Parties

A political party is an association of people with similar political goals. They join together to reach these goals together. Parties deal, for example, with the economy, social issues or the environment. Anyone can join a party. You do not have to be a member of parliament to do so.

Parties represent the various interests and concerns of the population. They put forward candidates for elections. Before popular votes they give recommendations. They also often call referendums or launch initiatives. In this way they help people to form an opinion.

There are many parties in Switzerland, for example the SVP, SP, FDP, The Centre (Die Mitte), the Greens and the Green Liberals. No party has a majority on its own. Parties do not elect the government themselves: the Federal Council is elected by the Federal Assembly. Nor do they control the media, because the media are free.