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

ejaviers2002 2026-01-23 23:21

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Uruguay is one of the few countries in the Americas with full democracy. The key is popular participation, whether through political parties, social organisations, or other means of participation in decision-making. This requires civic-mindedness and commitment on the part of citizens. Following the Swiss example, Uruguay allows laws to be repealed by collecting the signatures of 10% of voters or 25% of the electoral roll in a referendum. All laws (except tax laws) can be put to a plebiscite.

Uruguay es de los pocos países con democracia plena en las Américas __ La clave es la participación popular, bien sea a través de los partidos políticos, organizaciones sociales y otros medios de participación en la toma de decisiones. Eso implica el civismo y compromiso de los ciudadanos. Uruguay, tomando el ejemplo suizo, permite derogar leyes, recogiendo la firma del 10% de los electores o el 25% del padrón en un referéndum, todas las leyes (excepto las tributarias) se pueden plebiscitar.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2026-01-26 09:48

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@ejaviers2002

Thank you very much for your description of the political instruments of direct democracy in Uruguay. How do you see the effects of these instruments?

Vielen Dank für Ihre Schilderung der politischen Instrumente der direkten Demokratie in Uruguay. Wie sehen Sie die Effekte dieser Instrumente

Frekwenz 2026-01-16 23:27

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Greetings from Switzerland. I do think that Switzerland could withstand an autocratic leader, provided that this person came from within its own ranks, i.e. was elected from among the candidates in a democratic process. However, I do not believe that the danger of "autocratisation" in Switzerland would come from a single person, but rather from a concentration of power in a single party that controls political work through its parliamentary majority and renders the opposition incapable of acting. Although no party currently has a share of more than 50 per cent in parliament, and this is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future, it would be theoretically possible. The electorate would still have the opportunity to intervene with initiatives and referendums, but the implementation of these popular initiatives would still depend on the majority ratios. The lack of a constitutional court would then, as is already the case today, do the rest. Ultimately, it depends on the electorate whether this theoretical possibility becomes reality. I consider this "adjustment screw" in our political system to be very fragile, as is the sense of responsibility towards the right to vote. In my opinion, the political education of large sections of the population is inadequate. In the (social) media, for example, discontent with lobbying in our parliament is repeatedly expressed and the numerous interests of parliamentarians are criticised. Nevertheless, it is precisely these politicians who are (re-)elected in the elections. Yet every person eligible to vote could see some of these connections or, with a little research, get an idea of the attitudes and environment of the politicians standing for election. To put it bluntly: if Switzerland becomes an autocracy, it will be because the majority of the electorate has decided so. Whether consciously or unconsciously remains to be seen. It is the responsibility of those eligible to vote. You're in it together. ____However, in my opinion, the potentially autocratic tendencies of individual politicians or parties are not the only threat to democracy. The acute danger clearly comes from plutocracy, and plutocratic tendencies can already be observed in Switzerland, at least since the negotiations with Trump, which were conducted by private individuals with no democratic legitimacy. When private, unelected individuals conduct political negotiations that have consequences for the entire Swiss population, this can no longer be called democracy and cannot be excused as opportunism. But that is a topic in itself. ____I see plutocratic tendencies particularly in the influence exerted by the economy on referendums, i.e. private investors, corporations and their associations, which run costly campaigns or openly threaten consequences if the outcome does not meet their expectations (keyword: jobs!). But plutocratic developments can also be observed outside the political arena. On the one hand, in the justice system, when court proceedings are waived for fear of high costs and the penalty order issued without a court decision is accepted. If the fine cannot be paid because there is simply no money available, a substitute prison sentence must be served, which is often disproportionate to the offence. The fact that these substitute prison sentences are causing prisons to become overcrowded has long been criticised by some organisations. When fare dodgers have to serve longer prison sentences than rapists, it is a sign of a dysfunctional justice system. ____I also consider the exclusion of foreign citizens who can lose their right of residence due to their financial circumstances, regardless of whether they are in employment or have fallen into financial difficulties through no fault of their own, to be part of this plutocratic development. The fact that foreign citizens cannot cover their basic living expenses despite having a job and at the same time are not allowed to apply for social assistance because they could lose their residence permit is de facto a criminalisation of poverty and thus also part of this plutocratic tendency. ____I am glad that I can have a say. However, some of the things that Swiss democracy has produced are sometimes difficult to bear.

