Since taking leadership of the Swiss Green Party in the spring of 2024, Lisa Mazzone has adopted a unique and challenging position in national politics. As a party president without a seat in the federal parliament, a rare situation in Switzerland, she is steering her party through a complex political landscape from outside the halls of the Federal Palace in Bern.
Key Takeaways
- Lisa Mazzone has led the Green Party since April 2024 but does not hold a seat in the national parliament.
- She views her position as an opportunity to engage directly with the public, focusing on referendums and grassroots movements.
- Under her leadership, the party has adopted a more confrontational style in response to what she terms "regressive" climate policies.
- Political analyst Sara Bütikofer notes a strategy to broaden the party's platform beyond climate issues, which carries both opportunities and risks.
- Despite recent cantonal election losses, the Greens' 2023 federal election result was their second-strongest ever, and recent polls show potential for recovery.
An Unconventional Leadership Role
In Swiss politics, it is highly unusual for the leader of a major political party not to be a member of either the National Council or the Council of States. This places Lisa Mazzone in a distinct position compared to her counterparts who debate and vote on legislation directly. While many observers might see this as a significant disadvantage, Mazzone has framed it as a strategic choice suited to the current political climate.
She argues that the current parliament, with its center-right majority, is often disconnected from the concerns of the general population. This has led her to prioritize action outside the legislative chambers. By not being tied to the daily proceedings in Bern, she can dedicate more time to connecting with citizens and building support at a local level.
"One must fight on the streets; the parliament is legislating past the people. When you are not in parliament, you have more time to be on the ground with the population," Mazzone stated, outlining her approach.
A Strategy of Opposition and Referendums
The Green Party currently faces a challenging environment in the Federal Assembly. The party holds 23 seats in the 200-member National Council and 3 seats in the 46-member Council of States. In both chambers, a solid center-right majority often votes against Green initiatives, particularly on climate and environmental issues.
Given this reality, Mazzone has identified referendums as the party's most potent political tool. She describes the current legislative period as a "referendum legislature," where the Greens must act as a strong opposition force. The party's strategy involves challenging parliamentary decisions through popular votes, taking issues directly to the Swiss electorate.
The Power of Referendums in Switzerland
Switzerland's system of direct democracy allows citizens to challenge laws passed by parliament. If a committee gathers 50,000 valid signatures within 100 days of a law's publication, a nationwide referendum is held. This tool is frequently used by opposition parties to block legislation they disagree with, making public campaigns a central element of Swiss politics.
Mazzone has emphasized the need for a more assertive and confrontational tone. She believes the country is witnessing significant setbacks in climate policy and an erosion of previous environmental achievements. "For this reason, one must speak plainly and be ready for the referendum fight," she explained. This shift marks a more combative stance for the party under her leadership.
Broadening the Green Agenda
Beyond a Single Issue
Political scientist Sara Bütikofer has observed a deliberate effort by Mazzone to expand the Green Party's thematic focus. While climate change remains the cornerstone of their platform, Mazzone has actively addressed other pressing national topics.
"Lisa Mazzone has certainly tried to move the Greens away somewhat from being primarily about the climate issue," Bütikofer noted. This includes taking public stances on matters such as national security policy and international crises, areas not traditionally at the forefront of the Green agenda.
According to Bütikofer, this strategic shift is a response to the current political mood. Issues like immigration and rising health insurance premiums are currently mobilizing voters more effectively than climate concerns, benefiting other parties. By diversifying its platform, the Green Party aims to appeal to a wider segment of the electorate.
Electoral Performance Snapshot
- Federal Seats: 23 in National Council, 3 in Council of States.
- Cantonal Losses: Approximately 20 seats lost in cantonal elections since 2023.
- 2023 Federal Election: Despite losses, it was the party's second-best historical result.
- Recent Polling: Current surveys suggest a slight recovery in voter support for the Greens.
The Risks of Diversification
However, this strategy is not without its risks. Sara Bütikofer cautions that for the core Green electorate, climate policy remains the single most important issue by a significant margin. "There is definitely a voter segment that can be reached with a focus on climate and energy policy," she stated.
Moving too far from this central theme could alienate loyal supporters without guaranteeing new ones. The party must therefore perform a delicate balancing act: broadening its appeal while maintaining its identity as the leading voice on environmental protection in Switzerland.
The Pros and Cons of an External Leader
Mazzone's absence from the Federal Palace presents both clear advantages and disadvantages for the party. Bütikofer highlights the most significant drawback as reduced media visibility. Party leaders with parliamentary seats have a national platform for speeches and debates, which generates consistent media coverage.
"Mazzone is less present in the media than other party leaders; she lacks the national stage," Bütikofer explained. This can make it more difficult to shape the national political narrative and respond to daily developments in Bern.
On the other hand, being outside the parliamentary bubble allows Mazzone to concentrate fully on party organization and long-term strategy. She can invest her time in strengthening cantonal sections, developing campaign plans, and engaging in grassroots activism—work that is crucial for a party that relies heavily on referendums and public mobilization.
The Path Forward for the Greens
The Green Party is at a pivotal moment. After a historic surge in the 2019 elections, the political winds have shifted. The party has experienced setbacks in recent cantonal elections, losing around 20 seats since 2023. This reflects a broader trend where voter priorities have shifted towards economic and social security concerns.
Despite these challenges, experts advise against writing off the party's influence. Bütikofer points out that, in historical context, the Greens remain in a strong position. "In the overall balance, 2023 was still the second-best result. And if you look at the results and seats in the cantons, the Greens are still better off than they were before 2019," she concluded.
Furthermore, recent polls indicate that if a federal election were held today, the Greens might regain some of the ground they lost. With Lisa Mazzone leading from outside the parliamentary system, the party is betting that a strategy focused on direct public engagement and clear opposition will be the key to navigating the current political climate and rebuilding momentum for the future.