Swiss Passport

Who elects the City Parliament (Gemeinderat) of the city of Zurich?

Wer wählt den Gemeinderat der Stadt Zürich?

Correct answer: D

  1. A the Cantonal Councilder Kantonsrat
  2. B the Cantonal Governmentder Regierungsrat
  3. C the District Councilder Bezirksrat
  4. D the peopledas Volk

Why

In the city of Zurich, the Gemeinderat is the City Parliament. Its 125 members are elected by the people.

Common mistakes

A: the Cantonal Council
The Cantonal Council is the parliament of the canton. It does not elect a city parliament.
B: the Cantonal Government
The Cantonal Government is the government of the canton and does not appoint a parliament.

Topic

Municipal assembly, municipal council, City Council

In the canton of Zurich there are 160 political municipalities (as of 2026). The learning brochures say «over 150». In the past there were more. Some municipalities have merged; this is called a municipal merger. The largest municipality is the city of Zurich; many others are small villages. In all municipalities, citizens have a say by taking part in elections and popular votes. The ballot papers are counted by the electoral office.

Canton and municipality of Zurich
Municipalities and the city of Zurich

Sources

Last checked: September 2026

Question 118 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.

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