Alain Berset was born in Freiburg on 9 April 1972.
In 2003, Alain Berset was elected to the Council of States for the Canton of Fribourg, which he also chaired in 2008/2009. From 2005 until his election to the Federal Council, he also served as Vice-President of the Socialist Group. He was a member of numerous parliamentary commissions, including the Finance Commission, the Economic Affairs and Taxation Commission, the Legal Affairs Commission and the Finance Delegation.
Before his election to the Council of States, he was President of the Socialist Group in the Constitutional Council of the Canton of Fribourg. From 2001 to 2003, he was a member of the General Council of his home municipality of Belfaux.
In addition to his political mandate, Alain Berset chaired the Tenants' Association of Western Switzerland, the Swiss Association for the Promotion of AOC/IGP and the Fribourg foundation "Les Buissonnets" for disabled children and adults.
On 14 December 2011, the United Federal Assembly elected him to the Federal Council.
On 7 December 2016, the United Federal Assembly elected him Vice-President of the Federal Council.
On 6 December 2017, the United Federal Assembly elected him Federal President for the year 2018.
Today, Alain Berset is married and father of three children.