October 19, 2003

NO, NO, WE ARE SWISS, SWISS:

Swiss Right Wing Win Challenges Political Stability (Reuters, October 19, 2003)

The Swiss right wing raced ahead in general elections on Sunday in a move which could unsettle the neutral nation's renowned political stability by rocking the foundations of the 44-year-old coalition government.

A polarization in voter sentiment saw support swing behind the anti-immigrant Swiss People's Party (SVP), which edged out the left-leaning Social Democrats (SP) to become the nation's most popular group, a Swiss television projection showed.

Proud of its neutrality and impeccable democratic credentials, Switzerland has long played on its strength as a stable political nation, building up a reputation as a safe haven for offshore wealth in turbulent times.

But strong gains for the SVP point to increasing concerns in the recession-hit nation of rising unemployment and a falling standard of living. The party also reinforced Switzerland's isolation by campaigning against closer ties with EU neighbors.


Seems pertinent to the story below about how the Tories are done as a major party--the path back to power is pretty obvious.

Posted by Orrin Judd at October 19, 2003 5:11 PM
Comments

Except that it's hard to know what "conservative" or "rightwing" means in foreign countries or when used by Reuters.

Posted by: David Cohen at October 19, 2003 5:15 PM

Co-opt the radical Right's issues before they become a problem.

Posted by: oj at October 19, 2003 5:35 PM

Co-opt its anti-immigrant stance? This is a country that put Turks into "guest worker" camps, complete with curfews. Orrin, you have been slamming Japan for its xenophobia. Why trumpet Switzerland?

Posted by: Peter B at October 19, 2003 5:47 PM

Peter:

I've suggested that anti-immigration policy is an economic mistake, and means places like Japan aren't serious rivals to us. But because of their own low birth rates and lack of any core beliefs to make immigrants assimilate to these are doomed nations anyway. May as well go to the grave quietly, instead of having someone else pull the plug on you.

Posted by: oj at October 19, 2003 5:53 PM

Orrin:

OK, I'll buy it, but it is pretty short term. The Swiss are very European, and hardly honourary members of the Anglosphere. Free enterprise as a way to suck out and protect everyone else's wealth is not exactly City of Light talk, is it?

BTW, if you track the Post as closely as I think you do, you must know there is some good news for Canadian conservatives. I'm still holding on to my wallet, but surely it deserves a post, as least as much as the xenophobic Swiss. Remember, you are a Christian, and therefore believe all sinners can repent and be saved, even Canadians.

Posted by: Peter B at October 19, 2003 8:47 PM

The whole continent is short term....

Posted by: oj at October 19, 2003 10:44 PM
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