Political Rifts Are Less Deep In Switzerland Than Elsewhere


(MENAFN- Swissinfo) In many countries, people with different political views are becoming increasing polarised. However, in Switzerland emotional political rifts have not widened, a new study by the University of Basel shows.

This content was published on May 23, 2024 - 18:10 3 minutes Marco Morell, SRF
  • Deutsch de In der Schweiz sind politische Gräben weniger tief als anderswo Original Read more: In der Schweiz sind politische Gräben weniger tief als anderswo
  • Français fr En Suisse, l'antipathie à l'égard des personnes d'un autre bord politique reste stable depuis 20 ans Read more: En Suisse, l'antipathie à l'égard des personnes d'un autre bord politique reste stable depuis 20 ans
  • Italiano it Le fratture politiche non si sono allargate Read more: Le fratture politiche non si sono allargate

Around the world, there are signs that people are becoming more polarised in their political views, leaving little room for different opinions. Experts refer to this as affective or emotional polarisation. This is particularly apparent in the US, but also in countries such as Slovakia, where the recent assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico was linked to the contentious political climate.

What about Switzerland? Various indications suggest that political rifts have also opened up here. This has been fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic in particular, but also the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

However, a team of researchers has now concluded that emotional polarisation in Switzerland has barely changed over the past two decades. It is the first scientific study conducted on this topic in Switzerland. In addition to other sources, the team led by Alois Stutzer, professor of political economy at the University of Basel, used data from the opinion poll“How are you, Switzerland?”. This poll was conducted in 2023 by the research institute gfs on behalf of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), SWI swissinfo's parent company.

More More Swiss Abroad, how are you doing?

This content was published on Aug 23, 2023 The results from our opinion survey show why it's worthwhile being a Swiss Abroad.

Read more: Swiss Abroad, how are you doing? 'Political riffs have not widened'

This is good news for Switzerland and its democracy.“If emotional polarisation is very pronounced, then we have a problem in democracy,” says Stutzer. A highly cultural and political diverse country such as Switzerland can only exist in the long term with citizens who engage in discord, but who do not see their political opponents as enemies.

According to the study, there was a brief period between 1999 and 2003 in which affective polarisation increased significantly. Since then, it has remained at a constant.“Overall, the political rifts have not widened,” Stutzer concludes.

External Content

The economist can only speculate about the reasons behind this. According to him, the frequent referendums are one factor, as polarising issues can be put forth and addressed on a regular basis.

The electoral system is another reason, Stutzer says.“It forces political groups to come together time and again in changing constellations.” The researcher draws the following conclusion from his study:“The democratic conflict resolution mechanisms still seem to be working in Switzerland.”

Less sympathy for political parties

Another finding of the study: Swiss people's sympathies towards political parties have generally declined and reached a low point in 2023.

Recently, the polarisation on the left of the political spectrum has been in the spotlight due to the protests against the war in Gaza at Swiss universities. Does the study show whether emotional polarisation tends to occur on the left or the right wings?“No,” says Stutzer.“It always takes both sides. Based on the data, you can't blame anyone for it.”

Adapted from German by Claire Micallef/amva

More More Newsletters

Sign up for our free newsletters and get the top stories delivered to your inbox.

Read more: Newsletters Articles in this story
  • Swiss Abroad, how are you doing?
  • Newsletters

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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 ... .

Read more More Explainer: Is there no political opposition in Switzerland?

This content was published on Dec 8, 2023 In Switzerland the major parties are always part of the government. So who keeps a check on the cabinet ministers?

Read more: Explainer: Is there no political opposition in Switzerland? More Democracy Monitor 2023: half of citizens unhappy with Swiss politics

This content was published on Sep 3, 2023 A poll reveals that citizens are divided over Swiss politics: appreciation for the system of direct democracy, but pessimism about the future.

Read more: Democracy Monitor 2023: half of citizens unhappy with Swiss politics More When political opposites govern together

This content was published on Feb 2, 2018 Who would come up with the concept of a government in which all the main parties – from leftwingers to rightwingers – are represented? The Swiss!

Read more: When political opposites govern together More Does social media fuel fake news in Switzerland as much as in the US?

This content was published on Jul 12, 2023 Social media platforms are global, but that doesn't mean they have the same effect everywhere.

Read more: Does social media fuel fake news in Switzerland as much as in the US? More An idyll with cracks: a survey on the Swiss state of mind

This content was published on Aug 23, 2023 Swiss citizens are generally very satisfied with life, according to a new survey. But there are some worrying cracks in this idyll.

Read more: An idyll with cracks: a survey on the Swiss state of mind

MENAFN23052024000210011054ID1108250972


Swissinfo

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.