Michaela Schärer leaves the Federal Office for Civil Protection
At its meeting on December 5, 2025, the Federal Council approved the mutual termination of the employment relationship with Michaela Schärer, Director of the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP). To ensure an orderly succession process, her departure was set for the end of April 2026.
The head of the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sport (DDPS), Federal Councilor Martin Pfister, and Michaela Schärer, Director of the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), have agreed to fill the position of Director of the Federal Office for Civil Protection. The Federal Council has approved the mutual termination of Michaela Schärer's employment contract with effect from April 30, 2026. In accordance with Article 78 of the Federal Personnel Ordinance, Michaela Schärer will receive severance pay equivalent to one year's salary.
Michaela Schärer took up her post in January 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and was able to demonstrate her crisis management skills without any lead time or introduction to the role. Thanks to her experience, she succeeded in establishing contact with the FOCP's partner authorities and organizations under difficult conditions and at a distance. She quickly carried out the desired review of major projects and restructured them. Michaela Schärer also initiated further development within the office and successfully implemented the necessary reorganization of the office management due to age-related departures.
The Federal Council would like to thank Michaela Schärer for her work at the Federal Office for Civil Protection.
The succession process will be initiated immediately. The head of the DDPS will appoint a selection committee for this purpose.
Source: VBS
