First female Swiss cabinet chief-of-staff dies

The former Federal Chancellor, Annemarie Huber-Hotz, has died following a heart attack, aged 70.

Her family said Huber-Hotz suffered a heart failure during a hiking trip on Thursday.

Huber-Hotz was elected to the post by parliament in 1999 and served until 2007 as chief manager of the seven-member Swiss government.

She was the first woman to be chosen as Federal Chancellor in modern Swiss history. The position is a political appointment but has only a technocratic role.

After her retirement, Huber-Hotz was president of several non-governmental organisations and charities, including the Swiss Red Cross and the Swiss Benevolent Society. She was also a vice-president of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

In a first reaction, the Swiss government has praised Huber-Hotz for her efficiency in supporting the cabinet, her patience and generosity.