Markus Mäder becomes Switzerland’s top security chief
Published: Friday, Dec 22nd 2023, 15:00
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After problems with recruitment, the Federal Council has found a head for the new State Secretariat for Security Policy in time for the start at the beginning of January. Markus Mäder, previously Head of International Relations Defense, will take over the role.
Following his appointment by the Federal Council on January 1, the 52-year-old historian and brigadier general will assume overall responsibility for the State Secretariat for Security Policy (Sepos). With around one hundred employees, he will ensure a coherent security policy and strengthen security in the country.
Mäder knows security policy very well, both from a civilian and military perspective, Defense Minister Viola Amherd told the media in Bern on Friday. Thanks to his training as a defense attaché, the militia officer also has international experience.
25 years in security policy
In his own words, Mäder has worked in Swiss security policy for more than 25 years. In addition to positions in academia and at federal headquarters, he has also represented the country's security policy interests abroad. Since 2016, he has been responsible in the Armed Forces Staff for creating the conditions for the Armed Forces' training cooperation with foreign countries, for international missions and for relations with foreign armed forces.
One of Mäder's new main tasks is to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries, other EU countries and NATO. "I am convinced that Switzerland must prepare itself even better for new and additional threats," he said. These include attempts to exert pressure and open military force.
Mäder's deputy will be Pälvi Pulli. She has been Head of Security Policy at the Department of Defense since 2018. She will head the Strategy and Cooperation division at Sepos.
First candidate dropped out
The long-serving ambassador Jean-Daniel Ruch was originally intended to be the top security chief. However, a few weeks after his presentation, the media revealed that he could be vulnerable to blackmail due to allegations about his private life. He withdrew his application. Federal Councillor Viola Amherd then had to look for a new candidate.
However, Markus Mäder does not see himself as a second choice. "I am unencumbered," he said in response to a journalist's question. He is not looking backwards, he is not interested in that. He is focused on the challenges of the new job and wants to do it as well as possible.
Not self-advertised
Mäder did not apply for the job himself, as Defense Minister Amherd explained. He had been approached by the search committee. "I didn't originally apply because I was very satisfied and busy in my job this year. I didn't have time to systematically focus on my professional development," said Mäder.
Mäder was appointed ten days before the start of the job on January 1. Defense Minister Amherd denied a hasty appointment. Sufficient time had been allowed. The field of candidates in Switzerland for this job was "clear". They had proceeded "carefully". "We have found the best."
Amherd said that it could happen that a candidate who had already been nominated withdrew. "It's not the end of the world." A good solution has now been found. "That's what counts."
In action in Pakistan
Mäder worked as a research assistant at the Research Center for Security Policy at ETH Zurich from 1997 to 2001. During this time, he also worked in the General Staff and as a staff officer and liaison officer as part of a military peacebuilding mission in Kosovo.
He then worked as a security policy advisor and deputy head of armed forces and armaments planning in the Directorate for Security Policy at the Federal Department of Defense until 2007. This was followed by an assignment as Deputy Military Representative at the Swiss Mission to NATO in Brussels until 2010. From 2011, he was deployed for four years as Swiss Defense Attaché for Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. Mäder has an additional Master's degree in National Security Strategy.
©Keystone/SDA
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