Democracy

Switzerland holds the most referendums in the world by far and is known as a direct democracy. Our coverage looks at questions of Swiss democracy, as well as global issues that are linked to Switzerland and its well-established democratic tradition.

How Swiss direct democracy works

This content was published on Mar 31, 2025 What do direct democratic tools like popular initiatives and referendums really entail? And how has this unique system evolved over time?

Swiss democracy

Inheritance tax referendum spooks Swiss super-rich

This content was published on Jun 23, 2025 Bankers and lawyers warn of exodus ahead of public vote on 50% rate for the very wealthy.

Sarah Wyss, Chair of the Finance Committee, in parliament on June 5.

Swiss parliamentary session sets stage for noisy national debates

This content was published on Jun 23, 2025 The summer session of parliament drew to a close last week. What’s clear is that political debate in Switzerland is picking up again. Parliamentarians focused on several key upcoming people’s initiatives.

Elinor Ostrom receives the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden

The Swiss mountain village that inspired a Nobel Prize and digital governance

This content was published on Jun 20, 2025 A small Swiss mountain village has become the focus of scientific attention thanks to Nobel Prize winner Elinor Ostrom.

people looking at vote information in a window

A delicate export: how Swiss foreign policy promotes democracy

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 Switzerland has a constitutional mandate to promote democracy around the world. What happens when that world starts looking more authoritarian?

Italy’s referendum flop sends a warning to the left

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 Italy’s latest referendums fell short of reaching the required turnout. Political scientist Giorgio Malet puts the results into perspective.

Habteab Yemane: high court judge in Eritrea, refugee in Switzerland

This content was published on May 19, 2025 Habteab Yemane became a lawyer because he believed in a constitutional state, but his journey led him somewhere else entirely.

The seven weirdest Swiss votes of all time

This content was published on May 10, 2025 Absinthe, car-free Sundays and cow horns: Swiss voters have certainly had to decide on some unusual issues.

Switzerland refines its global democracy aims in a tough context

This content was published on May 8, 2025 Amid a global democratic “recession”, the foreign ministry has clarified how it wants to shore up freedoms around the world.

The purest democracy? Visiting one of Switzerland’s historic open-air assemblies

This content was published on May 5, 2025 The annual “Landsgemeinde” in Glarus is like a folk festival, a party, and a crash-course in politics rolled into one. Is it democratically relevant?

How the Swiss militia system strengthens civic identity – and favours the privileged

This content was published on Apr 24, 2025 The militia principle is a special feature of Swiss democracy. It strengthens the connection between those who govern and those who are governed. An explainer.

swiss parliament building surrounded by mist

‘One for all, all for one’ – how the Swiss government makes decisions

This content was published on Apr 22, 2025 Secret meetings, no prime minister, and a seven-member executive that defends decisions collectively – the Swiss system of “collegiality” explained.

Information wars

Patrick Chappatte: ‘The path for satire has been getting narrower’

This content was published on Jun 24, 2025 Patrick Chappatte is one of the most prolific cartoonists. We talked to him about the current state of satire, media and free speech in the world.

A delicate export: how Swiss foreign policy promotes democracy

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 Switzerland has a constitutional mandate to promote democracy around the world. What happens when that world starts looking more authoritarian?

Habteab Yemane: high court judge in Eritrea, refugee in Switzerland

This content was published on May 19, 2025 Habteab Yemane became a lawyer because he believed in a constitutional state, but his journey led him somewhere else entirely.

International public media face uncertain future in democracies

This content was published on Apr 25, 2025 More and more Western governments are paring down their funding for international public media, even as authoritarian regimes beef theirs up.

A giant light installation of the flag of Switzerland, by Swiss artist Gerry Hofstetter, illuminates the north face of the Jungfrau mountain, next to the Eiger and Moench mountains, near the city of Thun, in 2012.

How Switzerland and other states are navigating disinformation

This content was published on Apr 6, 2025 How can the Alpine state navigate the dangers of hybrid warfare – and what are other European countries doing?

Tibetan and Uyghur people paused for a moment of silence to honor all victims at a rally on the Place des Nations in front of the United Nations' European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 16, 2016. Now, in addition to speaking up for the Tibetans in China, they're pushing the Swiss government to take action to protect themselves from transnational repression.

Chinese repression of Tibetans and Uyghurs: ‘Switzerland must take action now’

This content was published on Mar 17, 2025 Are countries such as Switzerland doing enough to protect its people from transnational repression by China?

