Influence by Canton
How is influence distributed among the cantons in parliament?
We take a look at the relative influence of each canton by assessing their share of seats in parliament relative to their total share of influence. This assessment allows us to understand the distribution of influence, assuming that all cantons have an equal number of MPs.
This comparison reveals that some cantons wield influence either above or below the average.
The most populous cantons hold the greatest overall influence. However, when we compare the number of seats each canton has with the utilised potential of parliamentary influence per canton, it becomes evident that the canton of Lucerne exerts a disproportionate level of influence in parliament in terms of parliamentary seats. It is closely followed by the cantons of Valais and Zug.
In contrast, the larger cantons of Vaud, Aargau, Zurich, and Bern face challenges in realising their full potential of parliamentary influence.
This is mainly for two reasons: Due to the size of these cantons and the substantial number of parliamentary seats, not all parliamentarians have the opportunity to fully develop their potential. It is noticeable that particularly in these densely populated cantons, politicians from both left- and right-wing parties have limited influence. This is also linked to the fact that these parliamentarians often advocate positions that appeal to a minority within parliament.