Switzerland’s National Elections Signal a Shift to the Right
Concerns about Immigration and Political Correctness Prevail
Switzerland’s national elections on Sunday revealed a significant shift to the right, as issues surrounding immigration and political correctness took precedence over climate change and melting glaciers. Early projections by Swiss broadcaster SRF indicate that the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), the country’s largest political party, is expected to increase its share of the vote to 29%, a 3.4 percentage point surge compared to the 2019 election.
The SVP’s Campaign Focuses on Population Control
The SVP’s campaign centered around the goal of preventing Switzerland’s population, currently at 8.7 million, from exceeding 10 million. This stance resonated with voters concerned about the impact of population growth on various aspects of Swiss society. Additionally, the party garnered support from individuals worried about the sluggish economy and rising cost of living, according to pollsters GFS Bern.
Healthcare Concerns Benefit the Social Democrats
Meanwhile, rising healthcare costs motivated voters to lend their support to the left-wing Social Democrats (SP). Switzerland’s second-largest party is expected to see a 0.4 percentage point increase in its share of the vote, reaching 17.2%.
Greens Experience a Decline in Voter Support
In contrast, the Greens are projected to witness a decline in their share of the votes by 4.1 percentage points, settling at 9.1%. This decrease reflects a shift in public sentiment, with citizens showing less enthusiasm for the party’s environmental agenda compared to previous years.
No Significant Impact on the Federal Council Expected
Despite these election results, it is unlikely that the composition of Switzerland’s government, the Federal Council, will be altered. The council’s seven cabinet positions are divided among the top four parties based on their respective vote shares.
“Four years ago, people were more idealistic and progressive, which explains the Greens’ success. However, current concerns about security and a return to conservatism have fueled the SVP’s popularity,” explained Michael Hermann, a political analyst at pollsters Sotomo. He further highlighted that the SVP’s success can be attributed to its ability to tap into fears surrounding political correctness and migration.
