf Preceded by Pascal Couchepin Vice President of Switzerland 2008 Succeeded by Doris Leuthard President of Switzerland 2009 v t e President of the Swiss Confederation (list) 1848–1874 Furrer Druey Munzinger Furrer Naeff Frey-Herosé Furrer Stämpfli Fornerod Furrer Stämpfli Frey-Herosé Knüsel Stämpfli Fornerod Dubs Schenk Knüsel Fornerod Dubs Welti Dubs Schenk Welti Cérésole Schenk 1875–1899 Scherer Welti Heer Schenk Hammer Welti Droz Bavier Ruchonnet Welti Schenk Deucher Droz Hertenstein Hammer Ruchonnet Welti Hauser Schenk Frey Zemp Lachenal Deucher Ruffy Müller 1900–1924 Hauser Brenner Zemp Deucher Comtesse Ruchet Forrer Müller Brenner Deucher Comtesse Ruchet Forrer Müller Hoffmann Motta Decoppet Schulthess Calonder Ador Motta Schulthess Haab Scheurer Chuard 1925–1949 Musy Häberlin Motta Schulthess Haab Musy Häberlin Motta Schulthess Pilet-Golaz Minger Meyer Motta Baumann Etter Pilet-Golaz Wetter Etter E. Celio Stampfli von Steiger Kobelt Etter E. Celio Nobs 1950–1974 Petitpierre Steiger Kobelt Etter Rubattel Petitpierre Feldmann Streuli Holenstein Chaudet Petitpierre Wahlen Chaudet Spühler von Moos Tschudi Schaffner Bonvin Spühler von Moos Tschudi Gnägi N. Celio Bonvin Brugger 1975–1999 Graber Gnägi Furgler Ritschard Hürlimann Chevallaz Furgler Honegger Aubert Schlumpf Furgler Egli Aubert Stich Delamuraz Koller Cotti Felber Ogi Stich Villiger Delamuraz Koller Cotti Dreifuss 2000–present Ogi Leuenberger Villiger Couchepin Deiss Schmid Leuenberger Calmy-Rey Couchepin Merz Leuthard Calmy-Rey Widmer-Schlumpf Maurer Burkhalter Sommaruga Schneider-Ammann Leuthard Berset Maurer Sommaruga Parmelin Cassis Berset Amherd Keller-Sutter Parmelin Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF GND WorldCat National United States People Deutsche Biographie DDB Other Historical Dictionary of Switzerland --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Hans-Rudolf Merz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans-Rudolf_Merz) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans-Rudolf_Merz?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.