18 years after the break up How the Allies regained their former strength

Eighteen years after its split from the national Swiss People's Party (SVP), the cantonal branch of the SVP in Grisons has regained its former strength, emerging as the largest faction in the regional parliament. This resurgence marks a significant political shift in the Alpine canton, where the party once nearly disappeared following the formation of the new Bündner Demokratische Partei (BDP) in 2008. Today, the SVP holds 35 seats, giving it almost one-third of the parliamentary representation, a stark contrast to its low point in 2010 when it had just four mandates.

The SVP’s journey back to prominence began with the introduction of proportional representation in 2022, which allowed the party to better convert its voter base into parliamentary seats. Prior to this change, the SVP struggled to translate its support into actual influence due to the first-past-the-post system. The situation changed dramatically when the BDP merged with the Christian Democratic Party (CVP) in 2021 to form the "Mitte" coalition, creating a new political space for the SVP to exploit. The party seized on issues central to the concerns of Grison voters, such as migration, security, speed limits, and wolf management—topics that resonate strongly in rural areas.

In the lead-up to the recent elections, the SVP also capitalized on public unease over alleged mafia structures in the town of Misox. According to Roman Hug, the president of the SVP and member of the federal parliament, the party was keenly aware of the public sentiment and strategically positioned itself to address these concerns. This approach helped solidify the SVP’s appeal beyond its traditional base, as evidenced by panachage statistics showing that many voters from other conservative parties also supported the SVP.

The split within the SVP in 2008 was a pivotal moment that reshaped the political landscape of Grisons. The conflict arose after the election of Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf to the Federal Council in December 2007, which led to a rift between her and Christoph Blocher. The national SVP issued an ultimatum to the cantonal branch, demanding the expulsion of Widmer-Schlumpf or their own departure. When the cantonal SVP refused, the national party decided to expel the entire cantonal branch on June 1, 2008. The existing SVP in Grisons accepted this decision and transformed into the BDP during a delegate meeting in Landquart on June 16, 2008. However, hardliners around Jon Peider Lemm did not comply and instead formed a new SVP Grisons three days later in St. Moritz on June 19, 2008. This division lasted for 18 years, leaving a deep fracture within the party.

Despite being seen as an outsider in the political establishment, the SVP carved out a niche for itself. One of its most notable victories came in 2025 with the abolition of retirement pensions for government officials, which received strong support from 65 percent of eligible voters. In the Grand Council, the SVP often stood alone in its positions but used this role to gain visibility. Major debates frequently included contributions from SVP members, enhancing the party's profile even when it lacked numerical dominance.

The return to power was marked by the election of Valérie Favre Accola to the vacant seat in the Grison government, ending four previous unsuccessful attempts by the SVP to enter the executive branch. All current government members were confirmed in their roles, signifying a broader acceptance of the SVP’s influence. With its newfound strength, the SVP is now poised to play a more active role in both cantonal and national politics, particularly as discussions around the 10-million-franc initiative continue to shape the political discourse. The party's ability to adapt and respond to local concerns has been crucial in its revival, setting the stage for further developments in the coming years.