Gruss aus der Schweiz. Ich denke schon, dass die Schweiz einer autokratischen Person standhält, sofern diese aus den "eigenen Reihen", sprich, im demokratischen Verfahren aus den Kandidaturen erwählt werden würde. ____Ich denke aber nicht, dass die Gefahr einer "Autokratisierung" in der Schweiz von einer einzelnen Person ausgehen würde, sondern von einer Machtkonzentration einer einzelnen Partei, die die politische Arbeit durch ihre parlamentarische Mehrheit kontrolliert und die Opposition handlungsunfähig macht. Zwar hat bisweilen keine Partei einen Anteil von über 50 Prozent im Parlament und dies wird wohl in absehbarer Zeit auch nicht soweit kommen, aber theoretisch wäre es möglich. Zwar hätte die Wahlbevölkerung noch die Möglichkeit, mit Initiativen und Referenden korrigierend einzugreifen, aber die Umsetzung der Volksbegehren wäre dann trotzdem von diesen Mehrheitsverhältnissen abhängig. Das fehlende Verfassungsgericht täte dann, wie auch schon heute, sein übriges dazu.____Letztendlich hängt es von der Wahlbevölkerung ab, ob diese theoretische Möglichkeit Realität wird. Diese "Stellschraube" in unserem politischen System schätze ich als sehr fragil ein, genauso wie das Verantwortungsbewusstsein gegenüber der ausgeübten Wahlberechtigung. Die politische Bildung weiter Teile der Bevölkerung ist meines Erachtens ungenügend. In den (sozialen) Medien beispielsweise wird immer wieder der Unmut über den Lobbyismus in unserem Parlament kundgetan und die zahlreichen Interessenbindungen der ParlamentarierInnen kritisiert. Dennoch werden bei den Wahlen dann genau diese PolitikerInnen (wieder-)gewählt. Dabei könnte jede wahl- und stimmberechtigte Person diese Verbindungen teilweise einsehen oder sich mit einer kurzen Recherche ein Bild über die Einstellung und das Umfeld der kandidierenden PolitikerInnen machen. Salopp gesagt: Wenn die Schweiz zu einer Autokratie wird, dann weil sich die Mehrheit Wahlbevölkerung dafür entschieden hat. Ob bewusst oder unbewusst, sei dahingestellt. Es liegt in der Verantwortung der Wahlberechtigten. Mitgegangen, mitgehangen. ____Die potenziell autokratischen Tendenzen einzelner PolitikerInnen oder Parteien sind aber meiner Meinung nach nicht die einzige Gefahr für die Demokratie. Akut geht die Gefahr eindeutig von der Plutokratie aus, wobei in der Schweiz bereits plutokratische Tendenzen wahrgenommen werden können, spätestens seit den Verhandlungen mit Trump, die von privaten, demokratisch nicht legitimierten Personen vorgenommen wurden. Wenn private, nicht gewählte Personen politische Verhandlungen führen, wobei das Ergebnis Folgen für die ganze Schweizer Bevölkerung hat, kann von Demokratie nicht mehr die Rede sein und auch nicht mit Opportunismus entschuldigt werden. Aber das ist ein Thema für sich. ____Plutokratische Tendenzen verorte ich insbesondere bei der Einflussnahme durch die Wirtschaft bei Abstimmungen, sprich, private Investoren, Konzerne und deren Verbände, die kostenschwere Kampagnen führen oder ganz offen mit Konsequenzen drohen, wenn das Ergebnis nicht ihren Vorstellungen entspricht (Stichwort: Arbeitsplätze!). Aber auch losgelöst vom politischen Betrieb sind plutokratische Entwicklungen zu beobachten. Einerseits in der Justiz, wenn aus Angst vor hohen Kosten auf ein Gerichtsverfahren verzichtet und der ohne richterlichen Beschluss gemachte Strafbefehl hingenommen wird. Kann die Busse nicht bezahlt werden, weil schlicht kein Geld vorhanden ist, muss eine Ersatzfreiheitsstrafe abgesessen werden, die oftmals in keinem Verhältnis zum Strafbestand steht. Dass wegen diesen Ersatzfreiheitsstrafen die Gefängnisse überfüllt werden, wird schon seit längerem von einigen Organisationen kritisiert. Wenn Schwarzfahrer längere Haftstrafen absitzen müssen als Vergewaltiger, dann ist das ein Zeichen einer dysfunktionalen Justiz. ____Zu der plutokratischen Entwicklung zähle ich auch die Exklusion ausländischer BürgerInnen, die aufgrund ihrer finanziellen Verhältnisse ihr Aufenthaltsrecht verlieren können, unabhängig davon, ob sie einer Arbeit nachgehen oder unverschuldet in eine finanziell schwierige Situation geraten sind. Dass ausländische BürgerInnen trotz Arbeit ihr Existenzminimum nicht abdecken können und gleichzeitig keine soziale Unterstützung beantragen dürfen, weil sie so ihre Aufenthaltsbewilligung verlieren könnten, ist defacto eine Kriminalisierung von Armut und somit auch Teil dieser plutokratischen Tendenz. ____Ich bin froh, dass ich mitbestimmen kann. Was die Schweizer Demokratie aber zuweilen hervorgebracht hat, ist teilweise schwer zu ertragen.

dariogia@gmail.com 2026-01-12 06:56

The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.

Redefining the term "autocracy"? In reality, there is a lot of confusion, and some people are happy to exploit this confusion. A dictatorial regime is one thing. An autocracy is another. A pseudo-democracy is one thing. A democracy is another. Which states are "democratic"?

Ridefinire il termine di "autocrazia"? In realtà c'è molta confusione e c'è chi va a nozze con questa confusione. Un regime dittatoriale è una cosa. una autocrazia è una cosa. Una pseudo-democrazia è una cosa. Una democrazia è una cosa.__Quali sono gli Stati "democratici"

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2026-01-15 08:56

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@dariogia@gmail.com

Good afternoon and thank you for your question. I would suggest referring to political science research. For example, this article provides a vivid illustration: ____https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/global-elections/does-democracy-really-make-the-world-more-peaceful/89646855

Guten Tag und vielen Dank für Ihre Frage, ich würde vorschlagen, sich dabei an die politwissenschaftliche Forschung zu halten. Zum Beispiel findet sich in diesem Artikel eine plastische Darstellung: ____https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/global-elections/does-democracy-really-make-the-world-more-peaceful/89646855

Banned-Aid 2026-01-10 05:15

＜Response from Japan＞__First, this question requires a careful answer.__The inquiry is as follows:__“Democracy and authoritarianism are in opposition,” “Democracy is attacked, pushed back, and overtaken by authoritarianism, dictatorship,” “Are there countermeasures? Is there a counterplan?”__And the trap is this:__“Democracy and authoritarianism/dictatorship are entirely different worlds.”__“These two worlds are in binary opposition.”__Such explanations are frequently used by politicians, researchers, commentators, and journalists in every country.__Japan is no exception.____But reality is different.__Democracy and authoritarianism are not in binary opposition; they are merely differences in degree along the same axis.__Let me explain simply.__1. Draw a horizontal axis X.__2. Place “Totalitarianism” at the far left. To its right, add “Dictatorship,” “Authoritarianism,” “Democracy,” “Libertarianism,” and “Anarchism.”__3. Six “levels” now line the axis: from ‘Totalitarianism’ to “Anarchism.”__Each country's situation continuously slides along this spectrum from the far left to the far right and vv.__That's all there is to it.____Moreover, this axis exists for every aspect of life, from politics to civic existence.__For example: axes for foreign policy, domestic politics, economics, culture/education/religion, regional differences, local communities, schools/churches, and households.__This applies to every country and every era, with nations constantly shifting along each axis.____In other words, because it's not a binary opposition, decisive countermeasures or counterplans don't fundamentally exist.__It merely reflects people's values and economic circumstances.____For example, there is an associate professor named Pascal Lottaz who is currently visiting Kyoto University in Japan from Switzerland.__His research theme is “neutrality.”__He had consistently argued that “Switzerland is a neutral country,” but suddenly lost confidence late last year.__This was because Switzerland endorsed EU individual sanctions and imposed sanctions on a Swiss citizen.__This individual was not a criminal; there was no trial. They were simply stripped of all fundamental human rights as an administrative procedure. This could be described as an extremely authoritarian, or even dictatorial, measure.__Yet, Switzerland is a democratic nation in terms of its political system.__This is the reality.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2026-01-15 08:25

