Stories - Switzerland

Why populists should avoid direct democracy

A coalition of rightwing populist parties in the European Parliament is very clear about what they believe in...

Think Democratic! The Swiss 'Denknetz'

"We must think together to develop political expertise!” This is the core commitment of the Swiss think tank...

A New Way To Use The Popular Referendum

This is a first for Switzerland. Citizens are challenging a parliamentary decision to a nationwide vote...

The Happier The Citizens, The Lower The Turnout

Switzerland and Oregon, though culturally and geographically distinct, practice democracy in surprising...

Welcome To A Direct Democratic Hybrid

Welcome to the Swiss municipality with a democratic secret: in Arth-Goldau in central Switzerland citizens...

Townhall Meetings: Pre-modern Direct Democracy Updated

Town hall meetings in Switzerland are generally poorly attended, undermining their political legitimacy....

Direct Democracy and Human Rights as Partners

Parliaments and governments must listen closer to citizens and less to lobbyists of the military-industrial...

Towards a National Youth Parliament

In Switzerland there are 66 youth parliaments at the local and cantonal level. Although in many cases they...

Democratic Idea Goes Around The World

Citizens' initiatives are a tool of modern direct democracy. Invented as an idea in the late 18th century,...

Goes Direct Democracy Digital?

Political campaigns increasingly take place on the internet, and in Switzerland, initiatives and referendums ...