How has the polarization of discourse taken hold in the Federal Parliament?

Discover our investigation!

Across the world, political debate is becoming increasingly polarized, marked by more aggressive rhetoric. What about Switzerland, a democracy often perceived as more consensual?
To answer this question and trace the evolution of political debate, our exclusive investigation analyzed 187,403 speeches delivered by members of the Swiss Federal Parliament since 1999.
Semantic analysis shows that emotional rhetoric has nearly quadrupled over the past twenty-five years, pointing to a growing dynamic of polarization. This trend is particularly evident among parties on the left (SP, Greens) and the right (SVP), while the center-right (FDP, The Centre, Green Liberal Party) maintains a more cognitive and rational discourse.
How is this polarization transforming our politics? This will be the focus of a discussion organized by Le Temps on June 4, bringing together journalists and the authors of the study.

Limited seats, registration required.
Thursday, June 4, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Le Temps newsroom – Av. du Bouchet 2, 1209 Geneva