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Art. 37 – Direction and responsibility

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Art. 37

Direction and responsibility

1

The head of department bears political responsibility for running a department.

2

The head of department:

a.

sets the guidelines for running the department;

b.

delegates where necessary the immediate fulfilment of the department’s tasks to administrative units and employees under its authority;

c.

determines the organisation of the department within the terms of this act.

Legal act context
SR 172.010 · GAOA · Federal act · Government and Administration Organisation Act of 21 March 1997 (GAOA)
Structure path
Title 3 The Federal Administration Chapter 2 The Departments Section 1 Heads of Department
Language
English (en)
Data status
2025-05-01

Available language versions

Deutschde Françaisfr Italianoit Englishen Rumantschrm

The official sources and versions published by the competent authorities remain authoritative.

Contents of this enactment

Document textGeneral document text1ArticlesRegular articles in this version111AnnexesAnnexes and attachments in this version1
Document text1
Articles111
1Title 1 Principles
Art. 1 – The GovernmentArt. 1 The Government 1 The Federal Council is the highest executive authority of the Confederation. 2 It comprises seven members. 3 It is assisted by the Federal Chancellor. Direct link
Art. 2 – The Federal AdministrationArt. 2 The Federal Administration 1 The Federal Administration is subordinate to the Federal Council. It comprises the departments and the Federal Chancellery. 2 The individual departments are divided into offices, whic… Direct link
Art. 3 – Principles of government and administrative activitiesArt. 3 Principles of government and administrative activities 1 The Federal Council and Federal Administration act in accordance with the Constitution and the law. 2 They are committed to the common welfare, protect cit… Direct link
Art. 4 – Political responsibilityArt. 4 Political responsibility The Federal Council is collectively responsible for its governmental functions. Direct link
Art. 5 – Review of federal tasksArt. 5 Review of federal tasks The Federal Council shall regularly review the tasks of the Confederation and their implementation as well as the organisation of the Federal Administration. In doing so, it shall apply th… Direct link
1Title 2 The Government
2Chapter 1 The Federal Council
3Section 1 Functions
Art. 6 – Government obligationsArt. 6 Government obligations 1 The Federal Council determines the aims of its government policy and the means to achieve them. 2 It gives priority to the fulfilment of its obligations of government. 3 It takes all the… Direct link
Art. 7 – LegislationArt. 7 Legislation The Federal Council conducts the preliminary legislative proceedings, subject to the parliamentary right to an initiate legislation. It submits drafts of constitutional amendments, federal acts and de… Direct link
Art. 7a – Conclusion and amendment of or withdrawal from internationaltreatiesby the Federal CouncilArt. 7a Inserted by Annex No II 3 of the Parliament Act of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Dec. 2003 (AS 2003 3543; BBl 2001 3467 5428). Inserted by Annex No II 3 of the Parliament Act of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 D… Direct link
Art. 7b – Provisional application of international treaties by the Federal CouncilArt. 7b Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 8 Oct. 2004 on the Provisional Application of International Treaties, in force since 1 April 2005 (AS 2005 1245; BBl 2004 761 1017). Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 8 Oct. 2004 on… Direct link
Art. 7bbis – Urgent withdrawal from international treaties by the Federal CouncilArt. 7bbis Inserted by No I 2 of the FA of 21 June 2019 on the Authority to Conclude, Amend or Withdraw from International Treaties, in force since 2 Dec. 2019 (AS 2019 3119; BBl 2018 3471 5315). Inserted by No I 2 of t… Direct link
Art. 7c – Ordinances safeguarding the interests of the countryArt. 7c Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 17 Dec. 2010 on Safeguarding Democracy, the Rule of Law and the Capacity to Act in Extraordinary Situations, in force since 1 May 2011 (AS 2011 1381; BBl 2010 1563 2803). Inserted… Direct link
