Swiss Defence Minister Viola Amherd resigns

ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss Defence Minister Viola Amherd will resign at the end of March, the Swiss Parliament said on Wednesday in a post on X, adding a new federal councillor will be elected in the spring session to replace her.

"After more than 30 years in politics, more than 25 in an executive function, it is time to pass the baton onto a fresh force," Amherd said in a resignation letter published as part of the post.

"These were challenging times with overlapping crises," added Amherd, who held Switzerland's revolving presidency last year.

(Reporting by Ariane Luthi; editing by Barbara Lewis)