Parliament shifts to the right

Switzerland's two main parties on the right are the winners of Sunday's parliamentary elections. The strong showing could have an impact on reforms of energy, social security and tax issues, as well as the make-up of the seven-member government. Latest nationwide projections show the conservative right Swiss People’s Party making spectacular gains in the House of Representatives, increasing its share of the vote to 29.5% from 26.6% - and winning an additional 11 seats. If confirmed it is a record result for Switzerland's leading party with its restrictive asylum policy agenda. "Voters seem to have understood that Switzerland faces a serious refugee crisis," said party president Toni Brunner. The Radicals are projected to gain 1.2%, and reach 16.3% according to the leading GfS Bern research and polling institute. The leftwing Social Democrats remain the second biggest party with 18.9%. Near-final results show the combined forces on the right winning a slim ...