Art. 7d – Ordinances to safeguard external and internal securityArt. 7d Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 17 Dec. 2010 on Safeguarding Democracy, the Rule of Law and the Capacity to Act in Extraordinary Situations, in force since 1 May 2011 (AS 2011 1381; BBl 2010 1563 2803). Inserted… Direct link
Art. 7e – Rulings to safeguard the interests of the country or to safeguard internal or external securityArt. 7e Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 17 Dec 2010 on Safeguarding Democracy, the Rule of Law and the Capacity to Act in Extraordinary Situations, in force since 1 May 2011 (AS 2011 1381; BBl 2010 1563 2803). Inserted… Direct link
Art. 8 – Organisation and management of the Federal AdministrationArt. 8 Organisation and management of the Federal Administration Amended by No I of the FA of 22 March 2002 on the Revision of Organisational Provisions of Federal Legislation, in force since 1 Feb. 2003 (AS 2003 187; B… Direct link
Art. 9 – Implementation and administration of the lawArt. 9 Implementation and administration of the law 1 The Federal Council ensures that the legislation and other decisions of the Federal Assembly are implemented. 2 It shall ensure the administration of administrative… Direct link
Art. 10 – InformationArt. 10 Information 1 The Federal Council ensures that the Federal Assembly, the cantons and the general public are suitably informed. 2 It ensures that consistent information on its assessments, plans, decisions and pr… Direct link
Art. 10a – Federal Council spokespersonArt. 10a Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 2000 (AS 2000 2095; BBl 1997 III 1568, 1999 2538). Amended by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002 2095, 2010 7811). Inserte… Direct link
Art. 11 – Communication with the general publicArt. 11 Communication with the general public The Federal Council maintains contact with the general public and ensures they are informed of the opinions and concerns discussed in the public domain. Direct link
3Section 2 Procedure and Organisation
Art. 12 – Principle of collegialityArt. 12 Principle of collegiality 1 The Federal Council reaches its decisions as a collegial body. 2 The members of the Federal Council shall represent the decisions of the whole. Direct link
Art. 12a – Duty to provide informationArt. 12a Inserted by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002 2095, 2010 7811). Inserted by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002… Direct link
Art. 13 – DeliberationsArt. 13 Deliberations 1 The Federal Council members shall make decisions of major importance or political scope jointly and at the same time. 2 The Federal Council may decide on other items of business in a simplified p… Direct link
Art. 14 – DirectivesArt. 14 Directives In preparing items of business of major importance or political scope, the Federal Council shall, if necessary, outline the relevant aims and guidelines. Direct link
Art. 15 – Joint reporting procedureArt. 15 Joint reporting procedure 1 Items of business on which the Federal Council must decide are presented to the members of the Federal Council in a joint reporting procedure. 2 The Federal Chancellery regulates the… Direct link
Art. 16 – ConveningArt. 16 Convening 1 The Federal Council convenes as frequently as its business requires. 2 The Federal Council is convened by the Federal Chancellor on behalf of the President of the Confederation. 3 Each member of the… Direct link
Art. 17 – Special discussions and closed-door meetingsArt. 17 Special discussions and closed-door meetings The Federal Council holds special discussions and closed-door meetings on issues of far-reaching importance. Direct link
Art. 18 – Presidency and participationArt. 18 Presidency and participation 1 The President of the Confederation chairs the discussions in the Federal Council. 2 In addition to the members of the Federal Council, the Federal Chancellor also participates in t… Direct link
Art. 19 – QuorumArt. 19 Quorum 1 The Federal Council may only reach a decision if at least four of its members are present. 2 Decisions are taken by a majority vote. Federal Councillors are permitted to abstain from voting but a valid… Direct link
Art. 20 – Duty of recusalArt. 20 Duty of recusal 1 Members of the Federal Council and the persons mentioned in Article 18 shall recuse themselves if they have an immediate personal interest in the matter at hand. 2 If the Council is making a ru… Direct link
