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André Simonazzi

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André Simonazzi
Vice-Chancellor of Switzerland
In office
1 April 2009 – 10 May 2024
Serving with Thomas Helbling (2009–2016), Jörg De Bernardi (2016–2019), Viktor Rossi (2019–2023)
ChancellorCorina Casanova
Walter Thurnherr
Viktor Rossi
Preceded byOswald Sigg
Personal details
Born(1968-11-17)17 November 1968
Monthey, Switzerland
Died10 May 2024(2024-05-10) (aged 55)
Valais, Switzerland

André Simonazzi (17 November 1968 – 10 May 2024) was a Swiss journalist born in Monthey. He held the office of Vice-Chancellor and spokesman for the Swiss Federal Council, from April 2009 until his death in 2024.[1][2]

Life and career

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Simonazzi was born on 17 November 1968.[3] He attended the Collège de l’Abbaye in St. Maurice, where he obtained a Latin and English baccalaureate in 1988.[4]

The eldest son of an economics teacher at the St. Maurice's Abbey, Simonazzi graduated at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva. After beginning a career as a journalist at the regional newspaper Le Nouvelliste, Simonazzi first joined the relief organization Caritas Switzerland's media department, before becoming its national spokesperson in 1998.[5]

In 2004, he joined the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), initially as deputy head of the information service, then as head between 2004 and 2009.[6]

Simonazzi was appointed spokesman for the Swiss federal council on 12 November 2008, a position he took up on 1 April 2009 and retained until his death in 2024.[7]

Personal life and death

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Simonazzi was of Italian descent.[8] He was married. The marriage produced three children.[9]

Simonazzi collapsed and died while hiking in the Swiss mountains on 10 May 2024, aged 55.[10][11]

References

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  1. ^ "Vice Chancellor André Simonazzi". Swiss Federal Chancellery. Retrieved 10 November 2009.
  2. ^ Imsand, Christiane (7 February 2009). "Helvetia Latina veut des actes". Le Nouvelliste (in French). Groupe Rhône Media. Retrieved 10 November 2009.
  3. ^ "Simonazzi André". Web Services of the Swiss Parliament (archived at Wikiwix Archive). Swiss Government. Retrieved 11 May 2024. Birt hDate:17.11.1968 00:00
  4. ^ FCh, Swiss Federal Chancellery. "Vice Chancellor André Simonazzi". www.bk.admin.ch. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  5. ^ Felley, Eric (20 November 2008). "La nouvelle voix du Conseil fédéral". L'Hebdo (in French). Ringier. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
  6. ^ "UVEK - André Simonazzi" (in German). Swiss Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications. 23 June 2004. Retrieved 10 November 2009.[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ FCh, Swiss Federal Chancellery. "Vice Chancellor André Simonazzi". www.bk.admin.ch. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  8. ^ "Rencontre avec un nomade qui pose ses valises à Berne". Le Temps. 8 March 2009.
  9. ^ "Bundesratssprecher Simonazzi verstirbt auf Wanderung". 11 May 2024.
  10. ^ "Bundesratssprecher und Vizekanzler – André Simonazzi ist tot". Tages-Anzeiger (in German). 10 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  11. ^ "Bundesbern trauert um Simonazzi". 11 May 2024.
Political offices
Preceded by Vice-Chancellor of Switzerland
2009–2024
Succeeded by
Ursula Eggenberger (ad interim)