# Didier Burkhalter

> member of the Swiss Federal Council from 2009 to 2017

**Wikidata**: [Q58280](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q58280)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didier_Burkhalter)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/didier-burkhalter

## Summary
Didier Burkhalter is a Swiss politician and economist who served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council from 2009 to 2017. He is known for his leadership in Swiss government and his contributions to economic policy during his tenure.

## Biography
- Born: April 17, 1960
- Nationality: Swiss
- Education: Studied at the University of Neuchâtel
- Known for: Serving as a member of the Swiss Federal Council
- Employer(s): Swiss Federal Council, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland
- Field(s): Politics, Economics

## Contributions
Didier Burkhalter served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council, which is the collective head of state and government in Switzerland. During his tenure from 2009 to 2017, he was responsible for overseeing economic policy and international relations. He also held the position of head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Burkhalter was honored with the honorary doctorate from the University of Neuchâtel in 2011.

## FAQs
**What was Didier Burkhalter's role in the Swiss Federal Council?**
Didier Burkhalter served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council from 2009 to 2017, where he was responsible for economic policy and international relations.

**Where did Didier Burkhalter study?**
Didier Burkhalter studied at the University of Neuchâtel, a French-speaking university in Switzerland.

**What awards has Didier Burkhalter received?**
Didier Burkhalter received the honorary doctorate from the University of Neuchâtel in 2011.

**What department did Didier Burkhalter lead in the Swiss government?**
Didier Burkhalter served as the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland during his tenure in the Swiss Federal Council.

## Why They Matter
Didier Burkhalter's tenure in the Swiss Federal Council had a significant impact on Swiss economic policy and international relations. His leadership during a period of economic challenges and global diplomacy shaped Switzerland's approach to foreign affairs and economic stability. Burkhalter's work influenced Swiss government strategies and contributed to the country's reputation as a stable and neutral diplomatic power.

## Notable For
- Served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council from 2009 to 2017
- Led the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland
- Received the honorary doctorate from the University of Neuchâtel in 2011

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Didier Burkhalter was born on April 17, 1960. He studied at the University of Neuchâtel, where he earned his degrees in economics and political science. His academic background laid the foundation for his career in politics and economics.

### Political Career
Didier Burkhalter began his political career in the Swiss government, eventually becoming a member of the Swiss Federal Council in 2009. He served in this role until 2017, during which time he was responsible for overseeing economic policy and international relations. Burkhalter's tenure included significant challenges in economic policy and global diplomacy.

### Leadership in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
As head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Burkhalter played a crucial role in shaping Switzerland's foreign policy. His leadership during this period influenced Switzerland's approach to international relations and diplomacy.

### Awards and Recognition
Didier Burkhalter was honored with the honorary doctorate from the University of Neuchâtel in 2011, recognizing his contributions to economics and political science. This award highlighted his academic and professional achievements.

### Legacy
Didier Burkhalter's work in the Swiss Federal Council and his leadership in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs left a lasting impact on Swiss government policies. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to economic stability and international relations, shaping Switzerland's approach to global affairs.

## References

1. [Source](https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/de/articles/059641/2022-06-02/)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Davos 2014 Participant List
4. [parlament.ch council member database](https://www.parlament.ch/en/biografie?CouncillorId=1116)
5. parlament.ch council member database
6. Historical Dictionary of Switzerland
7. [Source](https://www.unine.ch/droit/home/faculty/docteurs_honoris_causa.html#cide2eaba2a-63af-45b3-ae15-47a64cbb50f7)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. Munzinger Personen
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Davos 2013 Participant List
13. Davos 2015 Participant List
14. Davos 2016 Participant List
15. Davos 2017 Participant List