The first section of the Green Party in Switzerland was established in 1971 in canton Neuchâtel to oppose plans for a new motorway. They won their first parliamentary seat in 1979, when the present mayor of Lausanne, Daniel Brélaz, was elected. In 1983, a number of groups joined forces to form the Federation of Swiss Environmental Parties. In recent years, the Greens have gained representation in the governments of several cantons. At federal level, they are the fifth-ranking party, but as yet have held no cabinet post.

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