Aubert, Pierre

He studied law at the University of Neuchâtel and graduated with a bachelor's degree. In 1951 - 1952 studied for two semesters at the University of Heidelberg . In 1952 - 1977 he practiced law, specializing in criminal law. From 1971 to 1977 he was the chairman of the board of the University of Neuchâtel.

His political career began in 1960 with the election to the city council of La Chaux-de-Fonds , where he worked until 1968 . A year later, he was elected to the Grand Council (cantonal parliament) of Neuchâtel (until 1975 ) and headed it in 1969 - 1970 .

From 1971 to 1977, he was elected a member of the Council of Cantons of the Swiss Parliament. From 1974 to 1977 he represented Switzerland in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and was a member of the PACE Political Affairs Committee. December 7, 1977 elected to the Swiss Federal Council.

• December 7, 1977 - December 31, 1987 - Member of the Swiss Federal Council.
• February 1, 1978 - December 31, 1987 - Head of Political Department (Minister of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland).
• 1982 and 1986 - Vice-President of Switzerland.
• 1983 and 1987 - President of Switzerland.

As head of the political department, he conducted an active foreign policy, visiting with official visits to 55 countries of the world. In 1979, in Nigeria, he signed a joint communique against anti-apartheid. He became the first Western leader to establish relations with the Palestine Liberation Organization and met with Farouk Kaddoumi in July 1980 in Bern . He advocated the entry of Switzerland into the UN , but at a referendum in July 1986, the majority of the population was against it.

He was a holder of the Order of the Legion of Honor and was awarded the Grand Cross for services to the Italian Republic .

• Pierre Aubert on the website of the Federal Council of Switzerland (English)
• Biography in the "Historical Dictionary of Switzerland" in French , German and Italian .
• Biography at www.munzinger.de (him.)