Poll results signal widening discontent across Swiss politics
A Tamedia/20 Minuten online poll conducted on Sept. 16-17 among 14,800 Swiss residents reveals a broad mood of dissatisfaction with national politics. A striking 67 percent of respondents say they are unhappy with the work of the seven members of the Swiss Federal Council, a figure that marks a 17-point jump from two years ago. Notably, none of the ministers escapes criticism, with all scores falling below the mid-point of 4 on a 6-point scale.
Political scientist Pascal Sciarini of the University of Geneva frames the trend as a convergence of concerns across political camps. He points to voters on the right who chide the government’s European policy on the bilateral track, while supporters on the left express frustration with the budgetary austerity package spearheaded by Karin Keller-Sutter and what they view as a passive stance on the Gaza conflict. Added to this mix is public unease about rising health care costs and insurance premiums, compounding dissatisfaction with national leadership.
Discontent grows beyond the executive to the legislature
The poll also tracks public sentiment toward Parliament, which shows a parallel erosion. About 63 percent of respondents express dissatisfaction with Parliament, up six points from the last Tamedia/20 Minuten survey in September 2023. The disapproval is most pronounced among voters for the Greens (76 percent) and the Social Democrats (74 percent). The UDC fares slightly better at 68 percent, while supporters of the Free Democratic Party and the Centre Party register more tempered disenchantment (61 and 53 percent respectively).
Ministerial rankings: Pfister leads, Keller-Sutter slides
Individually, Martin Pfister is the highest-rated among the current cabinet appointees in this survey, with a score of 3.89 out of 6. Sciarini notes that Pfister is a fresh face with a conciliatory style, handling a challenging portfolio and entering the role with some political capital to spare. He adds that Pfister’s relative warmth among voters reflects both his newness and his handling of a difficult department.
Following Pfister, the UDC’s Guy Parmelin sits at 3.84, showing a small improvement since February. The veteran minister Albert Rösti drops one slot to third place with 3.63, lower than the prior poll. Karin Keller-Sutter, who previously topped the rankings in February with a 4.1, has slipped to 3.51. Critics attribute her decline to the austerity path she championed, a stance that has alienated some cantons and stakeholders. In addition, her remarks at a Munich conference defending American protectionist positions have drawn fire for perceived alignment with U.S. policy that many see as adverse to Swiss interests.
Concluding the cabinet’s line-up, Beat Jans of the Social Democrats records 3.31, Elisabeth Baume-Schneider from the Greens 3.14, and Ignazio Cassis sits at the bottom with 3.01, down from 3.62 in February. Sciarini characterizes Cassis’s cautious diplomacy on international issues, especially regarding Europe and Gaza, as contributing to the lower standing of the foreign minister among voters.
Implications for the 2027 elections
The poll arrives as Switzerland prepares for the federal elections expected in autumn 2027. Political observers say the broad-based discontent could complicate campaign dynamics, with opposition parties likely to sharpen critiques of the government’s economic restraint and foreign policy posture. While new faces like Pfister offer a potential counterweight to fatigue with the old guard, incumbents face the challenge of translating public skepticism into electoral support. Analysts warn that the mood may also translate into increased voter turnout and more volatile preference swings as parties recalibrate their platforms.
What the numbers suggest for governance and policy making
Beyond personality ratings, the data underscore a widespread demand for clearer policy direction on economic issues, international engagement, and health care costs. If these concerns persist, parties across the spectrum may press for more concrete reforms and a less cautious foreign policy stance, particularly on Europe and regional security matters. For Keller-Sutter, the challenge is clear: rebuild trust by balancing prudent budget choices with a more assertive communication of policy outcomes and a visible commitment to addressing everyday concerns like premiums and public services.
