Swiss political parties and the “magic formula”
SVP, SP, FDP, The Centre, Greens, Green Liberals: Switzerland's main parties and the “magic formula” that shares out the government seats.
Swiss political life is shaped by a handful of major parties. None dominates alone: the country governs by permanent coalition, which encourages compromise rather than alternation of power.
The main parties
| Party | Orientation |
|---|---|
| SVP | National-conservative right |
| SP | Left / social-democratic |
| FDP | Liberal right |
| The Centre | Centre |
| Greens | Green left |
| Green Liberals | Green centrist |
The “magic formula”
Since 1959, the seven Federal Council seats have been shared among the main parties according to an informal key called the “magic formula”, rather than won by a single victor. Its exact make-up shifts with the balance of power, but the principle stays: govern together, with no official opposition.
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest party in Switzerland?
The SVP (Swiss People's Party) has for years been the largest party by vote share, ahead of the SP and the FDP.
What is the magic formula?
The informal key that has shared the seven government seats among the main parties since 1959, to govern in permanent coalition.
Related reading
- The Swiss political system: Federal Council, Parliament, cantons
A seven-member government, a two-chamber Parliament, 26 cantons and direct democracy: how the Swiss political system really works.
- Swiss direct democracy: popular votes, initiatives, referendums
Popular initiative, referendum, double majority: how Swiss citizens vote four times a year and can change the Constitution or block a law.