Political parties The idea of a merger with the GLP divides centrist members

The idea of a possible merger with the GLP divides members of the centrist party. This is the result of a recent survey.

The opinion research institute gfs.bern conducted a representative online survey on behalf of the Center Party - both among the electorate and among members of the Center Party. The results are now available. The party presented them on Saturday at a closed meeting in Thun BE, as it announced.

One of the most controversial questions concerned a stronger alliance with the GLP. "The idea of a merger with the GLP divides the members", writes gfs.bern in the presentation. 43% consider a merger to be a very good or somewhat good idea. However, 45% are very or somewhat against it.

Against polarization

When asked about various values, it becomes clear that there are striking differences between centrist members and the general voting population on a number of points. Among other things, the commitment to family values (93%) and against polarization (88%) are much more important to centrists than to the rest of the population.

The issues of electricity supply, the environment and the marriage penalty are also more important to members than the rest of the population. On the other hand, lower health insurance premiums and rip-offs are less important to them. The issues of modern values and commitment to the cantons are also less popular with them than with the voting population in general.

More digital participation

As far as the future of their own party is concerned, the members surveyed consider it very important to create an improved image with convincing advertising. The idea of setting thematic priorities in the cantons and the expansion of digital participation opportunities were also well received. The aspiration of a second seat on the Federal Council for the centrist party also achieved a high level of support with 67% approval.

Overall, according to the center, the results show "that the values and topics of the current positioning of the center are broadly supported by the party base and also have great potential among voters".

2004 voters and 6092 party members were surveyed.

SDA