Foreigners in Switzerland don’t seem to care if they can vote in the country or not – and if they could, they would vote for parties which don’t want them to vote in the first place – if they could be bothered.
A major study by the media group Tamedia show that 15% of non-Swiss would vote for the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, which is vehemently opposed to foreigners voting, but twice as many have no interest in voting anyway.
In fact, 22% of foreigners agree they shouldn’t be able to vote.
But the survey seems to back the opinion of those who want voting rights for non-Swiss, who say it would not influence the balance of power in the country anyway.
Michael Buffat, a Swiss People’s Party Member of Parliament, says he’s not surprised his party appeals to foreigners, as their themes affect everyone who lives in the country.
In Geneva, public sector workers marched again yesterday, protesting the 2026 budget and the planned cuts of nearly 300 jobs considered vital to public services.
Eurovision is facing a deepening crisis after Swiss singer Nemo, the 2024 winner, announced they are returning their trophy in protest at Israel’s participation in next year’s contest.