He was elected to the Swiss Federal Council on March 11, 1998 as a member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP/PRD) and French speaking Valais. During his office time he has held the following departments:

• Federal Department of Economic Affairs (1998 - 2002)
• Federal Department of Home Affairs (2003)

Previously, he had been Deputy Mayor (1976) and Mayor of Martigny (since 1984) and, from 1979, deputy in the National Council.

He holds a law degree from the University of Lausanne and is father of three children.

Preceded by Jean-Pascal Delamuraz

Member of the Swiss Federal Council 1998-

Succeeded by n.a. (still in office)