When will Secretary of State Helene Budliger Artieda leave office?

The effective termination of office is set for the end of March 2027, as communicated by the President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin to the Federal Council on 16 September 2026. Helene Budliger Artieda had taken over as head of the State Secretariat for the Economy on 1 August 2022, completing almost five years of tenure with the intention of embarking on a new professional challenge in the final phase of her working career.

What were the main trade agreements concluded during your tenure?

Under his direction, SECO participated in the conclusion of several strategically important trade agreements, including the free trade agreement with India signed in 2025, the agreements with Thailand, Malaysia, Kosovo and the Mercosur countries. Negotiations for a new free trade agreement with Vietnam and modernised agreements with the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China were also concluded in the summer of 2026.

Resignation Secretary of State SECO Helene Budliger Artieda (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 17 September 2026

Secretary of State Helene Budliger Artieda has resigned effective late March 2027 after nearly five years at the helm of SECO.

Context

In a nutshell

Resignation of Secretary of State Helene Budliger Artieda
Effective from the end of March 2027
Almost five years at the helm of SECO

Key facts

Announcement date: 16 September 2026
Date of resignation: 31 March 2027
Entry into office: 1 August 2022
Institutions involved: SECO, FDFA
US tariff ceiling: 15%

The President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin informed the Federal Council on 16 September 2026 about the resignation of the Secretary of State Helene Budliger Artieda. The decision establishes the effective termination of the office as of the end of March 2027. To identify the successor, the federal administration has provided for the establishment of a special commission and the publication of a call for tenders in the following weeks.

Helene Budliger Artieda has chosen to leave the post after leading the State Secretariat for the Economy for almost five years, with the intention of embarking on a new professional challenge in the final phase of her working career. The announcement marks an important transition for the leadership of the Swiss federal economy, officially opening the selection process for the leadership of one of the most important economic departments in the country.

The balance sheet of the SECO MANDATE

Since 1 August 2022, the date on which she took over the leadership of SECO, the outgoing secretary has actively participated in the conclusion of several international trade agreements of strategic importance.

Operational details

International negotiations and European dossiers

In addition to Asian and South American free trade agreements, Helene Budliger Artieda's action focused on complex geographical areas and strategic partners, including the United States. In negotiations with Washington, the State Secretary made a decisive contribution to finding a shared solution, participating in the drafting of the non-binding declaration of intent and the definition of a maximum cap of 15% for tariffs applied by the United States.

On the European and national front, another relevant result mentioned by the Federal Council concerns the achievement of a consensual solution between the social partners in the context of negotiations on the Switzerland-EU package, known as Bilaterals III. Added to this is the definition of the solution relating to state aid, a crucial dossier for maintaining regulatory and competitive balances between the Confederation and reference markets.

A long career in federal diplomacy

Before taking on the top post at SECO in 2022, Helene Budliger Artieda gained extensive experience within the federal administration. Her career began in 1985 at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Over the years she has held diplomatic posts abroad in Nigeria, Cuba and the United States.

In 2008 she became the first female director of the FDFA, taking the helm of the Resources Directorate until 2015. Subsequently she served as Swiss ambassador to South Africa and Thailand. Her institutional path in the FDFA was characterized by interventions to modernize management and the administration of resources, as well as the strengthening of bilateral relations with numerous States in different areas of the world.

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Key points

The succession procedure and the future of SECO

The resignation announced for the end of March 2027 activates a well-defined institutional process within the federal administration. In the coming weeks, the President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin will set up the selection committee in charge of evaluating the suitable profiles. The post of Secretary of State for the Economy will be put to public competition to ensure transparency and the participation of qualified candidates from the public or private sector.

The rotation at the helm of the SECO will require a structured handover to ensure continuity in the ongoing trade negotiations, in the management of bilateral dossiers and in relations with international partners and social partners. The federal government expressed deep regret at the decision of the leader, formally thanking her for the high-level services rendered to the Confederation during her tenure.

Economic monitoring and resources for professionals

The change at the top of SECO represents a moment of attention for economic operators, companies and workers residing in Switzerland interested in developments in trade policies and the labour market. To stay up to date on economic dynamics, wage policies and federal indicators, you can consult our dedicated calcola il tuo stipendio e le imposte insights.

Source: seco.admin.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Secretary of State Helene Budliger Artieda leave office?: The effective termination of office is set for the end of March 2027, as communicated by the President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin to the Federal Council on 16 September 2026. Helene Budliger Artieda had taken over as head of the State Secretariat for the Economy on 1 August 2022, completing almost five years of tenure with the intention of embarking on a new professional challenge in the final phase of her working career.
What were the main trade agreements concluded during your tenure?: Under his direction, SECO participated in the conclusion of several strategically important trade agreements, including the free trade agreement with India signed in 2025, the agreements with Thailand, Malaysia, Kosovo and the Mercosur countries. Negotiations for a new free trade agreement with Vietnam and modernised agreements with the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China were also concluded in the summer of 2026.
How will the procedure for the succession to the driving of the SECO TAKE place?: In the coming weeks, the President of the Confederation, Guy Parmelin, will set up a special selection committee to evaluate suitable profiles. The post of Secretary of State for the Economy will be put up for public competition to ensure maximum transparency and the participation of qualified candidates from both the public and private sectors.