Similar Context but Different Careers? Immigrant-Origin Politicians in Switzerland and Germany Compared

Although the share of immigrant-origin (IO) Members of Parliament (MPs) in German and Swiss parliaments has been steadily increasing over time, they are still numerically underrepresented. This paper explores the potential factors facilitating or hindering the parliamentary presence and careers of IO MPs in the German and the Swiss parliaments. We draw on original data covering IO MPs at national, regional and local levels in Germany (2012–2021) and Switzerland (2011–2023). Based on 98 in-depth interviews and complementary quantitative data, we identify both cross-national similarities and notable country-specific divergences. Informal mentoring and robust networking significantly enhance political success in both countries. However, intersectional discrimination – particularly at the nexus of gender and IO – emerges as a recurring barrier. Important differences arise from distinct institutional and cultural contexts: Switzerland’s militia system emphasises local embeddedness and professional networks, whereas Germany’s professionalised political environment relies more on structured, party-based career pathways.