An annual survey has found that citizens are slightly more satisfied with the country’s political situation than before, though more than half are still not fully content.

Some 38% of the 20,000 respondents to the online Vimentis survey said they were happy with the shape of Swiss politics in 2018; an increase of 2% on the previous year’s figure.

On concrete issues, current political divisions about a future framework agreement with the European Union (EU) are reflected in the citizens: a slight majority of 54% said they were in favour of maintaining bilateral agreements with Brussels.

Almost two-thirds also said they did not want to see any easing of the ‘flanking measures’ that aim to protect salary levels and working conditions in Switzerland; however, 41% also said they would be against any further restrictions on free movement of persons if this would harm bilateral relations with Europe.

The major themes of political concern were found to be asylum policy (13% said significant action would be needed here in 2019), the health system, as well as EU relations.

Unsurprisingly, concerns vary according to age and political leaning. Young respondents were found to be more concerned about climate change and the environment, as were Green Party voters. Conservative right People’s Party voters were more likely to be focused on asylum and immigration.

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