EU treaty debate exposes rifts in Switzerland’s Center and FDP

Divisions within Switzerland’s Center and FDP were on display as the Council of States opened a major debate on a treaty package with the EU, SRF reported. Four members of each party’s group declined to consider the proposal, representing sizeable minorities in both groups.

Within the Center, Valais senator Beat Rieder led the criticism, arguing that even the term “colonial treaty” was not strong enough. He said Britain had never required its colonies to adopt laws dynamically in the way the EU is asking Switzerland to do.

His fellow party member Benedikt Würth defended the package, saying it had been well negotiated and would bring stability in uncertain times. He also said opponents had offered no alternative plan.

Political scientist Lukas Golder of GFS Bern said the Center faced a dilemma. A clear yes could increase pressure on the party in conservative parts of Switzerland, while a no would conflict with its image as a party focused on finding solutions. He expects the Center to settle on a cautious, lukewarm yes.

Golder said the Center’s commitment to federalism runs deep, and that changes to Swiss law initiated in Brussels cause unease among some party members. Some, he said, do not accept the supranational level in any form.

FDP opponents were less vocal in the chamber. Graubünden senator Martin Schmid argued against the package, saying dynamic adoption of EU law would put Switzerland in an “institutionalised defensive position” and shift power towards Brussels.

Lucerne senator Damian Müller argued in favour, saying privileged access to the European single market was a proven Swiss approach: “We cooperate where it serves our interests, without putting every area of policy under a shared order.” Unlike the Center, the FDP backed the treaties in principle at a delegates’ meeting in autumn 2025. Golder said the economic case for the agreements was more firmly rooted in the FDP, where the liberal response is generally to favour more cooperation.

Golder said the dispute within the FDP centres more on whether the agreements should require a majority of cantons to pass. The party delegates’ opposition to that requirement has displeased many members, particularly the party leadership. He expects further internal disputes, especially among representatives of smaller German-speaking cantons.

The divisions could pose a problem for both parties during the election campaign, Golder said, when voters expect clear positions. He expects the EU treaty vote to draw high turnout and bring tens of thousands of people into politics for the first time. In his view, the political centre may offer voters less guidance than the political extremes, leaving the Center and FDP vulnerable if their positions remain vague.