Zauberformel

Swiss government

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July 15, 2026

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The "Zauberformel," or "magic formula," was a political arrangement in Switzerland established in 1959. This formula determined the composition of the Federal Council, Switzerland's executive branch. It allocated seats to ensure representation from major political parties: two liberals, two conservatives, two Social Democrats, and one member from the Swiss People's Party. This power-sharing agreement persisted until 2003 and was instrumental in distributing wealth and fostering a strong social welfare state by mitigating party rivalries. Switzerland's government is a federal state with a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Council of States and the National Council.12

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Switzerland
The postwar period
In 1959 the so-called Zauberformel (“magic formula”) for the Federal Council was established, under which it was composed of two liberals, two conservatives, two Social Democrats, and one member of the peasant-based Swiss People’s Party. This formula, which persisted until 2003, permitted the government to sidestep party rivalries to…
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In 1959 the so-called Zauberformel (“magic formula”) for the Federal Council was established, under which it was composed of two liberals, two conservatives, two Social Democrats, and one member of the peasant-based Swiss People’s Party. This formula, which persisted until 2003, permitted the government to sidestep party rivalries to…
Read More