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Thomas Holenstein

1896 – 1962

Swiss politician

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About Thomas Holenstein

Lived 1896 – 1962 (aged 66). Thomas Holenstein was a Swiss politician.

Thomas Holenstein (7 February 1896 – 31 October 1962) was a Swiss politician and member of the Swiss Federal Council (1955–1959).

Holenstein studied law at the University of Bern, finishing in 1920. He then worked as a lawyer in his father's office in St. Gallen.

Politically, he was affiliated to the Christian Democratic People's Party of Switzerland. From 1930 to 1935 he was president of the young conservative movement of the canton of St. Gallen. He was elected to the city parliament of St. Gallen in 1927. From 1936 to 1954 Holenstein served in the canton's parliament, and from 1937 to 1954 he represented his canton in the National Council of Switzerland. He was also the President of the Parliamentary Party from 1942 to 1954 and President of the National Council in 1952.

He was elected to the Federal Council of Switzerland on 16 December 1954. During his time in office he headed up the Federal Department of Economic Affairs and was President of the Confederation in 1958. He resigned on 20 November 1959 for health reasons and handed over office on 31 December 1959.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
University of Bern
Positions held
Member of the Swiss Federal Council, Member of the Swiss National Council, President of the Swiss National Council, President of the Swiss Confederation

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Thomas Holenstein's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Thomas Holenstein?

Swiss politician (1896–1962)

When was Thomas Holenstein born?

Thomas Holenstein was born on 7 February 1896 in St. Gallen.

When did Thomas Holenstein die?

Thomas Holenstein died on 31 October 1962 in Muralto.

What was Thomas Holenstein's occupation?

Thomas Holenstein was a politician.

What nationality was Thomas Holenstein?

Thomas Holenstein was Swiss.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Thomas Holenstein

· Wikidata: Q667770

· DBpedia: Thomas Holenstein

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Thomas Holenstein. https://biography.guide/thomas-holenstein/

MLA: "Thomas Holenstein." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/thomas-holenstein/.

Chicago: "Thomas Holenstein." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/thomas-holenstein/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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