Jean-Pascal Delamuraz

Jean-Pascal Delamuraz (April 1, 1936 in Vevey - October 4, 1998 in Lausanne) was a Swiss politician and member of the Swiss Federal Council (1983-1998).

He obtained a degree in political science in 1960 and became that same year deputy director of the Swiss National Exhibition (Expo 64). He was a member of the Lausanne City Parliament for ten years (1960-70). In 1970, he was elected to the Municipal Council in charge of Public works.

After the election of Georges-André Chevallaz to the Federal Council, Delamuraz was appointed Mayor of Lausanne, and from 1981 to 1983 was a member of the Government of the Canton of Vaud in charge of the Department of Agriculture, Industry and Trade. He belonged to the National Council from 1975 until 1983, and was for two years chairman of the control committee. He fought for Switzerland's membership of the European Economic Area and of the World Trade Organisation, and played a decisive role in shaping the new Swiss agricultural policy.

Delamuraz was elected to the Swiss Federal Council on December 7, 1983, and handed over office on March 30, 1998. He was affiliated to the Free Democratic Party and served as secretary general of its Vaud (cantonal) section. He started the bilateral negotiations that led to the adoption of seven agreements with the European Union.

A very popular political figure, Delamuraz was elected honorary president of the New Swiss European Movement (NOMES). He died a few months after his resignation leaving a widow, Catherine Delamuraz, a son and a daughter.

During his time in office he held the following departments:
*Federal Military Department (1984–1986)
*Federal Department of Economic Affairs (1987–1998)He was also President of the Confederation twice, in 1989 and 1996.

External links

*HDS|4736
*Swiss Federal Councillor|97
*PND|119112566