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“The medium” will be called CVP in the future. And clarify with the new name of the party what it represents politically. But while the middle road helps CVP succeed in parliament, it is not suitable as a political best-seller.
The party that once supported the state has known only one direction in terms of the proportion of voters in national elections for 40 years: down. The CVP has now fallen from more than 21 percent to just under 11 percent. If things continue like this, the party threatens not even to legitimize its only seat on the Federal Council.
Mitte politicians target exchange voters
However, the steady decline has not hurt her in day-to-day political affairs. On the contrary. As a party that constantly positions itself as a force between the poles, it seizes the balance in important decisions. Neither the left bloc nor the right bloc have had enough votes in the National Council since the last elections to achieve a majority. This makes CVP a coveted majority funder for both parties. Without a party, nothing works in the National Council. Especially not in the Council of States, where the CVP also had to surrender, but it is still hardly the strongest force against the FDP. In elections to the Council of States, focused politicians find it easier to target voters of other parties.
In this sense, it is not surprising that CVP wants to better market its intermediate position under the name of the party. Party chairman Gerhard Pfister is “fundamentally convinced” that there will be gains in the National Council elections in 2023.
Ambitious goal for 2023
That may be true if the planned merger of the CVP and the BDP really succeeds and previous BDP voters remain loyal to the new party. But in the longer term? How will CVP continue to grow after incorporating the failed BDP?
Since its founding, the BDP in particular has tried to sell itself as a “courageous” alternative that is based on consensus and distances itself from extremes. With a spectacular failure, as we know it today. The CVP is now based on the exact same sales recipe. According to polls, the party’s leader, Pfister, believes that 20 percent of the vote is realistic.
That is an ambitious goal. In recent years, those who can come forward with a clear message have scored in national elections. With a striking appearance. If you want to change something, choose a party that speaks plain language. “The middle” practically represents the opposite of all this.
CVP is more likely to grow back if it can target people who have not yet voted. Those who want to oppose polarization in politics. “The middle” is likely to become an attractive label if the political poles become farther apart.
Philipp Burkhardt
Head of the editorial office of the Bundeshaus, SRF
