Tributes across Swiss politics after unexpected death of SVP National Councillor Alfred Heer, 63

Swiss politics is mourning the unexpected death of Alfred Heer, a Zurich National Councillor for the Swiss People's Party (SVP), who died at the age of 63. Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum on Friday, including from several members of the Federal Council and the leaders of both parliamentary chambers.

President Karin Keller-Sutter said on X on Friday afternoon that Heer's death was shocking and wished his loved ones strength in the difficult days ahead. Fellow SVP Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin wrote that he was deeply saddened and offered his condolences to Heer's family and friends.

Justice Minister Beat Jans called it sad news, noting that in addition to politics they shared a passion for football and FC Nationalrat, and said Heer's humor would be missed. SVP Federal Councillor Albert Rösti paid tribute to Heer on the sidelines of a media appearance, visibly struggling for composure.

He described Heer as a long-time confidant and colleague from his years in the National Council, a relationship that continued when Rösti joined the Federal Council. "I feel a great need to offer my condolences to his family and wish them much strength," he said.

National Council President Maja Riniker and Council of States President Andrea Caroni conveyed condolences on behalf of the Federal Assembly to Heer's family, surviving dependants and companions. Center Party president and National Councillor Philipp Matthias Bregy wrote that political discourse suddenly becomes secondary, expressing sadness at Heer's untimely death and gratitude for moments shared.

FDP president and Council of States member Thierry Burkart said Parliament had lost a valued and sincere colleague. SP co-president and National Councillor Cédric Wermuth said he was stunned by the news. GLP National Councillor Katja Christ said she had come to know and appreciate Heer in the Audit Committee and was deeply moved by his sudden death.

FDP parliamentary group leader Damien Cottier noted that even when views differed, exchanges remained respectful, recalling joint work in the Council of Europe as "Team Switzerland." From Zurich, Heer's parliamentary colleagues also expressed their grief. Nina Fehr Düsel described him as kind, down-to-earth and a very good politician, and offered her deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

SVP National Councillor Barbara Steinemann, who said she had known Heer for almost 30 years, recalled working alongside him in both the cantonal and national parliaments, writing that he had been in the National Council as recently as yesterday and would be missed by many.

The breadth of the tributes underscored Heer's standing in Bern, where colleagues often referred to him by his nickname, "Fredi."