Multiculturalism and the Left in Switzerland: Tensions and Perspectives

Author(s) : Matteo Gianni

Source : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-71719-2_5

Abstract:

This chapter addresses a puzzle that centers on exogenous diversity (i.e. polyethnic diversity) in Switzerland. Contrary to what might have been expected, the success of the political Left (and, more precisely, the Green Party) in the 2019 and 2023 federal elections has not led to significant changes in either immigrant-centered multicultural policies, the implementation of a politics of recognition, the development of a more inclusive approach to integration in the country, or to changes to restrictive citizenship acquisition policies. The chapter argues that this puzzle can be explained by the combination of three factors: (1) the continued ability of Switzerland’s (dominant) right-wing party to sustain and circulate derogatory narratives on immigration; (2) the indirect effects of institutions—federalism and direct democracy—designed to protect endogenous diversity (i.e., multinational diversity); and (3) an ideological convergence between left- and right-wing political parties on Switzerland’s Muslim minority and on Switzerland’s prevailing model of integration. The chapter concludes with preliminary speculations on whether or not Switzerland may be able to overcome these barriers to developing a comprehensive institutional and inclusive model of multiculturalism.