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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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The people’s initiative allows every citizen to propose a modification of the constitution. To be valid it must be signed by at least 100,000 people within a period of 18 months. Parliament can directly accept the initiative. It can also refuse it or put forward a counter-proposal. In all cases a nationwide vote takes place.
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The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad represents in Switzerland the interests of more than 700,000 Swiss expatriates. It informs them about what is happening in their home country and offers a wide variety of services. Founded in 1916, the OSA is supported by about 750 expatriates’ associations and Swiss institutions abroad.
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Successor to the Swiss European Movement founded in 1934, which advocated the creation of a federation of European states, the organisation was established in 1998 when a number of pro-European groups merged. Its principal objective is to see Switzerland join the European Union as soon as possible. A people’s initiative launched by the group requesting…
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When there are votes on changes to the constitution, issues put to the vote are accepted when the majority of voters and cantons approve them (double majority). The result of the vote in each canton determines the canton’s vote. Cantons Obwalden, Nidwalden, Basel City, Basel Country, Appenzell Outer Rhodes and Appenzell Inner Rhodes each has…
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The magic formula shares the seven cabinet seats among the four main political parties according to their electoral support. The magic formula is in use but it has no legal status. When it was used for the first time in 1959, it gave two seats to the centre-left Social Democratic Party, two to the centre-right…