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Banned-Aid

Thank you for your contribution. However, you are misrepresenting the situation: Switzerland took diplomatic action on behalf of its citizen in the case of the EU sanctions against Jacques Baud. The fact that the EU has imposed sanctions on Swiss citizens is not related to political decisions in Switzerland. Switzerland is not a member of the EU. Accordingly, it cannot be argued that Switzerland is no longer a neutral country because the EU is imposing sanctions on Swiss citizens.

Vielen Dank für Ihren Beitrag. Sie stellen die Situation aber falsch dar: Die Schweiz hat sich diplomatisch im Falle der EU-Sanktionen gegen Jacques Baud für ihren Staatsbürger eingesetzt. Dass die EU Sanktionen gegen Schweizer Bürgerinnen und Bürger erwirkt, steht nicht mit politischen Entscheiden in der Schweiz im Zusammenhang. Die Schweiz ist nicht Mitglied der EU. Entsprechend kann man auch nicht argumentieren, dass die Schweiz kein neutrales Land mehr sei, weil die EU Sanktionen gegen Schweizer ergreift.

Toño 2026-01-08 01:08

There is no democracy within any capitalist nation because of the social and economical inequalities existenting. To that political system you can call it a plutocracy which is a major oligarchy where the rich people command through the official govetnment the poor people. Sincerly yours, Antonio García González

Helga Urferer 2026-01-03 12:58

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

My approach to this issue is more solidarity__within Europe, don't become paralysed by fear. Always seek encounters,__even if it is difficult and banking secrecy__blocks many things.__Don't complain too much about Germany, they__help you with this tragedy in Valais.____And what about fire protection in Switzerland? At local authority level in Valais?__Politicians must also take responsibility.____And please also say thank you to Germany,__they are helping you and that's great.__As you can see again, you can't pay for everything.__I'm Austrian.

Mein Zugang zu diesem Thema ist mehr Solidarität__innerhalb Europas nicht in die Angststarre__Verfallen. Immer die Begegnung suchen,__auch wenn es schwer ist und das Bankgeheimnis__vieles blockiert.__nicht zu viel über Deutschland meckern, sie__helfen euch bei dieser Tragödie im Wallis.____Und wie ist es mit dem Brandschutz in der__Schweiz?? Auf Gemeindeebene im Wallis ?__Politiker müssen auch Veranzworting tragen.____Und bitte auch ein Dankeschön nach Deutdchland,__Sie helfen Euch und das ist grossartig.__Da sieht man wieder, alles kann man nicht__Bezahlen.__Ich bin Österreicherin.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2026-01-05 13:36

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Helga Urferer

Thank you for your perspective!

Vielen Dank für Ihre Perspektive!

Arthur Treichler 2026-01-03 07:02

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Many of the comments from other countries also point to autocratisation, right-wing extremism and the deliberate misinforming of citizens. __I think freedom of the press is still guaranteed in Switzerland. Although I have read very right-wing tendencies in certain publications. In the democratic process, it also happens here from time to time that clear voting decisions, whether initiated by the left or the right, are disregarded or simply overturned afterwards without a new referendum. (e.g. the SG health strategy with decisions that are not always comprehensible today). Financial interests are often put forward by bourgeois or right-wing political parties. In turn, a mentality of self-service in the system is developing that will continue to burden us in terms of financial policy in the coming years. I think we have lost touch with democracy and the old good compromises. The current wing politics in the national and cantonal parliaments is doing more harm to our democracy in the long term than it is helping us in the democratic process. The socio-media bubbles in which we move are probably also partly to blame. The more comments the search engines provide us with, the more entrenched the fronts in the political camps become. We have to learn to talk to each other again and listen to each other.

Viele der Kommentare auch aus anderen Ländern verweisen auf die Autokratisierung, den Rechtsextremismus und die gezielte Falschinformatiin der Bürger hin. __Ich denke in der Schweiz ist die Pressefreiheit immer noch gewährleistet. Obschon ich in gewissen Publikationen durchaus auch sehr rechtslastige Tendenzen gelesen habe. Beim demokratischen Prozess kommt es auch hier immer mal wieder vor, dass klare Abstimmungsentscheide, seien sie von links oder rechts initiiert worden, missachtet werden oder nachträglich einfach umgestürzt werden ohne neuen Volksentscheid. (Z.B. die SG Gesundheitsstrategie mit heute nicht immer nachvollziehbaren Entscheidungen). Oft wird dabei finanzielles Interesse durch bürgerliche oder eher rechts politisierende Parteien vorgeschoben. Im Gegenzug entwickelt sich eine Mentalität der Selbstbedienung am System die uns finanzpolitisch in den nächsten Jahren unmer wieder belasten wird. Ich denke wir haben etwas den Boden zur Demokratie und den alten guten Kompromissen verloren. Die aktuelle Flügelpolitik in den nationalen und kantonalen Parlamenten schadet unserer Demokratie auf längere Sicht mehr, als dass es uns im demokratischen Prizess weiterbringt. Mit Schuld daran, sind vermutlich auch die soziomedialen Bubbles in denen wir uns bewegen. Je mehr eigene Kommentare uns die Suchmaschinen liefern, dessdo verhärteter werden die Fronten in den politischen Lagern. Wir müssen wieder lernen miteinander zu reden und uns gegenseitig zuzuhören.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2026-01-05 13:36