Tibetans and Uyghurs in Switzerland fear long arm of China

This content was published on Feb 17, 2025 A study has revealed how China is intimidating Tibetans and Uyghurs in Switzerland. How will the Swiss government react?

How counterspeech is tackling hate speech in 2025

This content was published on Feb 17, 2025 As Facebook and Instagram relax content restrictions, the commitment of volunteers who push back against hate is becoming more crucial than ever.

Meta ended its US fact-checking programmes in January and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, said he would work with US President Donald Trump to push back on censorship around the world, including in Europe.

How Meta’s fact-checking shift threatens human rights

This content was published on Feb 14, 2025 By scrapping its fact-checking programme, Meta risks harming already marginalised populations.

Three people, seen from below, hold smartphones while standing behind a concrete barrier against a clear blue sky.

Social media fragmentation: do online platforms drown democracy in noise?

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 With online platforms under pressure and AI set to flood the internet with content, is it all over for the ideal of a harmonious digital public sphere?

Since the war in Ukraine, disinformation has focused on spreading false claims about Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky. The primary aim is to undermine support for Ukraine in the international community and to discourage aid, by portraying the Ukrainian president as someone who supposedly misuses Western assistance for personal gain.

How Switzerland is caught up in Russia’s propaganda machine

This content was published on Jan 27, 2025 Switzerland’s neutrality has not prevented it from becoming the target of fake news and propaganda from Moscow. An explainer.

Digital Democracy

Social scoring: is the West following in China’s footsteps?

This content was published on Jul 1, 2025 The Swiss Data Protection Commissioner warns against social scoring as a result of social polarisation.

What would happen if you gave everyone points for good behaviour? The scenario has many risks.

Are social scoring systems a threat to democracies?

This content was published on Jun 30, 2025 A Swiss team is currently trying to find out how democracies can prevent social scoring.

AI would vote for mainstream parties, shows Swiss experiment

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 ETH Zurich scientist Joshua Yang explains how artificial intelligence will change democracy.

light display featuring silhouette figures

How Swiss federalism is helping the rise of a new digital right

This content was published on Apr 3, 2025 Two Swiss cantons have become global frontrunners by introducing a constitutional protection for the online age.

‘It’s political’: why some people refuse to have a smartphone

This content was published on Mar 23, 2025 Almost two decades after the first iPhone, not everyone is ready to go fully digital. We talk to three people sceptical of the always-online life.

Digital democracy: will Swiss signature scandal pave way for e-collecting?

This content was published on Mar 8, 2025 It remains to be seen whether the signature scam will bring about the digitalisation of direct democracy in Switzerland. An overview of the situation.

How counterspeech is tackling hate speech in 2025

This content was published on Feb 17, 2025 As Facebook and Instagram relax content restrictions, the commitment of volunteers who push back against hate is becoming more crucial than ever.

Social media fragmentation: do online platforms drown democracy in noise?

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 With online platforms under pressure and AI set to flood the internet with content, is it all over for the ideal of a harmonious digital public sphere?

A visitor looks at a virtual version of her heart at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona 2024.

Digital citizens could shake up democracy in Switzerland and beyond

This content was published on Feb 4, 2025 Leading experts in medicine and business are pinning their hopes on digital twins. Two economists have a bold proposal that could reshape democracy.

Global elections

Does democracy really make the world more peaceful?

This content was published on Jul 15, 2025 Many people are convinced of this. But is it true? Political scientists give their opinions.

Voting at 16: more than just a symbolic gesture?

This content was published on Jul 14, 2025 Should 16-year-olds get the vote? In Switzerland, the idea is often on the political agenda – and is just as often thrown off it again.

Political characters: ‘A dark personality has become an electoral asset’

This content was published on Jun 15, 2025 Leaders showing signs of narcissism or ruthlessness tend to be backed by voters with more polarised views, according to researchers.

Italy’s referendum flop sends a warning to the left

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 Italy’s latest referendums fell short of reaching the required turnout. Political scientist Giorgio Malet puts the results into perspective.

Tajik ruler Emomali Rahmon and Vladimir Putin shake hands after their meeting in Moscow in March 2025.

Promoting democracy in authoritarian Tajikistan – is Switzerland making a difference?

This content was published on Apr 30, 2025 While the government of Tajikistan’s long-standing ruler grows more repressive, Switzerland continues to support human rights – a delicate balancing act.

