Ulrich Maurer Biography: Children, Politics, Wife, Age, Religion, Ethnicity, Net Worth

Ulrich “Ueli” Maurer is a Swiss politician best known for leading the Swiss People’s Party (SVP/UDC) to national dominance in the late 1990s and 2000s and for serving in Switzerland’s seven-member Federal Council from 2009 to 2022.

His public profile rose sharply after his knife-edge election to the Federal Council in December 2008, followed by high-visibility roles as head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports, and later as head of the Federal Department of Finance.

Twice elected President of the Swiss Confederation (2013 and 2019), Maurer became a familiar figure in Swiss civic life through national votes, security and defence debates, and Switzerland’s fiscal policy choices during an eventful decade in Europe.

Profile

• Full name: Ulrich Maurer
• Nickname: Ueli
• Date of birth: 1 December 1950
• Age: 75 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Wetzikon, Zürich, Switzerland
• State of origin: Zurich (ZH)
• Nationality: Swiss
• Profession: Politician; accountant (by training)
• Parents: Ulrich Maurer Sr. and Annemarie Maurer (née Knecht)
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Anne-Claude Peter
• Children: Ulrich “Ueli” Maurer Jr.; Benjamin “Ben” Maurer,Ursina Maurer, Björn Maurer,Sidonia Anna Maurer, Corsin Maurer
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Christian
• Ethnicity: Swiss
• Net worth: CHF 2 million to CHF 6 million

Early Life and Education

Ulrich Maurer is now, at the age of 75. He was born on 1 December 1950 in Wetzikon, in the canton of Zürich, to Ulrich Maurer Sr. and Annemarie Maurer (née Knecht). He grew up in the Zürcher Oberland, where the family’s circumstances were modest and closely tied to farming life.

Instead of a university route, Maurer followed Switzerland’s vocational pathway. He completed a commercial apprenticeship and later obtained a federal qualification in accounting, credentials that shaped the practical, numbers-first style he later brought into party management and federal finance debates.

Personal Life

Ueli Maurer married Anne-Claude Peter in 1976. She is a social worker. She was in the United States as an au pair, and he was travelling onward toward Alaska, a destination linked in family lore to his grandfather’s earlier journey.

The couple have six children: Ulrich “Ueli” Maurer Jr., Benjamin “Ben” Maurer, Ursina Maurer, Björn Maurer, Sidonia Anna Maurer, and Corsin Maurer.

Career

Ueli Maurer’s career combined agricultural-sector management with steady advancement through Swiss local, cantonal, and national politics. Before entering the Federal Council, he held leadership roles tied to farmers’ organisations, including serving as director of the Zurich Farmers’ Association and holding other sector positions.

This work linked him to the organisational backbone of rural Switzerland, an environment that overlaps strongly with the SVP’s traditional voter base.

In elected politics, Maurer served in local government in Hinwil, moved into Zürich cantonal politics, and then entered the Swiss National Council, Switzerland’s lower house of parliament, where he remained until his election to the Federal Council.

His national political breakthrough came as party chairman: from 1996 to 2008 he chaired the Swiss People’s Party, a period widely credited with turning the SVP into Switzerland’s best-supported party in national elections.

Ueli Maurer reached the Swiss executive in December 2008 when the Federal Assembly elected him to the Federal Council; official government records preserve the ballot details, which underline how narrowly the contest was decided.

He took office on 1 January 2009 and initially led the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS), a role that placed him at the centre of defence procurement, intelligence oversight, and broader security policy.

During his years in government, he served as President of the Swiss Confederation twice, first in 2013 and later in 2019. In Switzerland’s rotating presidency, the role is time-limited but highly visible, making it a focal point for foreign visits, major speeches, and the symbolism of national leadership.

Awards and Nominations

• World Telecommunication and Information Society Award (2013) – International Telecommunication Union

Net Worth

Ueli Maurer’s net worth is estimated between CHF 2 million to CHF 6 million. This estimate is based on publicly stated federal councillor compensation levels and the reality that Maurer spent 14 years as a Federal Councillor.

Social Media

• N/A