FDP and SVP challenge Centre’s lead in Zug elections

The FDP and SVP are seeking to overtake the Centre as the strongest party in Zug’s cantonal parliament, as voters elect its members on Sunday. A total of 342 candidates are competing for 80 seats, SRF reports.

The parliament is divided into four roughly equal blocs: the left, made up of the Social Democrats (SP) and the Alternative Greens (ALG); the Centre; the FDP; and the Swiss People’s Party (SVP). The united left regularly loses votes to the centre-right majority.

The Centre currently holds the most seats, but its past dominance, when it controlled more than half the parliament, has long since ended. The FDP and SVP say the Centre, or parts of it, too often votes with left-wing parties.

Three issues are prominent in the campaign. The SVP and FDP are advocating lower taxes, while the Green Liberal Party (GLP) is focusing on environmental issues. The Centre, SP and Alternative Greens are prioritising housing policy.

The GLP has had six members in the parliament since 2022 and has the youngest parliamentary group.