The 2015 Swiss federal elections: the radical right strikes back

The Swiss People’s Party (SVP) emerged as the unambiguous winner of the 2015 Swiss federal elections. In a campaign that was dominated by the asylum theme, the party from the radical right decisively increased its representation in the Lower House (National Council). With 29.4 per cent of the vote, the party recorded its highest ever share, confirming its status as the largest radical right party in Western Europe. Subsequent to the elections, the SVP managed to obtain a second seat in government (Federal Council). Guy Parmelin was appointed by MPs to the seven-member cabinet as a replacement for Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf from the small Conservative Democrats (BDP). The rise of the radical right in terms of electoral performance and government participation is in line with elections that have recently taken place in Germany, Austria, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.