The Swiss People's Party (SVP) has made significant gains in the recent federal election, securing more seats in parliament and solidifying its position as Switzerland's leading political party. The final results revealed that the SVP won almost 29% of the vote, giving it 62 seats in the 200-member National Council, a gain of nine seats compared to the previous election.

The election results showcased a rightward shift in Swiss politics, echoing similar trends seen in other European countries, such as Greece, Sweden, and Italy, where conservative parties have achieved significant victories or electoral gains over the past year.

While the left-leaning Social Democrats (SP) also slightly increased their vote share to 18% and added two more lawmakers to their total, the biggest losers were the environmentally minded factions. The Greens lost five seats, leaving them with 23, while the more centrist Liberal-Greens lost six and now hold 10 seats.

One of the key issues that resonated with voters was rising immigration. SVP President Marco Chiesa stated that the party received a mandate from the voters to address issues such as illegal immigration. The SVP's campaign, however, faced criticism for being "xenophobic," as it focused on crimes committed by foreigners.

"The situation in Switzerland is serious: we have mass immigration, we have big problems with people seeking asylum. The security situation is no longer the same as before," said Thomas Aeschi, head of the SVP parliamentary group.

The concerns around immigration and the cost of living played a significant role in shaping the election results, overshadowing environmental issues. The Greens and the Liberal-Greens both experienced setbacks, losing seats in parliament's lower house.

Lisa Mazzone, a Green lawmaker seeking re-election, expressed disappointment in the results, pointing out that fear seemed to have supplanted hope. The SVP's emphasis on immigration and the prevailing sentiment of fear among voters appeared to have overshadowed other concerns, such as climate policy and equality.

The new parliament members will convene in December to appoint the Swiss federal government. It is worth noting that the results are unlikely to affect the composition of the Federal Council, which consists of seven members from four different parties, including two from the SVP.

The Swiss federal election, along with regular referendums, provides Switzerland's population of 8.5 million with a platform to have their say in shaping the country's political landscape. While the election outcome signifies the growing importance of immigration concerns, it also raises questions about the future direction of Swiss policies, particularly on issues like climate change and cost of living.

Overall, the gains made by the Swiss People's Party in the federal election highlight the increasing significance of immigration in national politics and point towards a rightward shift in Switzerland. The results serve as a reminder of the diverse and evolving dynamics within European politics, with immigration emerging as a key topic shaping the choices made by voters.