What should Switzerland’s direction be over the next four years? Welcome to our big 2023 election survey. THEODORA PETER UND MARC LETTAU In around two months’ time, on 22 October 2023, Switzerland’s voters will choose a new parliament. The 246 newly elected National Council and Council of States members will then shape the country’s political course over the next four years. In December, parliament will appoint the seven-member federal government, the Federal Council, for a new term. According to an unwritten rule, referred to as the “magic formula”, the three biggest political parties are entitled to two Federal Council seats each, and the fourth-strongest party to one seat. This arrangement could change based on how the current parties in government (the SVP, SP, FDP, and Centre) perform in the parliamentary elections. With Alain Berset (SP) announcing that he will step down from the government at the end of the year (see page 8), there is already one vacant seat up for grabs. The six remaining members of the Federal Council intend to stand for election again. Parliament plays a key role The Federal Council and parliament pass legislation and set the course for making decisions that affect our everyday lives and shape the outlook of future generations. In direct democracy, voters can influence the country’s political course through referendums and initiatives. Nevertheless, the composition of parliament plays a key role in determining the overall orientation. Over the next few years, Switzerland faces significant political challenges both domestically and abroad. What is the country’s position on Europe? Must we redefine Swiss neutrality in view of Russia’s war of aggression? How do we meet our climate goals? How will Switzerland meet its future energy needs? How do we secure the longterm funding of pension provision? Six parties in the spotlight “Swiss Review” grilled Switzerland’s six biggest political parties ahead of the elections. We wanted to know the positions of the SVP, SP, FDP, Centre, Greens, and Green Liberals in three key areas: environment and energy; neutrality and foreign policy; and society and domestic policy. We also focused on the “Fifth Switzerland” in our survey. What do you think about the Swiss Abroad exercising their political rights? Should Switzerland go ahead with e-voting? And the key question: why should Swiss citizens living abroad vote for your party? On pages 18 to 23, you can now read the answers that the political parties gave to these and other fundamental questions. Further questions and answers are available online – in addition to a comprehensive dossier containing every “Swiss Review” article on the 2023 elections to date. Finally, page 24 contains the names of the candidates from the “Fifth Switzerland” who are standing for a seat in the National Council. It also includes an explanation as to why it is particularly hard for these candidates to get elected to parliament. Further information How the main political parties approach the “Fifth Switzerland”: revue.link/parties Online guidance for voters ahead of the federal elections: revue.link/aides Election dossier of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad: www.elections-2023.ch 17 Swiss Review / August 2023 / No.4 Politics
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