Art. 21 – Exclusion of the general publicArt. 21 Exclusion of the general public The discussions of the Federal Council and the joint reporting procedure mentioned in Article 15 are not public. The public are informed in accordance with Article 10. Direct link
Art. 22 – Deputisation in the event of absenceArt. 22 Amended by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002 2095, 2010 7811). Amended by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002 209… Direct link
Art. 23 – Federal Council committeesArt. 23 Amended by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002 2095, 2010 7811). Amended by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002 209… Direct link
Art. 24 – Organisation ordinanceArt. 24 Organisation ordinance The Federal Council sets out in detail how it exercises its functions in an ordinance. Direct link
2Chapter 2 The President of the Confederation
Art. 25 – Functions within the Federal CouncilArt. 25 Functions within the Federal Council 1 The President of the Confederation heads the Federal Council. 2 The President of the Confederation: a. ensures that the Federal Council accomplishes its tasks in a timely,… Direct link
Art. 26 – Presidential decisionsArt. 26 Presidential decisions 1 In urgent cases, the President may order precautionary measures to be taken. 2 If it is not possible to arrange an ordinary or extraordinary Federal Council meeting, the President decide… Direct link
Art. 27 – Replacement in case of absenceArt. 27 Replacement in case of absence 1 If the President is unable to fulfil his or her public duties, the Vice-President takes responsibility as his or her replacement and takes over the presidential duties. 2 The Fed… Direct link
Art. 28 – RepresentationArt. 28 Representation The President represents the Federal Council in Switzerland and abroad. Direct link
Art. 29 – Relationship with the cantonsArt. 29 Relationship with the cantons The President is responsible for maintaining relations between the Confederation and the cantons with regard to shared concerns of a general nature. Direct link
Art. 29a – Presidential services unitArt. 29a Inserted by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002 2095, 2010 7811). Inserted by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002… Direct link
2Chapter 3 The Federal Chancellor
Art. 30 – FunctionsArt. 30 Functions 1 The Federal Chancellor is the chief of staff of the Federal Council. 2 The Federal Chancellor: a. supports the President of the Confederation and the Federal Council in the fulfilment of their tasks;… Direct link
Art. 31 – OrganisationArt. 31 Organisation 1 The Federal Chancellor is head of the Federal Chancellery, just as the Federal Councillors are each head of a department. 2 The Vice-Chancellors deputise for the Federal Chancellor. 3 Unless subje… Direct link
Art. 32 – Advice and supportArt. 32 Advice and support The Federal Chancellor: a. advises and supports the Federal President and the Federal Council in planning and coordination at government level; b. creates and supervises work plans and busines… Direct link
Art. 33 – CoordinationArt. 33 Coordination 1 The Federal Chancellor ensures the coordination of interdepartmental affairs. 1bis He or she carries out cross-departmental coordination tasks aimed at recognising and responding to crises in good… Direct link
Art. 33a – Right to informationArt. 33a Inserted by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002 2095, 2010 7811). Inserted by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002… Direct link
Art. 34 – InformationArt. 34 Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 2000, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2095; BBl 1997 III 1568, 1999 2538). Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 2000, in force since 1 Sept. 2000 (AS 2000 2095; BBl 19… Direct link
1Title 3 The Federal Administration
2Chapter 1 Direction and Principles of Direction
Art. 35 – DirectionArt. 35 Direction 1 The Federal Administration is directed by the Federal Council and the heads of department. 2 Each member of the Federal Council heads a department. 3 The Federal Council allocates the departments amo… Direct link
Art. 36 – Principles of directionArt. 36 Principles of direction 1 The Federal Council and the heads of department set the objectives and priorities of the Federal Administration. 2 When they delegate the immediate fulfilment of tasks to project manage… Direct link
2Chapter 2 The Departments
3Section 1 Heads of Department
