July 24, 2008

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The ultra-nationalist Swiss People’s Party (SVP) is the most popular political organization in the European country, according to a poll by Isopublic. 23.3 per cent of respondents—all likely voters—would vote for the SVP in the next election to the National Council.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The ultra-nationalist Swiss People’s Party (SVP) is the most popular political organization in the European country, according to a poll by Isopublic. 23.3 per cent of respondents—all likely voters—would vote for the SVP in the next election to the National Council.

The Social-Democratic Party of Switzerland (SPS) is second with 21.2 per cent, followed by the Freethinking-Democratic Party of Switzerland (FDP) with 16.6 per cent, the Christian Democratic People’s Party (CVP) with 15.8 per cent, and the Green Party of Switzerland (GPS) with 9.8 per cent.

Support is lower for the Civic Party of Switzerland (BPS), the Protestant People’s Party (EVP), the Green Liberal Party (GLP), the Liberal Party of Switzerland (LPS), the Federal Democratic Union (EDU), the Christian Social Party (CSP), the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the Swiss Party of Labour (PdA), and the Swiss Democrats (SD).

Since 1959, Switzerland has formed its government under a power-sharing agreement known as the "Magic Formula." The country’s four major political parties are represented in the seven-post cabinet.

In October 2007, the SVP secured 62 seats in the Council—seven more than in 2003—followed by the SPS with 43 mandates, the FDP and the CVP with 31 seats each, and the GPS with 20 mandates.

During the last election, the SVP launched a controversial campaign depicting black sheep in large posters representing foreigners who commit crimes in the country. Then Swiss president Micheline Calmy-Rey criticized the operation, calling it "irresponsible" and "disgusting".

Last year, SVP member Christoph Blocher failed in his bid to secure a new term in the cabinet. In March, the SVP elected Toni Brunner as its new leader. Brunner is close to Blocher, who—under a new party structure—will become one of five vice-presidents.

The SVP recently gathered enough signatures to call a referendum on whether to enact a nationwide ban on minarets, architectural structures typical of Muslim mosques. The party justified its decision, claiming that minarets are "symbols of political-religious imperialism."

SVP lawmaker Dominique Baettig said that minarets are "a symbol of non-integration", adding, "We hope that this initiative sends a clear signal that we are calling a halt to the Islamization of Switzerland. Our hard-won individual liberties are being eroded and that is not acceptable."

A date for the referendum has not been set yet.

Polling Data

If the election to the National Council were next Sunday, which party would you vote for? (Likely voters)

Swiss People’s Party (SVP)	23.3%
Social-Democratic Party of Switzerland (SPS)	21.2%
Freethinking-Democratic Party of Switzerland (FDP)	16.6%
Christian Democratic People’s Party (CVP)	15.8%
Green Party of Switzerland (GPS)	9.8%
Civic Party of Switzerland (BPS)	3.8%
Protestant People’s Party (EVP)	2.4%
Green Liberal Party (GLP)	2.4%
Liberal Party of Switzerland (LPS)	1.7%
Federal Democratic Union (EDU)	1.7%
Christian Social Party (CSP)	1.5%
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)	1.4%
Swiss Party of Labour (PdA)	0.4%
Swiss Democrats (SD)	0.4%

Source: Isopublic
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,027 Swiss voters, conducted from Jun. 18 to Jul. 4, 2008. No margin of error was provided.