René Felber

Early Life and Education

René Felber was born on March 14, 1933, in Biel/Bienne. His family originated from the Canton of Lucerne, but his parents, Josef Jost Felber and Maria Diebold, were watchmakers who had moved to the Jura Arc region for work.

Felber grew up in Neuchâtel, where he obtained his baccalaureate and later his teacher's certificate at the normal school of teachers. His studies required a significant financial sacrifice from his parents.

Career

Felber began his career as a teacher, working in Boudevilliers from 1955 to 1964. He then became the Geneva Courier correspondent for the Canton of Neuchâtel.

### Local Politics

Felber was President of Le Locle from 1964 to 1980 and a member of the Cantonal Parliament of the Canton of Neuchâtel from 1965 to 1976. From 1967 to 1981, he sat in the National Council, representing the Canton of Neuchâtel.

### Federal Politics

Felber was elected to the Federal Council in 1988, despite no longer being a member of Parliament at the time. He served as a federal councillor from 1988 to 1993 and headed the Department of Foreign Affairs during his term.

As Foreign Minister, Felber sought to strengthen Switzerland's international presence and involve the country in European integration. However, he failed in 1992 with his most important foreign policy concern, the accession to the European Economic Area.

Death

René Felber passed away on October 18, 2020.