Art. 37 – Direction and responsibilityArt. 37 Direction and responsibility 1 The head of department bears political responsibility for running a department. 2 The head of department: a. sets the guidelines for running the department; b. delegates where nece… Current article Direct link
Art. 38 – Leadership instrumentsArt. 38 Leadership instruments In principle, the head of department has the unrestricted right to issue instructions, to lead his or her department and intervene personally in a matter. Special provisions for individual… Direct link
Art. 38a – Service agreementsArt. 38a Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 26 Sept. 2014 (New Management Model for the Federal Administration), in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1583; BBl 2014 767). Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 26 Sept. 201… Direct link
Art. 39 – Personal staffArt. 39 Personal staff The heads of department may employ personal staff and assign tasks to them. Direct link
Art. 40 – InformationArt. 40 Information In consultation with the Federal Chancellery, the heads of department take the measures required to inform the public of the departments’ activities and decide who is responsible for disseminating th… Direct link
3Section 2 The General Secretariats
Art. 41 – PositionArt. 41 Position 1 Each department has a general secretariat as its general administrative office. The general secretariat may also conduct other tasks. 2 The Secretary General is the department’s chief of staff. Direct link
Art. 42 – FunctionsArt. 42 Functions 1 The General Secretariat supports the head of department in the planning, organisation and coordination of the department’s activities and in the decisions that he or she is required to make. 2 It pla… Direct link
3Section 3 Offices and Groups of Offices
Art. 43 – Position and functionsArt. 43 Position and functions 1 The offices are the administrative units charged with dealing with the business of the Administration. 2 The Federal Council sets out in ordinances the way in which the Federal Administr… Direct link
Art. 44Art. 44 Repealed by Annex No 2 of the FA of 26 Sept. 2014 (New Management Model for the Federal Administration), with effect from 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 1583; BBl 2014 767). Repealed by Annex No 2 of the FA of 26 Sept. 20… Direct link
Art. 45 – Direction and ResponsibilityArt. 45 Direction and Responsibility The directors of the groups and offices are responsible to their superiors for directing the administrative units under them and for carrying out the duties assigned to them. Direct link
3Section 4 State Secretaries
Art. 45a – Appointment and functionArt. 45a Inserted by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002 2095, 2010 7811). Inserted by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002… Direct link
Art. 46 – Temporary award of the title of «State Secretary»Art. 46 Amended by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002 2095, 2010 7811). Amended by No I of the FA of 28 Sept. 2012, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 4549; BBl 2002 209… Direct link
2Chapter 3 Fees
Art. 46aArt. 46a 1 The Federal Council issues provisions on charging appropriate fees for decisions and other services provided by the Federal Administration. 2 It regulates the charging of fees in detail, in particular: a. the… Direct link
1Title 4 Responsibilities, Planning and Coordination
2Chapter 1 Responsibilities
Art. 47 – DecisionsArt. 47 Decisions 1 Depending the importance of an item of business, it is dealt with by the Federal Council, a department, a group or an office. 2 The Federal Council sets out in an ordinance which administrative unit… Direct link
Art. 48 – LawmakingArt. 48 Lawmaking 1 The Federal Council may delegate responsibility for enacting legal rules to the departments. In doing so, it takes account of the significance of the legal rules. 2 Delegating lawmaking to groups and… Direct link
Art. 48a – Conclusion and amendment of and withdrawal from international treatiesArt. 48a Inserted by Annex No II 3 of the Parliament Act of 13 Dec. 2002 (AS 2003 3543; BBl 2001 3467 5428). Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 21 June 2019 on the Authority to Conclude, Amend or Withdraw from International… Direct link
Art. 49 – Authorisation to signArt. 49 Authorisation to sign 1 The heads of department may authorise the following persons to sign particular items of business in their name: a. secretaries-general or the persons representing them; b. members of seni… Direct link
