Sibel Arslan: National Councilor Switches Parties | Swiss Politics

Swiss Politician Sibel Arslan Shifts Parties, Strengthening Green Influence

A prominent voice in Swiss politics, Sibel Arslan, is transitioning from the left-wing party Basta to the Greens of Basel-Stadt, a move announced Tuesday evening. The shift underscores evolving political alignments within the Swiss National Council and signals a potential strengthening of the Green party’s position in the Canton of Basel-Stadt.

A Notable Party Change

The decision,finalized on January 20,2026,was met with regret from Basta,who acknowledged Arslan’s “valuable work” for the party. Concurrently, the Basel-City Greens expressed their enthusiasm, stating thay were “very pleased to note” Arslan’s move. The Greens highlighted a long-standing collaborative relationship with Arslan, dating back to her time in the Grand Council and continuing through her tenure in the National Council since 2015. Arslan’s decision stems from a desire for closer alignment with the Greens’ environmental policies and a belief that she can more effectively advocate for her priorities within their framework. She sought a party that more closely reflected her evolving political views.

Did you know? – Sibel Arslan is not the first Swiss politician to switch parties, but her move is notable due to her prominence and the continued cooperation planned with her former party, Basta.

Continued Collaboration Despite Shift

Despite the change in affiliation, Arslan will continue to serve as a joint national councilor representing both Basta and the Greens of Basel-Stadt. This unique arrangement reflects a commitment to continued cooperation between the two parties. Both organizations have publicly announced their intention to contest the 2027 National Council elections as a unified front. This collaboration aims to maximize their collective electoral strength and maintain a consistent voice for progressive policies in the National Council. The arrangement is expected to last until the 2027 elections.

Pro tip – Joint candidacies, like the one planned by Basta and the Greens, are a common strategy in Swiss proportional depiction systems to broaden appeal and increase chances of securing seats.

Arslan’s political Journey

Arslan, currently 45 years old, first entered the political arena by joining Basta in 2004.She subsequently served on the Grand Council of the Canton of Basel-Stadt from 2005 to 2016 before being elected to the National Council in 2015. Her extensive experience within both bodies positions her as a seasoned and influential figure in Swiss politics. Throughout her career, Arslan has focused on issues related to social justice, environmental protection, and urban progress.

This move represents a meaningful development in the political landscape of Basel-Stadt, and the continued partnership between Basta and the Greens suggests a pragmatic approach to governance and electoral strategy.