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Arthur Treichler

Thank you very much for describing your point of view, Mr Treichler. This is a positive call for dialogue and listening. Do you think that this needs to be a jolt to individuals or how can Swiss society learn to talk to each other better

Vielen Dank für die Schilderung Ihrer Sicht, Herr Treichler. Das ist ein positiver Aufruf für den Austausch und das Zuhören. Denken Sie, dass dabei ein Ruck durch die einzelnen Personen gehen muss oder wie kann die Schweizer Gesellschaft besser lernen, miteinander zu reden

Arthur Treichler 2026-01-07 13:18

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Benjamin von Wyl

It won't happen without a struggle. When it comes to solidarity, we're not so bad otherwise. It's only when it comes to preconceived opinions and social bubbles that we make things very difficult for ourselves.

Ganz ohne einen Ruck geht es nicht. In Sachen Solidarität sind wir sonst ja auch nicht so schlecht. Nur wenn es um die vorgefestigten Meinungen und die sozialen Bubbles geht, stellen wir uns sehr schwierig an.

dariogia@gmail.com 2026-01-12 07:04

The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.

@Arthur Treichler

I completely agree with your last sentence: listening, talking to each other, and I would add understanding and accepting each other. I disagree with the assumption that information/misinformation is more left-wing or right-wing.Unbiased analyses conclude that: 'The Swiss media are not aligned as a bloc, but as a whole they lean slightly towards the centre-left on social and cultural issues, while remaining more centrist or liberal on economic and institutional issues.' Democracy is strongly influenced by those who lead, those who hold the reins and can therefore force the media's hand.

Perfettamente d'accordo con lei per l'ultima frase: ascoltare, parlarsi, aggiungerei capirsi e accettarsi.__Non concordo con la supposizione che l'informazione/disinformazione sia più di sinistra o di destra.__analisi non tendenziose concludono che:__"I media svizzeri non sono schierati come blocco, ma nel loro insieme pendono leggermente verso il centro-sinistra sui temi sociali e culturali, restando più centristi o liberali su economia e istituzioni."__La democrazia è fortemente influenzata da chi guida, chi ha le redini e può di conseguenza forzare la mano ai media.

cabd 2025-12-14 18:21

Hola, saludos desde México.

Acabo de escuchar el discurso pronunciado por Ana Corina Sosa, en representación de su madre, María Corina Machado en la ceremonia de entrega del Nobel de la Paz.

Y me retumban y resuenan sus palabras respecto al devenir de Venezuela a partir del régimen de Hugo Chávez y posterior de Nicolás Madura, cito textual: "Desde 1999, el régimen se dedicó a desmantelar nuestra democracia: violó la Constitución, falsificó nuestra historia, corrompió a las Fuerzas Armadas, purgó a los jueces independientes, censuró a la prensa, manipuló las elecciones, persiguió la disidencia y devastó nuestra biodiversidad".

Al igual que en Venezuela, todo ello ha venido ocurriendo en nuestro país a partir de 2018 que llegó al poder la izquierda a nuestro país con Andrés Manuel López Obrador y ahora continúa con Claudia Sheinbaum.

La izquierda en México se ha encargado de desaparecer organismo autónomos que funcionaban como contrapesos al gobierno; eliminó fideicomisos que se habían conformado para afrontar situaciones de emergencia como el Fonden; ha corrompido a las fuerzas armadas de nuestro país, otorgándoles jugosos contratos para obras faraónicas como la refinería de Dos Bocas (que a la fecha no refina ni produce gasolinas), o el AIFA (en realidad es un aeropuerto militar) que resultó un aeropuerto inoperante, con pésimas vías de acceso, o bien el proyecto del Tren Maya que desde sus inicios se analizó con especialistas y se comentó que no sería un proyecto rentable, que el gobierno tendría que subsidiarlo por años, adicional al ecocidio ocasionado a la Selva Maya. Poco le importó al gobierno los amparos girados por jueces, magistrados, éste régimen simplemente "se los pasó por el arco de triunfo" como solemos decir en México, cuando se ignora y viola la ley haciendo la voluntad del gobierno en turno.

Como la Suprema Corte de Justicia no se plegó al régimen de izquierda, López Obrador se dedicó a minar, disminuir y desaparecer completamente la autonomía de este poder en nuestro país. En el 2024 en las elecciones federales, la izquierda obtuvo el 54% de los escaños en el Congreso, pero con triquiñuelas, trampas y amenazas a diputados y senadoras de la oposición, pasaron a obtener la mayoría calificada que requerían en el Congreso para poder modificar la Constitución y desaparecer al Poder Judicial.

Cayeron en el ridículo de organizar unas "elecciones" para elegir a Ministros, Magistrados y Jueces de todo el Poder Judicial, con el riesgo que el crimen organizado impusieran a su propia gente y candidatos, como efectívamente ocurrió. Pusieron de candidatos a personas sin la preparación debida. Echaron por la borda la carrera judicial, en la cual jueces y magistrados en algunos casos habían invertido parte de sus vidas profesionales.

En materia de seguridad, López Obrador impuso su lema de "abrazos y no balazos" para la delincuencia y el crimen organizado. Esto ha resultado en situaciones en las que el crimen organizado controla zonas completas de nuestro país y está infiltrado en gran parte de gobiernos municipales, estatales y federales. Y esto lo notamos los ciudadanos común y corrientes porque hay zonas del país (Sinaloa, Michoacán, Tamauilipas, Veracruz, Guerrero, etc.) en los que prácticamente se vuelve imposible adentrarse o circular por ellas, bajo el riesgo de ser secuestrado o asesinado. Recién acaban de asesinar a Carlos Manzo, presidente municipal de Uruapan, segunda ciudad en importancia en el estado de Michoacán.