Art. 50 – Official businessArt. 50 Official business 1 The Federal Council sets out the principles for maintaining international relations in the Federal Administration. 2 Dealings with the cantonal governments are the responsibility of the Feder… Direct link
2Chapter 2 Planning and Coordination
Art. 51 – PlanningArt. 51 Planning The departments, groups and offices plan their activities as part of the Federal Council’s general planning. The departments shall bring their plans to the attention of the Federal Council. Direct link
Art. 52 – Coordination activities at government levelArt. 52 Coordination activities at government level The Federal Council, its committees and the Federal Chancellery carry out the coordination tasks assigned to them by the Constitution and the law. Direct link
Art. 53 – Conference of Secretaries GeneralArt. 53 Conference of Secretaries General 1 Under the leadership of the Federal Chancellor, the Conference of Secretaries General directs coordination activities in the Federal Administration. 2 Where no special coordin… Direct link
Art. 54 – Information ConferenceArt. 54 Information Conference 1 The Information Conference comprises the Federal Council Spokesperson and the persons responsible for information in the departments. A representative from the Parliamentary Services may… Direct link
Art. 55 – Other standing staff office, planning and coordination bodiesArt. 55 Other standing staff office, planning and coordination bodies The Federal Council and departments may employ other staff office, planning and coordination bodies as institutionalised conferences or as self-conta… Direct link
Art. 56 – Interdepartmental project organisationsArt. 56 Interdepartmental project organisations The Federal Council may form project organisations to process important interdepartmental tasks of limited duration. Direct link
2Chapter 3 External Advice and Extra-Parliamentary Commissions
3Section 1 External Advice
Art. 57 – …Art. 57 … Repealed by No I of the FA of 20 March 2008 (Revision of Extra-Parliamentary Commissions), with effect from 1 Jan. 2009 (AS 2008 5941; BBl 2007 6641). Repealed by No I of the FA of 20 March 2008 (Revision of E… Direct link
3Section 2 Extra-Parliamentary Commissions
Art. 57a – PurposeArt. 57a Purpose 1 Extra-parliamentary commissions advise on a permanent basis the Federal Council and the Federal Administration on accomplishing their tasks. 2 They make decisions insofar as they are authorised to by… Direct link
Art. 57b – RequirementsArt. 57b Requirements Extra-parliamentary commissions may be established when tasks: a. require specialist knowledge that is not available in the Federal Administration; b. require the cantons or additional interested c… Direct link
Art. 57c – Instituting committeesArt. 57c Instituting committees 1 A committee is not established if the task can be more appropriately carried out by a unit of the central Federal Administration or an organisation or person from outside the Federal Ad… Direct link
Art. 57d – ReviewArt. 57d Review Every four years, when an extra-parliamentary commission is elected, the necessity for the committee, its tasks and composition shall be reviewed. Direct link
Art. 57e – CompositionArt. 57e Composition 1 Extra-parliamentary commissions may normally have no more than 15 members. 2 Among the members there must a balance between the sexes, languages, regions, age groups and interest groups, with due… Direct link
Art. 57f – Disclosure of interestsArt. 57f Disclosure of interests 1 Committee members must disclose their interests before election. The Federal Council shall issue the relevant implementing provisions. 2 Any person who refuses to disclose their intere… Direct link
Art. 57g – RemunerationArt. 57g In force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6135). In force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6135). Remuneration 1 The Federal Council sets out uniform criteria for the remuneration of committee members. 2 The amount of remu… Direct link
2Chapter 4 Processing Personal Data and Legal Entities’ data
3Section 1 Records and Process Management Systems
Art. 57h – Operating records and process management systemsArt. 57h Operating records and process management systems 1 The Federal Administration’s units and the Parliamentary Services shall operate electronic records and process management systems for their business processes… Direct link
