Swiss direct democracy in full swing

People’s initiatives are enjoying a boom period in Switzerland, according to new figures from the Federal Chancellery. These petitions allow citizens to propose changes to the constitution. Last year, a record number were handed in.

To be valid, initiatives have to be signed by 100,000 people within a period of 18 months.
Parliament can accept them, reject them or make counter-proposals. A nationwide vote follows, regardless of the parliamentary decision. (SRF/swissinfo.ch)