A Political and Economic Dictionary of Western Europe, First Edition
Christian Democratic Party
The Christian Democratic Party, or Christlichdemokratische Volkspartei (CVP), in Switzerland was founded as the Schweizerische Konservative Volkspartei (Swiss Conservative Party) in 1912. It became the Konservativ-Christlichsoziale Volkspartei (Conservative Christian Party) in 1957 and the CVP in 1970. The party seeks to preserve the national unity of Switzerland. It favours a social market economy, promotes the status of families and children and the integration of immigrants in Swiss society. The CVP has traditionally had two ministers in the permanent seven-seat coalition which has existed since 1959. However, its representation was reduced to one minister following the Nationalrat election of 19 October 2003. The CVP’s representation fell at that election from 35 to 28 seats, while the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) increased the number of seats it occupied from 44 to 55. The SVP made the case that its representation in the coalition should be increased to two seats. This was granted at the expense of the CVP.
Leadership: Pres. Doris Leuthard; Gen. Sec. Reto Nause
Address: Klaraweg 6, Postfach 5835, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
Tel: (0)313573333
Fax: (0)313522430
E-mail: info@cvp.ch
Internet: www.cvp.ch
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