Stephan Büchi in his flat in Köniz near Bern, with pictures of some of his favourite places in Romania on the wall.

One Swiss man’s patient work towards a democratic Romania

This content was published on Apr 13, 2025 After the fall of the Iron Curtain, Stephan Büchi took up a short-term role in a Romanian children’s home. Decades later, his heart still beats for the country.

Why the AfD is keen on Switzerland’s direct democracy

This content was published on Feb 24, 2025 The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has long advocated for “Swiss-style” direct democracy. What does the party hope to achieve with this?

Supporters of left-wing Vetevendosje! party celebrate following results of a parliamentary election, in Pristina,

When Kosovo votes, so do 27,000 Kosovars in Switzerland

This content was published on Feb 19, 2025 A large number voted for the incumbent prime minister, Albin Kurti – who is well aware of the importance of his supporters in the diaspora.

January 6, 2021: supporters of Donald Trump break through security and storm into the symbolic heart of US democracy, the Capitol in Washington.

Why some people turn to authoritarianism in the name of freedom

This content was published on Jan 25, 2025 Sociologists Carolin Amlinger and Oliver Nachtwey explain the sometimes surprising origins of a new type of anti-democratic figure.

Daniela Hauser in the ByWard Market district in the Canadian capital Ottawa

Swiss economist grapples with US-Canadian trade relationship

This content was published on Jan 7, 2025 Bern-born Daniela Hauser has to deal with the plans of incoming US President Donald Trump in the Canadian capital Ottawa.

person with hands behind their back carrying a camera

What does 2025 hold in store for democracy around the world?

This content was published on Dec 28, 2024 Disinformation, election manipulation and online hate are unlikely to disappear – but some signs of hope for democracy can still be found.

Our editor’s picks:

Political characters: ‘A dark personality has become an electoral asset’

This content was published on Jun 15, 2025 Leaders showing signs of narcissism or ruthlessness tend to be backed by voters with more polarised views, according to researchers.

The purest democracy? Visiting one of Switzerland’s historic open-air assemblies

This content was published on May 5, 2025 The annual “Landsgemeinde” in Glarus is like a folk festival, a party, and a crash-course in politics rolled into one. Is it democratically relevant?

cartoon of hikers walking across a tree log

Why people in Switzerland trust the state

Stable country, stable money, stable lifestyles: in comparison, many things run smoothly in Switzerland. One factor is the high level of trust.

Our videos on democracy:

Is it a good idea to let AI vote?

This content was published on Jul 10, 2025 Some people want to let AI vote in place of humans. Find out in this video why this might be a bad idea.

The Swiss militia principle – what’s it all about?

This content was published on May 14, 2025 The militia principle is a special feature of Swiss democracy, as this video explains.

‘Collegiality’ – a concept at the heart of Swiss governance

This content was published on May 2, 2025 What is “collegiality” and how exactly does it work – and help decision-making – for the seven-member Federal Council?

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on democracy

Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?

Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?

Join the discussion

Jul 21, 2025

View the discussion

Our coverage of digital democracy:

Is it a good idea to let AI vote?

This content was published on Jul 10, 2025 Some people want to let AI vote in place of humans. Find out in this video why this might be a bad idea.

Social scoring: is the West following in China’s footsteps?

This content was published on Jul 1, 2025 The Swiss Data Protection Commissioner warns against social scoring as a result of social polarisation.

Are social scoring systems a threat to democracies?

This content was published on Jun 30, 2025 A Swiss team is currently trying to find out how democracies can prevent social scoring.

Broad parliamentary alliance in favour of the e-ID law

Swiss parliamentary alliance backs e-ID law

This content was published on Jun 19, 2025 Swiss parliamentary alliance supports electronic ID law, ensuring user data control.

AI would vote for mainstream parties, shows Swiss experiment

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 ETH Zurich scientist Joshua Yang explains how artificial intelligence will change democracy.

Concerned about democracy, Ignazio Cassis appeals to the media

Swiss foreign minister calls on media to defend democracy

This content was published on May 15, 2025 Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis says the media has a vital role to play in the preservation of democracy.

How Swiss federalism is helping the rise of a new digital right

This content was published on Apr 3, 2025 Two Swiss cantons have become global frontrunners by introducing a constitutional protection for the online age.

