ADL Concerned at Outcome of Swiss Elections
New York, NY, October 21, 2003 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed concern about the outcome of the Swiss national election in which the far-right Swiss People's Party received 27 percent of the vote and is demanding a major place in the governing cabinet.
"This vote is a telltale sign that xenophobia continues to be a problem in Europe," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "It points out what we were saying to Swiss leaders during the restitution discussions, that Switzerland must not only meet its financial responsibilities to survivors of the Holocaust but they must educate their people against racism and anti-Semitism."
The Swiss People's Party, which has made sizable gains in recent years, promotes an anti-foreigner agenda and isolationist positions including opposition to refugees and immigrants. The party's platform includes a call to reject Switzerland's participation in the United Nations and the European Union.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
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