Switzerland has a new Foreign Minister, Mr Didier Burkhalter. He is the first Liberal in this position since Max Petitpierre resigned from office in 1961.
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basics
born: 17th April 1960
citizen of: Neuchâtel (Neuenburg) & Sumiswald (Canton of Bern -- Emmental region)
grown up in : Auvernier, southern outer suburb of Neuchâtel
schools : primary school in Auvernier, secondary school in Colombier
higher schools : college in Neuchâtel (Matura C)
studies : economics in the University of Neuchâtel (bachelor of economic sciences)
upgrades: stays between 1979 and 1983 in the "Alémanique" and England to learn properly German and English
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professional activities:
- assistant for economics and internet at Neuchâtel University
- editor for a society for the enhancement of economy in Switzerland (Geneva)
- editor in chief of the party-newspaper of the Liberals
- member of the government of the City of Neuchâtel
---- first in charge with public transport, tourism, police and traffic
---- later in charge with sports, hospital and infrastructure
- three times City President of Neuchâtel (1994/95 1998/99 2001/02)
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Federal Government
- since November 2009 Federal Interior Minister
- now Foreign Minister
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Military Service :
- basic education (RS) : 1980 in Frauenfeld (artillery)
- rank achieved : corporal -- later "Fachoffizier" for press + radio
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Hobbies
-- cycling, swimming, skiing, football playing, hiking, reading, travelling

Thank you Wolli, a very thorough post. Does he have a wife and kids?

He is married and his three sons