The worst form of government – apart from everything else

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Switzerland’s unique form of direct democracy is praised around the world. But doesn’t low voter turnout weaken it somewhat? What’s more, isn’t there a danger of the ‘tyranny of the majority’? And aren’t some issues simply too complicated to be left to the general public?

This content was published on June 20, 2015 - 12:00

I write articles on the Swiss Abroad and “Swiss Oddities” as well as weekly briefings and press reviews. I also translate, edit and sub-edit articles for the English department and do voiceover work for videos. Born in London, I have a degree in German/Linguistics and was a journalist at The Independent before moving to Bern in 2005. I speak all three official Swiss languages and enjoy travelling the country and practising them, above all in pubs, restaurants and gelaterias.

Thomas Stephens

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The worst form of government – apart from everything else

Switzerland’s unique form of direct democracy is praised around the world. But doesn’t low voter turnout weaken it somewhat? What’s more, isn’t there a danger of the ‘tyranny of the majority’? And aren’t some issues simply too complicated to be left to the general public?

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