Switzerland's biggest political force, the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party, kicked off its general election campaign with figurehead Christoph Blocher riding into Zurich's ice hockey arena on a tractor trailer.
The SVP, which looks set to increase its lead on its rivals in the October 22 general election, started out as a farmers' party.
But despite the rural theme of its campaign launch, it has come a long way from its origins and is now accused by some of skirting too close to the far-right.
Blocher, 82, an industrialist who made his fortune in the chemicals sector, took hold of the small agrarian party in the 1990s and transformed its outlook.
Register to read the full article.
Already have an account? Sign In.
Register for free for:
- Access to ten free articles per month
- Our weekly roundup of top stories
- Monthly newsletters on topics of your choice
Subscribe for:
- Unlimited article access each month
- Crosswords and puzzles on Canadian holidays
- Full newsletter access