Swiss anti-immigrant party projected to make record showing in election

The far-right and euroskeptic Swiss People’s Party (SVP) is set to make its strongest showing ever in national elections, according to projections by the NZZ newspaper.

The SVP, which has centered its campaign on anti-immigrant rhetoric, is projected to win 30 percent of the vote, up from 25.6 percent four years ago and higher than pre-election polls. It has been the country’s largest party since 2003.

In an election dominated by domestic issues, the three other main parties — the Social Democrats, the Free Democrats and the Center Alliance — are also projected to make gains, with only the Greens and the Green Liberals projected to come out weaker than in 2019.

The Swiss vote for 200 seats in the lower chamber of parliament, the National Council, and 46 seats in the upper chamber, the Council of States. Since 1959, all the major parties have been represented in the seven-member government — the Federal Council — which is elected by members of parliament.

The final results will be announced at 6 p.m. on Sunday.