Magic formula

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In Swiss politics, the magic formula (German: Zauberformel, French: formule magique, Italian: formula magica) is an arithmetic formula for dividing the seven executive seats of the Swiss Federal Council between the four ruling parties. The formula was first applied in 1959. It gave the Free Democratic Party, the Christian Democratic People's Party and the Social Democratic Party each two seats, while the Swiss People's Party (SVP) (also known as the Central Democratic Union) received one seat.

The formula is not an official law, but rather an agreement amongst the rather large coalition of four parties. After the 2003 general elections, the formula was modified, giving two seats to the SVP at the expense of the CDPP.

[edit] The formula

• Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC): Two seats.
• Free Democratic Party (FDPP/PRD/PLR/PLD): Two seats.
• Social Democratic Party (SPS/PSS): Two seats.
• Christian Democratic People's Party (CVP/PDC/PPD/PCD): One seat.

[edit] See also

• Origins and history of the Federal Council

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