Exit polls show rightwing SVP making gains in Swiss federal elections
GuardianOct 30, 2023
The Facts
A new poll released ahead of Sunday’s parliamentary elections in Switzerland has shown the right-wing populist Swiss People’s Party (SVP) is solidifying its position as the country's largest parliamentary group, while the Green Party are projected to lose the most seats.
The Sotomo research institute released the results of a final poll suggesting the SVP will gain 2.5 percentage points to earn 28.1% of the vote and that the Green Party will lose 3.5 percentage points, slipping to 9.7%.
The Spin
Right narrative
The SVP's projected lead in the impending parliamentary polls shows that the Swiss have had enough of Left-wing policies bleeding their country dry, causing health insurance premiums to skyrocket, and opening the border to dangerous immigrants. Despite the usual and inaccurate cries of “xenophobia,” the SVP won't back off its fight for sovereignty. While mainstream media demonizes conservatives, the people are backing the SVP.
Left narrative
Just like other European Right-wing parties, the SVP is stoking fear and hatred, demonizing immigrants, and denying science to gain power. It is in a culture war with the so-called “woke” media and making bad-faith arguments to downplay climate change. Like many countries recovering from the pandemic, Switzerland's financial vulnerability is opening the door to divisive demagogues. The SVP may win Sunday's election, but it is not a legitimate force for good.
