Winner takes all? Switzerland's politicians were at the centre of unusual international interest in October as the country held a national election marred by accusations of racism and xenophobia. But it is the cabinet elections on December 12 that will decide just what effect all the fuss will have on the composition of Switzerland's government.

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POLITICS

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Winner takes all? Switzerland's politicians were at the centre of unusual international interest in October as the country held a national election marred by accusations of racism and xenophobia. But it is the cabinet elections on December 12 that will decide just what effect all the fuss will have on the composition of Switzerland's government.

The smoke--and indeed the teargas--will have hardly cleared from Switzerland's frenzied national elections before the country's politicians find themselves taking their seats in parliament (many of them for the first time) to determine the future shape of the seven-member cabinet.

Some, especially those from the right-wing Swiss People's Party, may struggle to keep the smirks off their faces as ...

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