“We want more social justice and new jobs. We want Switzerland to offer equal opportunities instead of privileges for just a few,” said party president Christian Levrat.
The revised party manifesto, which was presented on Wednesday, also calls for a strong social security system, Swiss membership of the European Union, a financial strategy banning untaxed money, cuts in the militia army and the creation of a constitutional court.
The white paper will now be sent to the cantonal and local party chapters ahead of the next parliamentary elections set for October 2011.
Critics within the party have been calling for a shift from the left, the traditional ground of the trade union wing, towards the centre of Switzerland’s political spectrum.
The group has been losing ground in recent cantonal elections.
The Social Democrats are one of five parties represented in the government. They are the second biggest party and won just under 20 per cent of the votes in the last nationwide elections.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Left-leaning parties receive competition
This content was published on
Around 200 people took part in a congress of the new party in Schaffhausen on Saturday. In an appeal to Swiss voters, The Left said it intended to become an “eco-socialist power, which is currently lacking in Switzerland”. One of the co-founders of the new party, Florian Keller, said The Left should appeal to young…
This content was published on
But political experts say the cabinet showed signs of weakness in handling the crisis over banking secrecy and the diplomatic row with Libya. In contrast to the image of Switzerland as a haven of political stability, the country has been going through a turbulent period since 2007 when parliament and the cabinet began their four-year…
This content was published on
A survey conducted by a leading research institute also found a majority in favour of extending the role of Swiss president but rejecting plans to choose cabinet ministers in a nationwide election rather than by parliament. Four out of five respondents approved the idea of cross-party cooperation, while clear majorities also came out in favour…
This content was published on
Women finally gained the vote in Switzerland in 1971, after a long campaign. Before that male voters had always rejected the move. Old posters show how the subject was often an emotional one.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.