The Swiss right wing has raced ahead in general elections in a move that could unsettle the neutral nation's 44-year-old coalition government.
A polarisation in voter sentiment saw support swing behind the anti-immigrant Swiss People's Party (SVP), which edged out the left-leaning Social Democrats (SP) to become the nation's most popular group, a Swiss television projection claimed last night.
Proud of its neutrality and democratic credentials, Switzerland has long played on its strength as a stable political nation, building up a reputation as a safe haven for offshore wealth in turbulent times.
But strong gains for the SVP point to increasing concerns in the recession-hit nation of rising unemployment and a falling standard of living. The party also reinforced Switzerland's isolation by campaigning against closer ties with EU neighbours.
Launching a make-or-break bid for more power in the four-party coalition cabinet, the SVP put forward the nation's most controversial politician for a ministerial seat - a move observers say could undermine the nation's stable reputation.
In a surprise move, the SVP proposed party figurehead Mr Christoph Blocher as its candidate for a second SVP cabinet seat in elections for the ruling, four-party coalition in December and threatened to pull out of the cabinet if he did not get in.