ABSTRACT
In 1978 a green party was established in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, to some extent with the conviction that environmental matters should not be left to extreme right- or left-wing parties. As the Swiss green parties have not yet established strong party ties and a large and loyal electoral base, floating voters are of a vital importance. Switzerland is a highly federalistic country comprised of 26 relativey autonomous cantons and communities. As a whole, the Swiss electoral system is quite conducive to the participation of new and small parties. The Konkordanzsystem - a deliberate power-sharing effort, whereby the leaders of the largest parties have agreed to co-govern - has, however, a stabilizing effect. The Swiss political system has proved to be very stable over many decades, and according to puplic opinion, this is one of the reasons for the great welfare of this country.
