The Grand Council was established in its present form and with 100 seats in 1842,[1] with members elected every four years.

There is a 7% threshold that political parties wishing to be represented on the Grand Council must overcome.

In 2018, on a lower turnout compared with 2013, right-wing populists lost previous gains, with the traditionally dominant parties, the Liberals, the Social Democrats and the Greens, increasing their votes.

Over time, the function changed and the sautier became the permanent secretary of the Grand Council.

This event is then announced to the press and to the general public, indicating the beginning of the Spring.