ABSTRACT

Switzerland is generally seen as a prototype of the multicultural nation. To many, the country's history is a testament to the integrative force of multiculturalism, which has been able to bind together the German-, French-, Italian-and Rhaeto-Romance-speaking populations. Somewhat paradoxically, however, the long-term persistence and extraordinary influence of a strong anti-immigrant movement in the country is exceptional within Europe. In September 2000, Swiss voters rejected a popular initiative directed once again against the presence of foreigners. But the fact that 36.2 per cent voted in favour of the proposal to limit the number of foreigners to 18 per cent of the population illustrates how controversial the issue is. 1 Apparently, in Switzerland a widespread acceptance of immigration has thus far not been achieved. Answers to the new challenges for national identity in a democratic multicultural state have yet to be found.