Switzerland’s government has maintained the foreign and defence ministers during Thursday’s reshuffle, stating the “current geopolitical instability” meant now is not the time for a change.

AFP News reports that the reshuffle followed lawmakers choosing the initial new government members in four years.

Ignazio Cassis will remain as foreign minister, has been in the position since 2017, whilst Viola Amherd will stay in the role of defence minister after four years.

Two seats within the country’s seven-member Federal Council government became available as finance minister Ueli Maurer, and environment minister Simonetta Sommaruga announced they were stepping down from their roles.

Taking over the environment ministry is agricultural engineer Albert Rosti, whilst Elisabeth Baume-Schneider becomes justice minister. She will replace Karin Keller-Sutter, who steps into the position of finance minister.

The new government line-up will come into effect on 1st January 2023.

Furthermore, Ignazio Cassis, who currently holds the presidency, stated the reshuffle to predominantly keep the same people in their roles was consensual.

“We based ourselves for this decision on criteria such as the current geopolitical instability and the need to guarantee continuity in the running of challenging ministries of internal and foreign affairs,” he stated.

In addition, Guy Parmelin is staying on as economy minister.

Seats within Switzerland’s Federal Council are divided among the principal political parties under an agreement referred to as “the magic formula.” This, typically, is not impacted by parliamentary power shifts but conveys the spirit of compromise that embodies Swiss democracy, the AFP report adds.

Moreover, although militarily neutral, Switzerland has matched the sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We are responsible for the safety of our population and our country. That’s why I decided out of conviction to continue,” defence minister Amherd said on Twitter.