Švicarski Euroskepticizam: Lokalne varijacije na šire teme
Swiss Euroskepticism: Local Variations on broad Themes

Author(s): Clive H. Church
Subject(s): Civil Society, International relations/trade, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
Published by: Centar za politološka istraživanja
Summary/Abstract: Although the term Euroscepticism is rarely used in Switzerland, the country is more imbued with it than is often thought. It can be found, in the Swiss way, in public opinion, in the votes of voters and in daily politics, but not in the newspapers. General attitudes towards Europe often differ only in nuances, although there is also a heated anti-European debate. But it is part of a broader Swiss belief in freedom from international political engagement. Extreme anti-Europeanism is used less by the main political parties of the center-right, and more by smaller parties, the Swiss People's Party, and special organizations such as the AUNS, often to show their combativeness in referendums. This is how they gain most of their support, mainly from the lower middle classes, especially in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. In general, the right-wing movement has helped to revive it, which has led to a change in the party system in Switzerland. However, its roots go back further than the awakening of the far right. Anti-Europeanism has influenced political change in Switzerland and seems likely to continue to do so. It could influence European developments and our thinking about the nature of Euroscepticism.

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