En cuanto a salud, han desmantelado el sistema hospitalario público, no hay medicinas del cuadro básico para los pacientes, los médicos no cuentan con el instrumental básico ni siquiera para curaciones básicas y elementales. Frecuentemente hay protestas del personal médico, pero el gobierno enseguida se dedica a callar sus opiniones. Han eliminado tratamientos y medicinas para niños con cáncer. Los tiempos de espera para operaciones en hospitales públicos suelen ser mínimo de 6 meses en adelante. Esto ha obligado al florecimiento de sistema de farmacias con consultorios privados a las cuales ahora la población acude para atenderse.

En solo 7 años en el poder, la izquierda mexicana ha duplicado la deuda pública del país, al pasar de 10 billones de pesos ($500 mil millones de dólares americanos) a casi 20 billones de pesos ($1 billón de dólares americanos; en léxico norteamericano equivalente a $1 trillón de dólares). La deuda ya representa más del 50% del PIB del país.

Tramposamente el gobierno ha manipulado el discurso público diciendo que ha sacado de la pobreza a 13% de la población en México. Sin embargo esas cifras están sostenidas artificialmente por mecanismo de becas y apoyos clientelares que el gobierno otorga a la población más vulnerable, a cambio de votos en las urnas. Prácticamente la captación que realiza el sistema tributario en México por concepto de impuesto sobre la renta, se va a pagar el esquema de pago de becas que el gobierno ha instrumentado para asegurar su futuro en las votaciones. Como resultado, tenemos un sistema tributario que ya no haya de dónde más cobrar impuestos. Y siempre terminan por cargar al contribuyente cautivo.

La izquierda parece estar más peleada contra la pequeña y mediana industria de nuestro país, al recargar el peso de las contribuciones a este sector. Según cifras del propio gobierno, el 55% de la población económicamente activa en México se encuentra en la informalidad, es decir, no paga impuestos ni está inscrito en el sistema nacional de pensiones.

El actual régimen ha dado infinidad de muestras de intolerancia, censura (y asesinato en casos extremos) hacia prensa, analistas opositores, influencers y personajes en redes públicas. Para muestra un botón: una ciudadana, Karla Estrella, cuestionó en redes sociales si la candidatura de la diputada Diana Karina Barreras Samaniego se debía a la influencia de su esposo, el también diputado Sergio Gutiérrez Luna. La diputada Barreras denunció este comentario como "violencia política de género" ante el Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación (TEPJF). El tribunal falló a favor de la legisladora y sancionó a la ciudadana, ordenándole, entre otras cosas, ofrecer disculpas públicas diarias durante 30 días en sus redes sociales. En el proceso legal y las disculpas, se hizo referencia a la legisladora como "Dato Protegido" para salvaguardar su identidad inicialmente en el expediente, y los usuarios de redes sociales y la prensa adoptaron este apodo.

Finalmente en materia educativa, se han dedicado a impulsar libros de texto en el sistema básico de educación, repletos de ideas marxistas y de inclusión. Respeto ambas ideologías, pero estoy en desacuerdo que quieran "oficilizar" e "imponer" "ideologías de moda". Adicional que echaron para atrás una reforma educativa que obligaba al personal docente a la actualización y evaluación permanente. Pero en nuestro país, los sindicatos y maestros (en contubernio con régimen de izquierda) no les gusta ni que los auditen ni que los evalúes, el oscurantismo total.

Espero que no estemos en 25 años lamentándonos al igual que el pueblo venezolano, cómo fue que permitimos en México que desapareciesen gota a gota la democracia.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2026-01-05 09:43

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@cabd

Hello, ____Thank you for your message! In order for the article to appear in the correct languages, you will have to write in Spanish on the Spanish-language page: https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/democracia/confía-en-la-fortaleza-democrática-de-su-país/90033042____In it will not be translated in its current form, which is a pity for all our readers in the nine languages besides Spanish.____Your critical view of developments in Mexico is fascinating - and the decline you observe with regard to the separation of powers and constitutional politics is consistent with many indices of the quality of democracy. Nevertheless, I think it is difficult to make a hasty prediction of a development like that in Venezuela for the next 25 years.

Guten Tag, ____Vielen Dank für Ihre Nachricht! Damit der Beitrag in den korrekten Sprachen erscheint, müssen Sie auf der spanischsprachigen Seite auf Spanisch schreiben: https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/democracia/confía-en-la-fortaleza-democrática-de-su-país/90033042____In der jetzigen Form wird er nicht übersetzt, was schade ist für alle unsere Lesenden in den neun Sprachen neben Spanisch.____Ihr kritischer Blick auf die Entwicklung in Mexiko ist spannend - und der von Ihnen beobachtete Rückgang im Hinblick auf Gewaltenteilung und verfassungsmässige Politik stimmt mit vielerlei Indizes zur Qualität der Demokratie überein. Trotzdem denke ich, dass es schwierig ist, daraus vorschnell eine Entwicklung wie in Venezuela auf 25 Jahre hinaus vorherzusagen.

Amilcar Ivanhoe 2025-12-03 16:16

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

I live in Peru. Let's start from that premise to understand my position. Governments in Latin America are failing to provide security and employment for their citizens. I understand that there are few (if any) countries that can satisfy the needs and demands of their citizens. However, in Peru, the economy and politics are walking parallel paths condemned to misunderstanding. Politics seems to act AGAINST citizens, creating rules that: protect the human rights of criminals rather than victims; prevent the questioning of politically correct thinking under the pretext of a gaseous and ambiguous "hate speech", which owes more to George Orwell than to the common good; and finally, the State has contributed with its hyperinflation of rules to create chaos. There is a gigantic amount of inflexible rules that have very flexible compliance in practice when what is needed are flexible rules that have inflexible compliance. You cannot have democracy without stable rules that are known to all and enforceable. The opposite encourages citizen disengagement, apathy in public affairs and lack of responsibility for the common good.

