Paths to Power: What Shapes the Political Careers of People with a Migration Background in Switzerland?

During the legislative period 2019-2023, 39% of Switzerland’s population had a migration background, yet only 16% of national parliamentarians came from this demographic. This gap is not merely statistical, it is a reflection of structural barriers that determine who gets to participate in shaping the country’s future. Our project on Swiss politicians with immigrant backgrounds found that a visibly foreign origin often leads to discrimination, while political success depends on strong networks, mentorship, and local community acceptance.

When we began the REPCHANCE.CH project on Swiss politicians of immigrant origin, we were curious to explore the conditions for success in their political careers – and, conversely, factors that might hinder them. We wanted to know: What promotes sustainable political representation of individuals of immigrant origin?

What we found was that the immigrant origin of most of the Swiss national parliamentarians is not visible, or the electorate cannot perceive political candidates clearly as either Swiss or as having foreign ancestry. Those with a visible non-Swiss background – whether first-generation immigrants or their descendants – face additional challenges at every stage of their political careers, particularly in the form of discrimination. In contrast, key factors for long-term success in politics are networks, allies, and mentors on one hand, and being perceived as belonging to the local community, especially due to the language, on the other.

A Comprehensive Approach and an Ambitious Methodology

Our study, carried out over two years, combined two main approaches: the collection and analysis of quantitative data and personal interviews. First, we collected detailed information about members of parliament across three national legislative periods (2011–2023), as well as in four selected cantons. Then, we conducted 38 in-depth interviews with politicians and individuals from civil society, administration, and business who have a migration background.

To understand how these individuals are perceived by society, we looked at three key features: their name, their accent, and their appearance. These traits often influence whether someone is seen as “foreign” and can affect how easily they gain acceptance in politics. We carefully examined publicly available sources to track how visible these traits were. Combined with the personal stories from our interviews, it gave us valuable insights into the structural barriers that still limit political representation for people with a migration background in Switzerland.

Visibility as a Double-Edged Sword

One of the most powerful insights from our research was the role of visibility. Politicians with visibly non-Swiss traits that mark them as different face more obstacles on their political path. They are more likely to be questioned, stereotyped, or subjected to additional scrutiny.

While visibility can sometimes be leveraged symbolically by parties to demonstrate diversity, it does not automatically translate into deeper integration in political structures or genuine support for long-term career advancement. Being “put out there” does not always mean being supported.

Networks and Belonging: Gateways to Political Access

In Switzerland’s political system, careers are rarely built alone. Personal networks and informal connections are crucial entry points. Many politicians reported being directly approached by party members or friends to join politics. Early involvement in youth organizations, university associations, or local clubs often laid the foundation for their later political engagement.

Local embeddedness also plays a key role. Candidates who speak the local dialect or are seen as “one of them” are more easily accepted. Having a local identity is a strong factor for success.

Party Pathways: Different Strategies, Different Barriers

Our interviews revealed that political parties differ in how they engage with candidates from migration backgrounds. Left-leaning parties are more likely to proactively support such individuals through targeted recruitment and support programs. In contrast, right-leaning parties tend to focus more on individual career-related achievements.

However, across the political spectrum, the integration of candidates with migration backgrounds into core party structures remains inconsistent. In many cases, individuals are recruited late in their careers or as token figures, without substantial long-term investment in their political development.

Learning by Doing: Mentoring and Informal Support

Switzerland’s political system operates on the militia principle — most political mandates are part-time, often held alongside another job. This makes informal learning essential. While formal mentoring programs are rare, informal coaching from more experienced colleagues often plays a decisive role. Those without access to such informal structures face a steeper learning curve and a greater risk of early exit.

Structural Barriers: From Discrimination to Role Confinement

Discrimination remains a persistent barrier. Politicians with migration backgrounds report facing stereotypes, prejudices, and at times, open hostility. Hate speech and racist insults are not uncommon — especially in public forums and online spaces.

Another subtle, yet equally impactful barrier is the expectation to represent only migration-related issues. Many politicians feel confined to this role by both their parties and their communities, even when their interests and expertise extend far beyond it.

Political Mentorship: A Missing Link for More Inclusive Representation

In Switzerland’s unique militia political system, many politicians enter public service alongside their regular careers. While this model encourages civic involvement, it does not eliminate the necessity to “learn the craft.” Mentoring programs could pair aspiring politicians with experienced mentors. These programs could be offered by political parties, independent organizations, civil society groups, or universities.

Mentorship is not just about knowledge transfer; it’s about building relationships, networks, and the confidence to lead. And for individuals who might not see themselves represented in politics, having a mentor who believes in them can be transformative.

Toward a More Representative Democracy

The underrepresentation of people with migration backgrounds in Swiss politics is not simply a numbers problem — it is a question of access, belonging, and recognition. By understanding the structural mechanisms that shape political careers, we can begin to dismantle the invisible barriers that exclude too many voices. The Swiss political system depends on civil engagement at all levels.

REPCHANCE.CH is not the final word on this topic, but it is a starting point. We hope our findings inspire further research, political innovation, and — most importantly — action. In the end, a democracy can only be strong when it reflects the diversity of its people.

Political Ambitions? Tips for Aspiring Politicians with a Migration Background

• Acquire linguistic and cultural fluency: Master regional dialects and demonstrate a connection to local culture to enhance your credibility and acceptance.
• Build local and professional networks early: Political careers often begin at the municipal level. Join student associations, professional associations and (e.g., sports) clubs.
• Become an expert in topics beyond migration: Become an expert in an area beyond migration.
• Build a sustainable career outside of politics: Given the part-time nature of Swiss political mandates, a stable professional foundation is crucial to sustain political engagement.

Research project: REPCHANCE.CH – Migrant careers in politics and society: realities, potentials and obstacles. The REPCHANCE.CH project was part of the international research initiative REPCHANCE Europe, which aimed to investigate existing deficits in the political representation and career development of people with a migration background in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. In Switzerland, the project was funded by the Mercator Switzerland Foundation.

Jana Bobokova is a Researcher at the Swiss Forum for Migration and Population Studies at the University of Neuchâtel. She specializes in evaluation and impact analysis to support evidence-based policymaking in the fields of migration, education, and labor market integration.

Didier Ruedin is a Senior Lecturer at the Swiss Forum for Migration and Population Studies at the University of Neuchâtel and a Project Leader of the nccr – on the move project” Narratives of Crisis and Their Influence in Shaping Discourses and Policies of Migration and Mobility.”

Gianni D’Amato is a Professor at the University of Neuchâtel, the director of the nccr – on the move, and the Swiss Forum for Migration and Population Studies (SFM).