Guy Parmelin

Rule Changes

Attended the Hanoi signing and pledged to promote Swiss ratification of the agreement

Vietnam and the four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states signed a free trade agreement in Hanoi on October 18, ending 14 years of talks. The pact covers goods, services, investment, intellectual property and digital trade. Both sides aim for it to take effect in early 2027, and Vietnam's trade ministry says it will send the agreement for government approval and issue an implementation plan.

Updated Oct 28

Force in Play

As of May 2026: First day in office overshadowed by disaster

A fire ripped through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana at 1:30am on New Year's Day as over 100 revelers celebrated, killing at least 40 people and hospitalizing 116 with severe burns. Multiple witnesses told French media BFMTV that waitresses carried champagne bottles with sparklers on a barman's shoulders; the flames came within centimeters of the acoustic foam ceiling and engulfed the nightclub within 10 seconds.

Updated May 19