Vivo en Perú. Partamos de esa premisa para entender mi posición. En Hispanoamerica los gobiernos están fallando en proporcionar seguridad y empleo a los ciudadanos. Entiendo que son pocos (si los hay) los países que pueden satisfacer las necesidades y exigencias de los ciudadanos. No obstante, en Perú la economía y la política caminan por vías paralelas condenadas al desencuentro. La política parece actuar CONTRA los ciudadanos, gestando normas que: cuidan más los derechos humanos de los criminales antes que de las víctimas, impiden el cuestionamiento al pensamiento políticamente correcto so pretexto de un gaseoso y ambiguo "discurso de odio", que debe más a George Orwell que al bien común; por último, el Estado ha contribuido con su hiperinflación de normas a crear el caos. Existen una gigantesca cantidad de normas inflexibles que tienen un acatamiento muy flexible en los hechos cuando lo que se necesita son normas flexibles que tengan cumplimiento inflexible. No puede hacer democracia sin normas estables que sean de conocimiento de todos y cuyo cumplimiento sea posible. Lo contrario alienta la falta de compromiso del ciudadano, la apatía por los asuntos públicos y la falta de responsabilidad en relación al bien común.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-12-08 17:01

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Amilcar Ivanhoe

Thank you for your perspective from Peru! ____It is very interesting what you describe.____Do you think that there should be no legal means against hate speech - or do you think they should be implemented or enforced differently than is currently the case in Peru? ____I can only subscribe to this sentence of yours - you really summarise a very essential aspect that is often forgotten in discussions about democracy: "Without stable rules that are known and enforceable by all, you cannot have democracy."

Vielen Dank für Ihre Perspektive aus Peru! ____Es ist sehr spannend, was Sie schildern.____Sind Sie denn der Meinung, dass es gar keine juristischen Mittel gegen Hassrede geben sollte - oder sollten sie Ihrer Meinung nach anders umgesetzt bzw. durchgesetzt werden als es gegenwärtig in Peru der Fall ist?____Diesen Satz von Ihnen kann ich nur unterschreiben - damit fassen Sie wirklich einen sehr essenziellen Aspekt zusammen, der in Diskussionen über Demokratie häufig vergessen geht: "Ohne stabile Regeln, die allen bekannt und durchsetzbar sind, kann man keine Demokratie haben."

jepyerly@websud.ch 2025-12-03 08:41

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

Democracy is a good tool, but there are limits. For example, in Switzerland, with just a few signatures, the people are asked to vote on sometimes delicate issues. For example, the overpopulation of our country has been under debate since the end of the last century. The people have agreed, but parliament is doing nothing. The Left and the city dwellers think that every metre of our country can be built on and lived in. All this without taking into account the burden and production of CO2, the lack of water, food and necessary infrastructure. The only thing that counts is tax revenue, and above all being able to use it for leisure and sport, but if possible, without having to work. Above all, we must not give democratic powers to Swiss people who neither live nor work in the country, just as we must not give them to foreigners who work in Switzerland but will leave for their countries of origin with their pensions. The urban-rural mentality is becoming increasingly important. City-dwellers, who benefit from public transport, shopping centres, doctors, hospitals and all the comforts of life, would like to impose on remote regions the acceptance of dangerous animals, impose absurd food production conditions and impose a 4-day working week, without knowing the consequences. Under these conditions, it is impossible to trust an excessive democracy.

La démocratie , est un bon instrument, toutefois il y a des limites. Par exemple, en Suisse , avec quelques signatures , on demande au peuple de se prononcer pour des sujets parfois délicats. Par exemple , la surpopulation de notre Pays, se débat depuis la fin du siècle passé . Le peuple a accepté, mais le parlement ne fait rien,. La gauche et les citadins , pensent que chaque m" de notre Pays, peut être construit et habité . Tout cela sans tenir compte de la charge et la production de CO2 , le manque d'eau, de nourriture et d'infrastructures nécessaires. Seules, les entrées fiscales comptent , et surtout pouvoir se servir , pour les loisirs et les sports, mais si possible, sans le travail. Il ne faut surtout pas donner de pouvoirs démocratiques aux Suisses qui n'habitent , ni ne travaillent dans le Pays, tout comme aux étrangers qui travaillent en Suisse, mais partirons dans leurs pays d'origine , avec leurs retraites. Les mentalités villes - campagnes , deviennent de plus en plus importants. Les citadins, profitant de transports publiques ,à la sortie de l'immeuble, de centres commerciaux , de médecins, d’hôpitaux, et tout le confort de voiries, voudraient imposer aux régions éloignées , d'accepter les animaux dangereux, imposer des conditions de production de nourriture absurdes, d'imposer 4 jours de travail par semaine, sans y connaître les conséquences. Dans ces conditions , il est impossible de faire confiance à une démocratie démesurée.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-12-03 11:25

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@jepyerly@websud.ch

Thank you for your message, in which you essentially simply explain your political assessment of things. However, it is unclear to me what you mean in your opening passage: should there be fewer referendums with higher hurdles in Switzerland? ____Could you also explain what you mean by "The people have voted in favour, but Parliament is doing nothing"? The last initiative that addressed the issue of overpopulation was the Ecopop initiative, which was rejected with over 74% of the vote.

Guten Tag für Ihre Nachricht, in der Sie ja im Wesentlichen einfach Ihre politische Einschätzung der Dinge ausführen. Allerdings ist mir unklar, wie Sie das in Ihrer Eingangspassage meinen: Sollte es also weniger Volksabstimmungen geben mit höheren Hürden in der Schweiz? ____Können Sie zudem ausführen, worauf Sie das beziehen "Das Volk hat zugestimmt, aber das Parlament tut nichts."? Die letzte Initiative, die sich mit dem Thema Überbevölkerung befasste, war die Ecopop-Initiative, die mit über 74% der Stimmen abgelehnt worden ist.

