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

Swiss citizens on decide on Sunday on a popular initiative calling for an economy that does not violate the ecological limits of the planet.

Switzerland votes on introducing electronic ID and abolishing rental tax

This content was published on Sep 27, 2025 Swiss citizens vote on the introduction of an electronic proof of identity. Pollsters expect a yes. The second issue to be voted on is the abolition of the rental tax for homeowners.

Democratic din: voters to decide fate of leaf blowers in Zurich

This content was published on Aug 28, 2025 In Switzerland’s biggest city, the ‘world’s most notorious power tool’ is facing a public ballot.

Unthinkable without volunteers: the 2025 Swiss Federal Gymnastics Festival attracted 300,000 people and 65,000 gymnasts to Lausanne.

How important is volunteer work to Swiss democracy?

This content was published on Aug 25, 2025 A new Volunteer Work Bulletin shows that those who volunteer are also more likely to be politically engaged.

Every summer, the village square in Bassersdorf, Canton Zurich, is the venue for the town meeting. The photo was taken in June 2017.

Swiss municipal assemblies: democracy on your doorstep

This content was published on Aug 12, 2025 In many Swiss municipalities, voters gather in local assemblies to decide on community matters themselves instead of leaving them to parliaments of elected officials.

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.

Information wars

Fake news spread abroad about Switzerland is a liability

This content was published on Sep 5, 2025 False claims about Swiss neutrality are circulating internationally. Switzerland needs to do more to ensure that other countries do not have a false image of the country. A Swissinfo analysis.

Russia has been increasing its isolation in technology, culture and education.

Russia bans International Baccalaureate over ‘Russophobia’

This content was published on Aug 29, 2025 Russia bans International Baccalaureate: Students lose access to global diplomas as Kremlin tightens educational isolation.

On August 13, Roskomnadzor, the state media regulator, restricted calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, calling them “main voice services used to deceive and extort money, and to involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities”

Behind Russia’s digital Iron Curtain: how the West and Switzerland look online

This content was published on Aug 29, 2025 We demonstrate how Russia’s digital Iron Curtain works with and without a VPN. [Spoiler: Swissinfo’s website doesn’t load in the country without one.]

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.

Digital Democracy

An Estonian woman retrieves her digital health card. Photo taken in Tallinn, 2018.

Why a slow-paced digital transition may be best for democracy

This content was published on Sep 15, 2025 When it comes to digital transformation, Switzerland and digital pioneer Estonia are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. What can be learnt from these two very different experiences?

A dog on a leash waits as its owner votes in a booth for referendums on citizenship and job protections, at a polling station in Milan, Italy, Sunday, June 8, 2025.

E-collecting brings new lease of life to Italian democracy

This content was published on Jul 31, 2025 An e-ID and a state-run platform for collecting digital signatures have boosted the paths to participation in Italy – but it’s not all plain sailing towards 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.

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?

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.

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?

Global elections

Opinion

In Eastern Europe corruption lies at heart of polarisation

This content was published on Sep 15, 2025 Political scientist Daniel Bochsler argues that the polarisation in Eastern Europe is more about criminal connections than content.

Taiwan is voting to restart a nuclear power plant – what’s at stake?

This content was published on Aug 8, 2025 Votes on nuclear energy are always about long-term risk assessment. In Taiwan, they are also about the risk posed by China.

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 more polarised voters, researchers say.

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.

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 more polarised voters, researchers say.

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:

Photo of man deciding between apples or chocolate

Are social scores a threat to democracy?

This content was published on Sep 2, 2025 China’s social scoring system has sparked fears of similar developments elsewhere. A Swiss team is currently trying to find out how democracies can prevent social scoring.

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.

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on democracy

Do you trust that your country can withstand attacks against its democracy?

Democracies are increasingly coming under threat, both from within and without. How do your country’s institutions fare?

Join the discussion

Sep 11, 2025

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24 Comments

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Our coverage of digital democracy:

Petition demands more protection of minors on social media from the Federal Council

Swiss campaigners submit petition to protect minors on social media

This content was published on Sep 18, 2025 Social media platforms should no longer be accessible to children and young people under the age of 16, a new petition is requesting.

Why a slow-paced digital transition may be best for democracy

Swiss cantonal ministers keep low profile on social media

This content was published on Aug 24, 2025 A small base of followers and neutral posts: these are the conclusions that emerge from a study published by UNIL researchers into the use of social networks by councillors of state.

E-collecting brings new lease of life to Italian 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 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?

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.

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How the Swiss political system works:

Swiss Politics

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:

Global elections

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:

Switzerland votes on introducing electronic ID and abolishing rental tax

Why a slow-paced digital transition may be best for democracy

Opinion

In Eastern Europe corruption lies at heart of polarisation

This content was published on Sep 15, 2025 Political scientist Daniel Bochsler argues that the polarisation in Eastern Europe is more about criminal connections than content.

Do you trust that your country can withstand attacks against its democracy?

Democracies are increasingly coming under threat, both from within and without. How do your country’s institutions fare?

Join the discussion

Sep 11, 2025

2 Likes

24 Comments

View the discussion

Fake news spread abroad about Switzerland is a liability

Are social scores a threat to democracy?

Russia bans International Baccalaureate over ‘Russophobia’

This content was published on Aug 29, 2025 Russia bans International Baccalaureate: Students lose access to global diplomas as Kremlin tightens educational isolation.

Behind Russia’s digital Iron Curtain: how the West and Switzerland look online

This content was published on Aug 29, 2025 We demonstrate how Russia’s digital Iron Curtain works with and without a VPN. [Spoiler: Swissinfo’s website doesn’t load in the country without one.]

Democratic din: voters to decide fate of leaf blowers in Zurich

This content was published on Aug 28, 2025 In Switzerland’s biggest city, the ‘world’s most notorious power tool’ is facing a public ballot.

Can democracy still make a place richer?

This content was published on Aug 26, 2025 For years, democracy was sold as a path to prosperity. More recently, that promise has been under pressure – despite apparent success stories like Switzerland.

How important is volunteer work to Swiss democracy?

This content was published on Aug 25, 2025 A new Volunteer Work Bulletin shows that those who volunteer are also more likely to be politically engaged.

Swiss municipal assemblies: democracy on your doorstep

Taiwan is voting to restart a nuclear power plant – what’s at stake?

This content was published on Aug 8, 2025 Votes on nuclear energy are always about long-term risk assessment. In Taiwan, they are also about the risk posed by China.

E-collecting brings new lease of life to Italian 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

36 Likes

27 Comments

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

View the discussion

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 more polarised voters, researchers say.

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.