‘It’s political’: why some people refuse to have a smartphone

This content was published on Mar 23, 2025 Almost two decades after the first iPhone, not everyone is ready to go fully digital. We talk to three people sceptical of the always-online life.

What impact do social media platforms have on democratic debate?

Do Facebook, X, TikTok and co. foster a diverse and dynamic “digital public square”? Or do they just make people angrier and more entrenched?

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Mar 13, 2025

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Digital democracy: will Swiss signature scandal pave way for e-collecting?

This content was published on Mar 8, 2025 It remains to be seen whether the signature scam will bring about the digitalisation of direct democracy in Switzerland. An overview of the situation.

How counterspeech is tackling hate speech in 2025

This content was published on Feb 17, 2025 As Facebook and Instagram relax content restrictions, the commitment of volunteers who push back against hate is becoming more crucial than ever.

Social media fragmentation: do online platforms drown democracy in noise?

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 With online platforms under pressure and AI set to flood the internet with content, is it all over for the ideal of a harmonious digital public sphere?

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How the Swiss political system works:

The Swiss political system

Direct democracy, federalism and neutrality in foreign affairs are central components of the Swiss political system.

Our series on Swiss and global democracy:

Moldova: A small neutral country at the crossroads between the EU and Russia

Switzerland is committed to democracy education and the integration of Ukrainians in Moldova.

More content on democracy:

Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?

Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?

Join the discussion

Jul 21, 2025

View the discussion

Does democracy really make the world more peaceful?

This content was published on Jul 15, 2025 Many people are convinced of this. But is it true? Political scientists give their opinions.

Voting at 16: more than just a symbolic gesture?

This content was published on Jul 14, 2025 Should 16-year-olds get the vote? In Switzerland, the idea is often on the political agenda – and is just as often thrown off it again.

John Zubly merged religion with politics and compared parts of Swiss history to the American resistance against Great Britain.

The American Revolutionary War through the eyes of a Swiss immigrant

This content was published on Jul 13, 2025 The Swiss National Museum looks back at the story of the Swiss pastor John Zubly, a key figure in American independence.

Is it a good idea to let AI vote?

This content was published on Jul 10, 2025 Some people want to let AI vote in place of humans. Find out in this video why this might be a bad idea.

Switzerland stirs Brexit ghosts in push for EU access

This content was published on Jul 1, 2025 Referendum looms on single market deal that includes concessions on money, migration and judicial power.

Social scoring: is the West following in China’s footsteps?

This content was published on Jul 1, 2025 The Swiss Data Protection Commissioner warns against social scoring as a result of social polarisation.

Are social scoring systems a threat to democracies?

This content was published on Jun 30, 2025 A Swiss team is currently trying to find out how democracies can prevent social scoring.

Switzerland: the land of cooperatives

The cooperative business model not only permeates the Swiss economy, but also forms the roots of its politics.

Patrick Chappatte: ‘The path for satire has been getting narrower’

This content was published on Jun 24, 2025 Patrick Chappatte is one of the most prolific cartoonists. We talked to him about the current state of satire, media and free speech in the world.

Inheritance tax referendum spooks Swiss super-rich

This content was published on Jun 23, 2025 Bankers and lawyers warn of exodus ahead of public vote on 50% rate for the very wealthy.

Swiss parliamentary session sets stage for noisy national debates

How important are common resources in today’s world?

In a globalised world, are collectively-managed land or resources – so-called commons – still relevant?

Join the discussion

Jun 20, 2025

6 Comments

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The Swiss mountain village that inspired a Nobel Prize and digital governance

This content was published on Jun 20, 2025 A small Swiss mountain village has become the focus of scientific attention thanks to Nobel Prize winner Elinor Ostrom.

Political characters: ‘A dark personality has become an electoral asset’

This content was published on Jun 15, 2025 Leaders showing signs of narcissism or ruthlessness tend to be backed by voters with more polarised views, according to researchers.

A delicate export: how Swiss foreign policy promotes democracy

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 Switzerland has a constitutional mandate to promote democracy around the world. What happens when that world starts looking more authoritarian?

Cultural activists and members of civil society are painting on a local bus as they are staging a song march for victims who were killed during the recent nationwide student protests over quotas in government jobs, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on July 30, 2024. (Photo by Ahmed Salahuddin/NurPhoto) (Photo by Ahmed Salahuddin / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)

Switzerland withdraws from democracy support in Bangladesh

This content was published on Jun 13, 2025 Promoting democracy around the world is one of Switzerland’s goals, but at the same time the funds for such efforts are dwindling.

