Snapshot of the latest Swiss poll
A new Tamedia/20 Minuten online poll conducted September 16–17 among 14,800 Swiss residents shows a broad mood of dissatisfaction with the federal government. A striking 67% of respondents say they are unhappy with the work of the seven-member Federal Council, an increase of 17 percentage points since the same survey two years ago. Notably, no minister ranks above the overall average of 4 out of 6, underscoring a rare moment of distrust in the country’s top executive.
What the figures reveal about the Federal Council
The survey suggests that discontent crosses ideological lines. Political scientist Pascal Sciarini of the University of Geneva notes that voters on the right, including UDC supporters, fault the government’s stance on European questions tied to bilateral relations. Yet the disaffection also extends to the left, where anger centers on the budgetary austerity plan led by Karin Keller-Sutter and what some perceive as a passive federal posture on the Gaza conflict. Rising concerns about premium costs add to the overall pessimism about government performance.
Discontent also grows in Parliament
As Switzerland gears up for the 2027 federal elections, the poll shows growing dissatisfaction with Parliament as a whole: 63% of respondents express discontent, up 6 percentage points from September 2023. The disapproval is most pronounced among Greens supporters (76%), followed by Socialist voters (74%) and the UDC base (68%). In contrast, supporters of the PLR and the Centre express relatively milder dissatisfaction, with 61% and 53% respectively.
Individual ratings: who is faring best—and worst
On the personal approval scale, Martin Pfister, the newest minister, leads with a 3.89/6, aided by his fresh mandate and a personality viewed as broadly likeable, even if the portfolio is challenging. According to Sciarini, this combination gives him an initial capital of sympathy.
- UDC Guy Parmelin — 3.84
- UDC Albert Rösti — 3.63
- Karin Keller-Sutter — 3.51
- Beat Jans (SP, Basel) — 3.31
- Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (Jura) — 3.14
<liIgnazio Cassis — 3.01
Pfister sits at the top, while Keller-Sutter, who previously led the pack in February with a 4.1, has seen her ratings slide to 3.51. The ranks show a clear drift toward more cautious leadership ratings across the board.
Why Keller-Sutter’s rating fell
Analysts point to several factors. Keller-Sutter’s drop from 4.1 to 3.51 has been attributed to the government’s austerity push—a program unpopular with many cantons and segments of the public. Sciarini also highlights a controversial moment at the Munich Security Conference, where Keller-Sutter aligned with criticisms of Europe voiced by U.S. Vice President JD Vance. In some circles, this stance is perceived as compromising Swiss autonomy on European issues and affecting trust in the government’s broader foreign policy. Additionally, persistent concerns over tariffs and imported costs contribute to the unease about leadership decisions in times of global strain.
What the poll could mean for the 2027 elections
With the campaign for the autumn 2027 federal elections on the horizon, the poll paints a picture of a disengaged or skeptical electorate. Parties may feel pressure to recalibrate their messaging on economic policy, international relations, and domestic cost-of-living issues. Whether Keller-Sutter and other ministers can regain credibility in the coming months remains a central question for Swiss politics as voters weigh the balance of austerity, diplomacy, and welfare protections.
