After heatwaves, can Swiss Greens turn climate urgency into votes?

Switzerland is experiencing extreme heatwaves, warming at twice the global average. Yet, a year before the next federal elections, the Green Party faces a paradox: despite growing visibility of climate change impacts, they struggle to convert this concern into electoral gains.

In 2019, following months of climate strikes, the Greens saw a "historic score" and an "ecological tidal wave," securing 17 additional seats in the National Council for a record high. This surge reflected a strong public mobilization around climate action.

However, this momentum proved difficult to sustain. By the 2023 federal elections, their representation had decreased from the 2019 peak of 28 seats to 23. This decline suggests a challenge in maintaining voter engagement and translating environmental awareness into consistent electoral support.

The party now faces the task of revitalizing its campaign and finding ways to connect with voters on climate issues, hoping to capitalize on the increasing urgency of the climate crisis to regain electoral strength.