Social Democratic Party

swissinfo.ch

“The Social Democrats have three central values: social justice, solidarity and quality of life. The problems with the welfare and tax systems are still unresolved. At the moment a wedge is being driven between the poor and rich, and between the old and young. Quality of life means sustainable development, a healthy environment and equal rights.”

Christine Goll, vice-president

The Social Democratic Party was founded in 1888. It was considered to be the main opposition to the Radicals in parliament. After the General Strike in 1918, the House of Representatives introduced proportional representation which helped the Social Democrats gain 41 seats.

In 1943 they became the strongest party in parliament, finally gaining a seat in the cabinet. In the 1980s the Social Democrats fell out of favour, but the party came out on top in the 1995 elections. Since the elections in 1999 the party has been neck-and-neck with the Swiss People’s Party at the head of the field. The Social Democrats have 51 members in the House of Representatives and six in the Senate.