This content was published on
The rightwing Swiss People’s Party was formed in 1971 from a fusion of farmers’ and artisans’ parties. Since the beginning of the 1990s it has gained in strength, becoming the foremost party in parliament. Policies include less state intervention, limited cooperation with the European Union and an anti-foreigner stance. In 2003 it gained a second…
This content was published on
Founded in the first half of the 19th century, the Liberals took up a position to the right of the Radical Party, with a greater emphasis on economic matters. At the end of the 19th century, Liberals and Radicals united in most cantons, but not in French-speaking Switzerland or in Basel City. Nowadays the Liberal…
This content was published on
Founded in 1971 under the name of National Action for People and Country, this party was most prominent in the late 1970s, when the initiative promoted by its parliamentarian James Schwarzenbach against the influx of foreigners was rejected by a small majority of voters. Since the early 1990s, when the Swiss People’s Party adopted some…
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
This content was published on
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is the foreign ministry office in charge of Switzerland’s international cooperation. Alongside other federal offices, SDC is responsible for overall coordination of development activities and cooperation with Eastern Europe, as well as humanitarian aid.
This content was published on
There are more than 700,000 Swiss citizens living outside Switzerland, with the majority in European Union countries. The second-largest expatriate community is in the United States. Their interests are defended by the Bern-based Organisation of the Swiss Abroad.
This content was published on
The speaker (president) of the House of Representatives, who is elected for a one-year term, is regarded as the “highest Swiss” because he or she also chairs the meetings of the federal assembly (when the House of Representatives and Senate meet as one body). He/she chairs the proceedings of the house, represents it officially and…
This content was published on
Founded in 1888, the Social Democrats remained in opposition for many years. They gained a seat in government in 1943 and have been permanent members with two ministerial posts since 1959. The centre-left party often assumes the role of the opposition when faced by the three other right-leaning parties in government. It is now the…
This content was published on
Laws which have been adopted by parliament can be challenged by the public in a referendum. For such a ballot to take place, at least 50,000 signatures must be gathered within 100 days. The so-called optional referendum needs only a majority of votes to be passed in a nationwide poll. The electorate also has the…
This content was published on
After founding the modern Swiss state in 1848, the liberal and radical parties formed the Radical Party in 1894. The centre-right Radicals – with traditionally strong links to the business community – were for a long time the strongest force in parliament. But they lost a lot of support in the 2003 elections. The Radicals…
This content was published on
The Arts Council of Switzerland, Pro Helvetia, is a public foundation whose mandate is to promote cultural efforts of a general nature on behalf of Switzerland. It aims to support persons in the cultural sector with the best possible conditions for creativity and for making their work known. It helps them to present their work…
