Swiss Federal Judges Face Pressure Over Affair.

Pressure is mounting on Switzerland’s Federal Court after allegations emerged that two senior judges concealed a romantic relationship. The controversy has triggered calls for resignation and raised concerns about judicial independence and institutional integrity.

Former Federal Court president Ulrich Meyer has publicly urged judges Yves Donzallaz and Beatrice van de Graaf to step down or at least not seek re-election in September 2026. Speaking to CH Media, Meyer said the situation has pushed the Federal Court into what he described as an “institutional crisis”.

Swiss law prohibits long-term cohabitation between members of the Federal Court, a rule designed to protect neutrality and prevent conflicts of interest. Critics argue that failing to disclose such a relationship undermines public trust in the judiciary.

Meyer also criticised the court’s Administrative Commission, which oversees the Federal Court under the leadership of François Chaix. He argued that the body cannot avoid responsibility, regardless of whether it was aware of the relationship, and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

According to Meyer, even private relationships between judges can raise serious questions about judicial independence and must be subject to scrutiny to ensure transparency and fairness in court decisions.

The controversy has also revived attention on Meyer’s own past conduct. He previously faced criticism in 2020 for inappropriate remarks about a judge at the Federal Criminal Court, which he later admitted was a mistake.

He also clarified details about a past relationship with a court clerk at the former Federal Insurance Court in Lucerne, stating that he had fully disclosed it to colleagues and maintained transparency throughout.

As debate continues, the case has intensified scrutiny of ethical standards within Switzerland’s highest court, with growing pressure for clearer rules and stronger oversight mechanisms to protect judicial credibility.