Welcome to SWI swissinfo.ch’s overview page for democracy.
Switzerland holds the most referendums in the world by far. SWI swissinfo.ch is dedicated to questions of democracy in Switzerland – which are of interest to the world – and global issues that are linked to Switzerland and its well-established democratic tradition.
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SWI swissinfo.ch is the ten-language public service platform for Switzerland from a global perspective. In 2015 SWI swissinfo.ch launched its own democracy section.
Much has shifted geopolitically since then. Fewer states stand on the pillars of democracy and the rule of law. The majority of the world’s population today is living in “flawed democracies” or “hybrid” systems. More than a third of the world’s population is living in dictatorships.
Meanwhile, in democratic states, scandals about the influence of international social media corporations on elections have triggered broad discussions on whether and how democracies can protect themselves from populist trends.
It is important to accompany the struggle for democracy journalistically. In parliaments, in everyday life, in protests, what “democracy” is supposed to mean is constantly being renegotiated and revived.
In the eight years since the launch of its democracy section, SWI swissinfo.ch has made a name for itself in reporting on democratic developments domestically and globally. We will continue to accompany democratic ideas and movements – in an independent, fair, balanced and critical way.
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Voices of democracy in Mexico and Switzerland
Switzerland is an old hand at direct democracy, while Mexico is forging a new path to give more power to its people.
Graubünden at 500: a look back at early modern democracy
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History professor Randolph Head sheds light on the evolution of democracy in canton Graubünden, which is turning 500 this year.
Zurich judge barred from ruling on climate activists
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The ruling from Switzerland’s Federal Court was triggered following the judge’s acquittal of a member of the group ‘Extinction Rebellion’.
Increasing political diversity within Swiss cantonal governments
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“I am confident that my journey has inspired many across Switzerland: Get involved, it’s feasible, it’s beneficial,” says Mustafa Atici.
Organisation created to promote news literacy in Switzerland
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In times of increasing disinformation, the organisation aims to support people in using the media to form their own opinions.
‘Europe’ initiative launched to strengthen Swiss-EU ties
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Relations with the EU should be anchored in the constitution, according to a people’s initiative launched by Alliance Europe on Tuesday.
Imperfect, resilient, and transparent: what our readers think of democracy
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Why are you optimistic about the future of democracy? This is the question SWI swissinfo.ch put to readers. The responses are thought-provoking.
Swiss court fines four protesters over ‘Kill Erdogan’ banner
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Four people have been found guilty of public incitement to commit crimes or violence over a ‘Kill Erdogan’ banner used at a demonstration in 2017.
Gender-neutral language: an issue for the ballot box?
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As more public and private media try to communicate gender neutrally, some say it’s a distraction from real issues. How can you legislate on language?
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Not linked to any legally binding commitments, petitions seem to have a paper tiger reputation. So why are people submitting and signing them?
When white collar criminals try to silence the press
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In Switzerland, as in the rest of Europe and the US, attempts to pressure and censor a financially fragile media are increasing.
Freedom of expression: universal, but not absolute
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Under threat in many countries and pushed to its limits elsewhere, freedom of expression as we know it is at a critical crossroads.
Switzerland ticks differently with social media laws
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Fake news, conspiracy theories, censorship: the reputation of social media seems at an all-time low. Can it ever be a boon for democracy again?
Cyber expert warns of dangers of unregulated social media
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Marietje Schaake, president of the Cyber Peace Institute, talks to SWI swissinfo.ch about the unprecedented challenges in our digital era.
How young parliamentarians are making a Swiss city more child-friendly
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In Lucerne, kids are getting involved politically – and they do it as well as grown-ups. SWI swissinfo.ch visits the children’s parliament.
How children can contribute to build better democracies
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Shortcomings of participative democracy: An international panel in the Swiss city of Lucerne puts the spotlight on the youngest members of society.
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International Day of Democracy: Radical-Liberal politician Përparim Avdili wants easier citizenship access and voting rights for foreigners.
How true inclusion can reinforce democracy against crises and conflicts
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As democracy around the world faces growing challenges, activists and experts say one way to make it more robust is to include more voices.
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Venezuelan journalist Carlos Omobono used to be a TV star in his homeland. Today he continues to make his voice heard in exile in Italy.
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For journalists covering the dark side of today’s Italy, the EU state remains a dangerous place, says reporter Federica Angeli.
Global Forum for Democracy 2022 – voices for freedom in Lucerne
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Participants at the 10th Global Forum for Modern Direct Democracy on how democracies could be strengthened and made more democratic.
Russia has passed ‘100 new laws’ restricting press freedom
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Galina Timchenko, the Russian-Ukrainian editor-in-chief of meduza.io, still writes about what Russian media can no longer publish due to censorship.
‘Freedom of expression is under pressure even in Switzerland’
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Investigative journalist Marie Maurisse warns about attempts by the powerful to stop the publication of compromising information.
The Swiss constitution – a mix of democracy and federalism
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The first version of the Swiss constitution was a breakthrough on the road to democratisation. But it was far from perfect.
How canton Ticino became a democracy pioneer in Europe
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Canton Ticino is today a popular tourist destination. Back in July 1830 it was the scene of the first liberal revolution in Europe.
The birth of modern democracy in the heart of Europe
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The “Swiss Revolution” brought democracy to Switzerland. It was an uprising against the aristocracy – and the beginning of a long journey.
How true inclusion can reinforce democracy against crises and conflicts
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As democracy around the world faces growing challenges, activists and experts say one way to make it more robust is to include more voices.
