The five parties in the outgoing government (Federal Council, see note 1) were returned with a similar number of seats in the 200-member National Council, except for the Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC), now led by Mr. Toni Brunner, which increased its share from 54 to 65 seats. In the 46-member Council of States, the Radical-Democratic Party (FDP/PRD) increased its share to 13 seats, the same as the Christian-Democratic People's Party (CVP/PDC). The latter had been the largest party in the outgoing legislature.

The 2015 elections were held against the background of the refugee/migration crisis in Europe. On 9 September, the National Council adopted amendments to the law on asylum (see note 2) by 135 votes to 53. The SVP/UDC, which was opposed to the amendments, said that it would call a referendum on them and argued for more border controls. PLR leader Philipp Müller called for better cooperation with the European Union to deal with the refugee crisis. Other major parties, including the Socialist Party (SP/PS), led by Mr. Christian Levrat, focused on social issues, such as better salaries, affordable housing and pension reforms.

Note 1:
The five parties in the outgoing government are the Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC), the Socialist Party (SP/PS), The Liberals (FDP/PLR), the Christian-Democratic People's Party (CVP/PDC) and the Conservative Democratic Party (BDP/PBD).

Note 2:
The amendments aimed at accelerating the asylum procedure. Around 60% of asylum procedures are expected to be completed less than 140 days, instead of the current average of 700 days. Asylum seekers will be assisted by a lawyer free of charge. Earlier, the Council of States had adopted the amendments by 35 votes to 5.