Action man takes on the presidency: a political veteran has taken the helm of the Swiss federal cabinet. Interior Minister Pascal Couchepin became Switzerland's president on January 1, 2008 and will hold the position for a year. Swiss News takes a look at the seasoned politician from Martigny, Canton Valais, and the role he's set to play this year.

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POLITICS

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Action man takes on the presidency: a political veteran has taken the helm of the Swiss federal cabinet. Interior Minister Pascal Couchepin became Switzerland's president on January 1, 2008 and will hold the position for a year. Swiss News takes a look at the seasoned politician from Martigny, Canton Valais, and the role he's set to play this year.

What does the year ahead promise? Some are betting on an eventful 12 months--including the incumbent Couchepin himself. Shortly before he donned the presidential robes, the man from Valais was asked on the national radio station DRS1 what kind of year 2008 would be, if it were a film.

"An action movie!" came his resolute reply.

The Swi...

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