Italy’s referendum flop sends a warning to the left

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 Italy’s latest referendums fell short of reaching the required turnout. Political scientist Giorgio Malet puts the results into perspective.

AI would vote for mainstream parties, shows Swiss experiment

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 ETH Zurich scientist Joshua Yang explains how artificial intelligence will change democracy.

People walk by a board showing some of the candidates running for Tokyo's gubernatorial election, June 20, 2024, in Tokyo.

How a Swiss innovation is changing democracy in Japan

This content was published on May 22, 2025 For decades, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has dominated Japan’s political landscape. Digital voting tools have the potential to change this.

A citizen on polling duty directs the voters at the polling station

Almost half of Swiss citizens are open to holding political office

This content was published on May 20, 2025 Would you consider holding political office? Nearly half of Swiss citizens would, according to a study by the University of Basel.

Habteab Yemane: high court judge in Eritrea, refugee in Switzerland

This content was published on May 19, 2025 Habteab Yemane became a lawyer because he believed in a constitutional state, but his journey led him somewhere else entirely.

The Swiss militia principle – what’s it all about?

This content was published on May 14, 2025 The militia principle is a special feature of Swiss democracy, as this video explains.

The seven weirdest Swiss votes of all time

This content was published on May 10, 2025 Absinthe, car-free Sundays and cow horns: Swiss voters have certainly had to decide on some unusual issues.

Switzerland refines its global democracy aims in a tough context

This content was published on May 8, 2025 Amid a global democratic “recession”, the foreign ministry has clarified how it wants to shore up freedoms around the world.

The purest democracy? Visiting one of Switzerland’s historic open-air assemblies

This content was published on May 5, 2025 The annual “Landsgemeinde” in Glarus is like a folk festival, a party, and a crash-course in politics rolled into one. Is it democratically relevant?

‘Collegiality’ – a concept at the heart of Swiss governance

This content was published on May 2, 2025 What is “collegiality” and how exactly does it work – and help decision-making – for the seven-member Federal Council?

Promoting democracy in authoritarian Tajikistan – is Switzerland making a difference?

International public media face uncertain future in democracies

This content was published on Apr 25, 2025 More and more Western governments are paring down their funding for international public media, even as authoritarian regimes beef theirs up.

Would you work for your municipality or country for free?

The Swiss militia system gives many people political responsibility but no salary. Would that be something for your country?

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Apr 24, 2025

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How the Swiss militia system strengthens civic identity – and favours the privileged

‘One for all, all for one’ – how the Swiss government makes decisions

This content was published on Apr 22, 2025 Secret meetings, no prime minister, and a seven-member executive that defends decisions collectively – the Swiss system of “collegiality” explained.

One Swiss man’s patient work towards a democratic Romania

How Swiss federalism emerged and shapes the nation

This content was published on Apr 11, 2025 In a country with four official languages and 26 cantons, federalism is a principle deeply rooted in the people and political system of Switzerland.

How Swiss federalism emerged and shapes the nation

This content was published on Apr 9, 2025 How is Swiss federalism emerged and where does it come from? Find out more in this video.

How Switzerland and other states are navigating disinformation

This content was published on Apr 6, 2025 How can the Alpine state navigate the dangers of hybrid warfare – and what are other European countries doing?

Climate adaptation

Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world

Cooks at work in the kitchen, pictured during a look behind the scenes at Hotel Seedamm Plaza in Pfaeffikon, canton of Schwyz, Switzerland, on March 31, 2014. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler)

Foreign Affairs

In Switzerland four out of ten people have a migrant background – who are they?

Demographics

Suicides in Switzerland quadruple among older people

Criminals are targeting Swiss car dealerships

French gangs target luxury cars in Switzerland

The additional costs that Switzerland will incur when purchasing the US F-35 fighter jet continue to be a concern.

Swiss Politics

Renewed controversy in Switzerland over US fighter jets – explained

Do you have Swiss ancestors? Are you planning to visit where they lived in Switzerland?

We’d love to hear more about your genealogical research.

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Jul 8, 2025

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31 Comments

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Did you immigrate to Switzerland? What are your experiences?

What were the circumstances of your immigration to Switzerland? And what motivated your decision to stay or leave?

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Apr 1, 2025

30 Likes

62 Comments

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How are mental illnesses treated in your country?

In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?

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Apr 23, 2025

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