Viola Amherd

Viola Amherd is a Swiss politician, lawyer, and the first female Minister of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports of Switzerland. As a member of the Centrist Party (formerly the Christian Democratic People's Party - CVP), she has played a crucial role in shaping Swiss defense policies, modernizing the armed forces, and promoting gender equality in the military.

Viola Amherd
Born	June 7, 1962 Brig-Glis, Switzerland
Nationality	Swiss
Alma mater	University of Fribourg (Law)
Occupation	Politician, Lawyer
Political Party	Centrist Party (formerly CVP)
Position	Federal Councillor, Head of the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports (since 2019)

Early Life and Education

Viola Amherd was born on June 7, 1962, in Brig-Glis, Switzerland. Growing up in the canton of Valais, she developed a strong sense of public service and community engagement. She pursued her higher education at the University of Fribourg, where she earned a law degree. After completing her studies, she worked as a lawyer and notary, gaining extensive legal expertise before entering politics.

Political Career

Viola Amherd began her political career at the municipal level, serving as a member of the Brig-Glis City Council from 1992 to 2000. Her leadership skills and commitment to public service earned her the position of Mayor of Brig-Glis, a role she held from 2000 to 2012. During her tenure, she focused on:

• Urban development
• Infrastructure improvement
• Strengthening local governance

In 2005, she was elected to the Swiss National Council, representing the canton of Valais. Over her 13-year tenure, Amherd worked on policies related to:

• Infrastructure
• Energy
• Transportation

She was widely respected for her pragmatic approach to politics and her ability to build consensus across party lines.

Switzerland’s First Female Defense Minister

In 2018, Viola Amherd was elected to the Swiss Federal Council, Switzerland’s highest executive body. She assumed office on January 1, 2019, as the Head of the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports (DDPS). This marked a historic moment as she became Switzerland’s first female defense minister.

As defense minister, Amherd has focused on:

• Modernizing the Swiss Armed Forces – Advocating for digital transformation and cybersecurity enhancements.
• Gender Equality in the Military – Promoting women’s inclusion in the armed forces and leadership roles.
• Strengthening National Security – Addressing threats such as cyberattacks and hybrid warfare.
• Enhancing Civil Protection Measures – Improving disaster response strategies and emergency preparedness.

Her leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that Switzerland’s defense policies remain neutral, adaptive, and future-oriented.

Challenges and Reforms

Leading Switzerland’s defense sector in an era of geopolitical uncertainty, Viola Amherd has had to address several challenges:

• Swiss Army Reforms – She has championed investments in modern defense systems, including upgrading air defense and military technology.
• Fighter Jet Procurement – Under her leadership, Switzerland approved the purchase of F-35 fighter jets, a controversial yet crucial decision to bolster national security.
• Cybersecurity Initiatives – Recognizing the growing threat of cyber warfare, she has prioritized digital defense measures to safeguard Swiss infrastructure and institutions.
• Sports Development – In her additional role overseeing Swiss sports policy, she has promoted youth engagement in athletics and ensured funding for national sports programs.

Personal Life and Legacy

Despite her high-profile political career, Viola Amherd maintains a private and humble lifestyle. She is known for her:

• Dedication to public service
• Strategic thinking
• Strong leadership skills

Her ability to navigate complex political landscapes while maintaining Switzerland’s neutrality has earned her widespread respect.

Her legacy as Switzerland’s first female defense minister has paved the way for greater gender diversity in leadership roles. She continues to be an inspiration for women in politics and governance.

Conclusion

Viola Amherd’s journey from a small-town lawyer to one of Switzerland’s most influential politicians reflects her determination, intelligence, and commitment to public service. As Switzerland’s defense minister, she has played a crucial role in modernizing national security, advocating gender equality in the military, and strengthening civil protection policies. Her leadership will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Switzerland’s defense and political landscape for years to come.