Jorg Hiker 2025-12-03 14:11

@jepyerly@websud.ch

Swissinfo readers know first-hand regions abroad which are more densely populated that Switzerland and with a high quality of life. They also see that leading regions abroad massively improve and modernize their infrastructure. Think Dubai or Singapore. Your views are simply false.

Jorg Hiker 2025-12-04 11:58

@Benjamin von Wyl

Frankly, the post of jepyerly is a textbook example of the attack on democracy. Anti-democratic people 'only' remove some topics and people from the democracy but do not typically directly attack. Democracy but not for city Swiss who don't understand rural Swiss (supposedly). And not for Swiss living abroad. And not for citizens without without Swiss passport. And not about the development...

kiehlswick 2025-12-04 21:44

@jepyerly@websud.ch

true

Marvic 2025-12-02 11:03

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

As a Venezuelan living in a society in crisis, I confirm that autocracies do actively seek to weaken democracies. Venezuela is today an epicentre of regional destabilisation because it is under siege and because institutions do not resist authoritarianism, there is no resistance to public and private entities that could be co-opted. The most vital project to strengthen democracy anywhere in the world is the united struggle of ordinary people who day by day see their lives fade away in the search for food, health and justice.

Como venezolano que vive en una sociedad en crisis, confirmo que las autocracias sí buscan activamente debilitar democracias. Venezuela es hoy un epicentro de desestabilización regional por estar sitiada y porque las instituciones no resisten el autoritarismo, no hay resistencia ante entes públicos y privados que pudieron ser cooptados. El proyecto más vital para fortalecer la democracia en cualquier lugar del mundo, es la lucha unida de las personas de a pie que día a día ven sus vidas desvanecerse entre la búsqueda de comida, salud y justicia.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-12-08 17:04

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Marvic

Hello Marvic, ____ Thank you for your perspective. What means is Venezuela using for regional destabilisation? That's a topic I haven't heard much about yet.

Guten Tag Marvic, ____Vielen Dank für Ihre Perspektive. Mit welchen Mitteln setzt denn Venezuela auf regionale Destabilisierung? Das ist ein Thema, über das ich bisher noch nicht viel gehört habe.

Enoc 2025-12-01 10:56

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Today, I have no confidence whatsoever, social communism has destroyed all semblance of freedom, of course of democracy. There is no longer any separation of powers, there is no longer any judicial independence, the latter is assiduously attacked by the government. All levels in Spain are colonised by the government, a government that is not even legal because of the evidence of electoral fraud. The control over the Spanish citizen is absolute. The government itself, in alliance with the other big party, the Popular Party, has been bringing millions of Africans to Spain for years, mainly with the clear idea of their non-integration, keeping them in all regions, socially, economically, health-wise, to the total detriment of the Spanish citizen, politically, socially, health-wise and economically marginalised. Businesses are closing, small businesses are disappearing, innovation and research no longer exist. The suicide rate is among the highest in the world. The Muslim birth rate is rewarded, the Spanish birth rate is persecuted, harassed and a long etcetera, which in any case is causing a submissive, apathetic and non-developmental mentality at an experiential level. The situation is chaotic under this globalist plan sponsored by the greatest enemy of Europe and the European citizen and especially towards the Spanish, the European Parliament. Best regards. Sincerely yours. Enoch.

Hoy día, no confío en absoluto, el social comunismo ha destruido todo atisbo de libertad, por supuesto de democracia. Ya no existe la separación de poderes, ya no hay independencia judicial, esta es atacada desde el gobierno asiduamente. Todos los estamentos de España están colonizados por el gobierno, un gobierno que por otra parte no siquiera es legal por las pruebas de fraude electoral. El control sobre el ciudadano español es absoluto. El propio gobierno en alianza con el otro gran partido, el popular, llevan años trayendo a España millones de africanos fundamentalmente con la clara idea de su no integración, manteniéndolos en todas las regiones, social, económica, sanitariamente, en total detrimento del ciudadano español, marginado política, social, sanitaria y económicamente. Las empresas cierran, el pequeño comercio desaparece, la innovación y la investigación ya no existen. El índice de suicidios entre los más saltos del mundo. Se premia la natalidad musulmana, se persigue, se acosa la natalidad española y un largo etcétera, que en cualquier caso está causando una mentalidad sumisa, apática y nada desarrollista a nivel vivencial. La situación es caótica bajo este plan globalista auspiciado por el mayor enemigo de Europa y del ciudadano europeo y especialmente hacia el español, el parlamento europeo. Un saludo. Atentamente. Enoc.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-12-03 11:20

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Enoc

Thank you for your message. However, I have doubts as to whether you mean that there is a conspiracy going on when you talk about a "globalist plan"?____In any case, the Spanish government is democratically elected. And I am not aware that it has changed anything about these foundations of representative democracy, so I ask you what you mean by saying that the Spanish government has destroyed democracy

Vielen Dank für Ihre Nachricht. Ich habe allerdings Zweifel daran, ob Sie mit dem Raunen zu einem "globalistischen Plan" meinen, dass eine Verschwörung im Gange sei?____Jedenfalls: Die spanische Regierung ist demokratisch gewählt. Und mir ist nichts dazu bekannt, dass sie an diesen Grundlagen der repräsentativen Demokratie etwas geändert hätte, entsprechend frage ich Sie, was Sie denn meinen, dass die spanische Regierung die Demokratie zerstört habe

kiehlswick 2025-12-04 21:45

@Enoc

💡

MCGuisan 2025-12-16 01:34

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

@Benjamin von Wyl

There are good and bad quality democracies. The quality of the Spanish electoral system, for the Congress, is not of good quality. There is no internal democracy in the parties, voters cannot elect people, only closed lists imposed by party bosses. It allows not the party with the most votes to govern but the sum of several losers. A large part of the government's decisions are contrary to the preferences of the majority of citizens, even contrary to the majority of its voters. What can go wrong