Art. 57hbis – Processing personal data and legal entities’ dataArt. 57hbis Processing personal data and legal entities’ data 1 Personal data, including sensitive personal data in terms of the Data Protection Act of 25 September 2020SR 235.1 (FADP), and legal entities’ data, includi… Direct link
Art. 57hter – Implementing provisionsArt. 57hter Implementing provisions The Federal Council shall issue implementing provisions, in particular on the organisation and operation of the records and process management systems and on the protection of persona… Direct link
3Section 2 Processing Personal Data and Legal Entities’ Data when Using Electronic Infrastructure
Art. 57i – Relationship to other federal lawArt. 57i Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Data Protection Act of 25 Sept. 2020, in force since 1 Sept. 2023 (AS 2022 491; BBl 2017 6941). Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Data Protection Act of 25 Sept. 2020, in for… Direct link
Art. 57j – PrinciplesArt. 57j Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Data Protection Act of 25 Sept. 2020, in force since 1 Sept. 2023 (AS 2022 491; BBl 2017 6941). Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Data Protection Act of 25 Sept. 2020, in for… Direct link
Art. 57k – Electronic infrastructureArt. 57k Electronic infrastructure Electronic infrastructure includes all stationary or mobile installations and devices capable of recording personal data and legal entities’ data; it includes in particular: Amended by… Direct link
Art. 57l – Recording personal data and legal entities’ dataArt. 57l Recording personal data and legal entities’ data Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of the Data Protection Act of 25 Sept. 2020, in force since 1 Sept. 2023 (AS 2022 491; BBl 2017 6941). Amended by Annex 1 No II 13 of… Direct link
Art. 57m – Data evaluation not relating to personsArt. 57m Data evaluation not relating to persons Evaluation of recorded data which does not relate to persons is permitted for the purposes stated in Article 57l. Direct link
Art. 57n – Data evaluation not relating to named personsArt. 57n Data evaluation not relating to named persons Evaluation of recorded data which does not relate to named persons is permitted by random sampling for the following purposes: a. to monitor the use of electronic i… Direct link
Art. 57o – Data evaluation relating to named personsArt. 57o Data evaluation relating to named persons 1 Evaluation of recorded data which relates to named persons is permitted for the following purposes: a. to investigate specific suspicion regarding abuse of electronic… Direct link
Art. 57p – Prevention of abuseArt. 57p Prevention of abuse The federal authority takes the required preventive technical and organisational measures to prevent abuses. Direct link
Art. 57q – Implementing provisionsArt. 57q Implementing provisions 1 The Federal Council regulates in particular: a. the recording, safeguarding and destruction of data; b. the data processing procedure; c. access to data; d. the technical and the organ… Direct link
3Section 3 Processing Legal Entities’ Data
Art. 57r – Processing legal entities’ dataArt. 57r Processing legal entities’ data 1 Federal bodies may process legal entities’ data, including sensitive data, provided this is required to fulfil their tasks as defined in a formal act of parliament. 2 Sensitive… Direct link
Art. 57s – Disclosing legal entities’ dataArt. 57s Disclosing legal entities’ data 1 Federal bodies may disclose legal entities’ data if this is permitted by law. 2 They may only disclose sensitive legal entities’ data if a formal act of parliament so provides.… Direct link
Art. 57t – Rights of the legal entitiesArt. 57t Rights of the legal entities The applicable procedural law regulates the rights of the legal entities concerned. Direct link
1Title 5 Individual and Final Provisions
2Chapter 1 Legal Status
Art. 58 – Official seatArt. 58 Official seat The official seat of the Federal Council, the departments and the Federal Chancellery is the City of Bern. Direct link
Art. 59 – Place of residence of the members of the Federal Council and of the Federal ChancellorArt. 59 Place of residence of the members of the Federal Council and of the Federal Chancellor Members of the Federal Council and the Federal Chancellor are free to choose their place of residence; however, it must be w… Direct link
