Switzerland officially changes its president

Viola Amherd, who is the head of the Swiss Department of Defence, Public Protection and Sports, has become the country's president for a year.

Amherd, 61, was Switzerland's first female defense minister, The Local reports.

She succeeds Alain Berset as president, who served until 2023.

It is worth noting that the Swiss president has no real powers. The post holder is changed every year on January 1. The head of state becomes one of the members of the Federal Council (government) on a rotation basis.

The president represents the country abroad, presides over meetings of the Federal Council, and mediates in cases of disputes.