Art. 60 – Professional incompatibilityArt. 60 Professional incompatibility 1 The members of the Federal Council and the Federal Chancellor may not occupy another position in the Confederation or an official position in a canton nor may they carry out anothe… Direct link
Art. 61 – Personal incompatibilityArt. 61 Amended by Annex No 4 of the Same-Sex Partnership Act of 18 June 2004, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2005 5685; BBl 2003 1288). Amended by Annex No 4 of the Same-Sex Partnership Act of 18 June 2004, in force si… Direct link
Art. 61aArt. 61a Inserted by Annex No II 3 of the Parliament Act of 13 Dec. 2002 (AS 2003 3543; BBl 2001 3467 5428). Repealed by Annex No 2 of the FA of 17 June 2011 (Applications to repeal immunity), with effect from 5 Dec. 20… Direct link
2Chapter 2 Approval of Cantonal Enactments
Art. 61bArt. 61b Originally Art. 62, thereafter Art. 61a. Amended by No I of the FA of 7 Oct. 2005, in force since 1 June 2006 (AS 2006 1265; BBl 2004 7103). Originally Art. 62, thereafter Art. 61a. Amended by No I of the FA of… Direct link
2Chapter 3 Information on Agreements between the Cantons or between a Canton and an Institution Abroad
Art. 61c – Duty to provide informationArt. 61c Inserted by No I of the FA of 7 Oct. 2005, in force since 1 June 2006 (AS 2006 1265; BBl 2004 7103). Inserted by No I of the FA of 7 Oct. 2005, in force since 1 June 2006 (AS 2006 1265; BBl 2004 7103). Duty to… Direct link
Art. 62 – ProcedureArt. 62 Inserted by No I of the FA of 8 Oct. 1999 (AS 2000 289; BBl 1999 7922). Amended by No I of the FA of 7 Oct. 2005, in force since 1 June 2006 (AS 2006 1265; BBl 2004 7103). Inserted by No I of the FA of 8 Oct. 19… Direct link
2Chapter 4 Concentrated Decision-Making Process
Art. 62a – HearingArt. 62a Hearing 1 If, in projects such as those involving buildings and installations, an act provides for the concentration of decision-making in a single authority (the principal authority), this authority hears the… Direct link
Art. 62b – Elimination of differencesArt. 62b Elimination of differences 1 If there are any differences between the statements of the specialist authorities or if the principal authority does not agree with the statements, it conducts a discussion with the… Direct link
Art. 62c – DeadlinesArt. 62c Deadlines 1 The Federal Council sets deadlines within which a decision is to be reached for each procedure to approve plans for buildings and installations. 2 If any of these deadlines cannot be met, the princi… Direct link
2Chapter 5 Tax Exemption and Protection of Federal Property
Art. 62d – Tax exemptionArt. 62d Tax exemption The Confederation as well as its institutions, businesses and non-autonomous foundations are exempt from all taxation imposed by the cantons and communes, other than in the case of properties whic… Direct link
Art. 62e – LiabilityArt. 62e Liability 1 The cantons are liable to the Confederation for damage to its property as a result of disruption to public order. 2 Cantonal and communal regulations on insurance obligations do not apply to the Con… Direct link
2Chapter 6 Domiciliary Rights
Art. 62fArt. 62f The Confederation exercises domiciliary rights in its buildings. Direct link
2Chapter 7 Final Provisions
Art. 63 – Repeal of the Administration Organisation ActArt. 63 Repeal of the Administration Organisation Act The Federal Act of 19 September 1978 [AS 1979 114; 1983 170,931 Art. 59 No 2; 1985 699; 1987 226 No II 2, 808; 1989 2116; 1990 3 Art. 1, 1530 No II 1, 1587 Art. 1; 1… Direct link
Art. 64Art. 64 Repealed by No I of the FA of 22 March 2002 on the Revision of Organisational Provisions of Federal Legislation, with effect from 1 Feb. 2003 (AS 2003 187; BBl 2001 3845). Repealed by No I of the FA of 22 March… Direct link
Art. 65Art. 65 Repealed by Art. 65 No 2 of the Financial Budget Act of 7 Oct. 2005, with effect from 1 May 2006 (AS 2006 1275; BBl 2005 5). Repealed by Art. 65 No 2 of the Financial Budget Act of 7 Oct. 2005, with effect from… Direct link
Art. 66 – Referendum and commencementArt. 66 Referendum and commencement 1 This Act is subject to an optional referendum. 2 The Federal Council shall determine the commencement date. Commencement date: 1 October 1997 FCD 3 Sept. 1997. FCD 3 Sept. 1997. Direct link
Annexes1
Amendments to other Federal ActsAnnex Amendments to other Federal Acts ...Direct link

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