Hay democracias de burna y de mala calidad. La calidad del sustema electoral espsñol, para el Vongreso, no es de buena calidad. No hay drmocracia internaven los partidos, los votantes no pueden elegir personas, sólo listas cerradas impuestas por los firogentes drl partido. Permite que no gobierne el partido más votado sino la suma de varios perdedores. Una gran parte de las decisiones del Gobierno son contrarias a las preferencias de ka mayoría de los ciudadanos, incluso contrariaa a la mayoría de sus votantes. Que puede salir mal

MCGuisan 2025-12-16 01:55

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

@Enoc

Spanish democracy is of poor quality. It does not allow the party with the most votes to govern, unless it has an absolute majority, which is rare. Individuals cannot be elected, only party lists. There is no relationship between congressmen and their voters. The opinion of the majority of society is rarely taken into account. While the parties are engaged in confrontation and fighting for privileges, the problems are not solved and the real per capita income has not grown in the period 2008-2025, the average wage is low, productivity is not increasing, legal insecurity and the tax burden cause housing shortages and high housing costs. The cause is a poorly designed electoral system that, for almost 50 years, has been deteriorating the quality of democracy in Spain.

La democracia española es de mala calidad. No permite gobernar al partido más votado, salvo que tenga mayoría absoluta lo cual es poco frecuente. No se pueden elegir personas, sólo listas de partidos. No hay relación entre los congresistas y sus votantes. La opinion de la mayoría de la sociedad casi nunca es tenida en cuenta. Mientras los partidos se dedican a enfrentarse y pelear por privilegios, no se resuelven los problemas y la renta real per cápita no ha crecido en el período 2008-2025, el sueldo medio es bajo, no aumenta la productividad, la inseguridad jurídica y la presión fiscal ocasionan escasez y carestía de la vivienda. La causa es un sistema electoral mal diseñado que, durante casi 50 años ha ido deteriorando la calidad democrática de España.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2026-01-05 09:49

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@MCGuisan

Thank you very much for your description! The power of parties and the importance of internal party democracy is an exciting point that is often overlooked because it is outside of the specific political institutions. Aren't there any parties in Spain that act differently internally and, for example, dare to have more internal party democracy?

Vielen Dank für Ihre Schilderung! Die Macht von Parteien bzw. die Bedeutung von parteiinterner Demokratie ist ein spannender Punkt, der oftmals übersehen wird, da er ausserhalb der konkreten politischen Institutionen steht. Gibt es in Spanien denn keine Parteien, die intern anders agieren und etwa mehr parteiinterne Demokratie wagen

cesardelucasivorra@hotmail.com 2025-11-30 22:27

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Democracy, like human rights, should be two fundamental concepts guaranteed in any society. But it should be borne in mind that the development of these ideals should not be an inconvenience for state authorities when there are situations of war or very serious state crises, which require immediacy and speed in the state's information systems at all levels, so that governmental decisions are sensible in order to protect the state and its citizens. All of this, implying respect for democracy and fundamental rights, without facilitating dictatorial or autarchic systems, which imply chaotic situations in the state or involvement in war conflicts that are difficult or impossible to solve, without knowledge of the harmful causes that this may imply for the state in the short and long term.

Le democracia al igual que los derechos humanos, deben ser dos conceptos fundamentales garantizados en cualquier sociedad. Pero hay que tener en cuenta, que el desarrollo de dichos ideales no deben ser un inconveniente para las autoridades estatales cuando hay situaciones de guerra o crisis estatales muy fuetes, que requieren inmediatez y rapidez en los sistemas de información del estado a todos los niveles, para que las decisiones gubernativas sean sensatas para proteger el estado y sus ciudadanos. Todo ello, implicando el respeto por la democracia y los derechos fundamentales, sin facilitar sistemas dictatoriales o autárquicos, que impliquen situaciones caóticas en el estado o implicación en conflictos bélicos de difícil o nula solución, sin conocimiento de las causas nefastas que puede implicar para el estado a corto y largo plazo.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-12-03 11:15

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@cesardelucasivorra@hotmail.com

Thank you for your description - can you give an example of when ideals - which are also institutions - become "annoying" in situations of war or crisis? Unfortunately, this is not entirely clear to me from your comment.

Vielen Dank für Ihre Schilderungen - können Sie denn ein Beispiel dafür nennen, wann die Ideale - die auch Institutionen sind - in Kriegs- oder Krisensituationen "lästig" werden? Das wird mir aus Ihrem Kommentar leider nicht ganz klar.

Suman 2025-11-29 12:38

Americans are getting sick of the dark, shitty, “MAGA” message; a message of hate, of failure, of doom.____Americans are also discovering Project 2025, and anyone with one brain cell can tell from that agenda, which (despite trump’s failed attempts to step away from HIS PEOPLES’ CREATION )is gruesome, can realize that what trump has in mind is horrifying and anti-American. And the big problem is that he has an army of minions who will orchestrate it from day one.____Everything about trump and his supporters is about hatred and vengeance. He can carry on about the threats to this country, but the threats as clearly verbalized are his.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-11-30 16:15

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Suman

Thank you for your perspective - the main thing I draw from your post is that you are taking a perspective that Trump is relying primarily on a negative narrative. Have I understood you correctly

Vielen Dank für Ihre Perspektive - ich ziehe aus Ihrem Beitrag vor allem, dass Sie eine Perspektive einnehmen, dass Trump vor allem auf eine Negativerzählung baut. Habe ich Sie da richtig verstanden

Ashtamir 2025-11-29 05:19

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

Democracy is a way of organising society that guarantees the stability of government, the freedom of citizens and respect for minorities, but it is also a nerve-cracking factor in the evolution of society, which is good for the stability of the system but a brake on change.__Currently, various minority groups on the right and extreme right around the world are trying to undermine these fundamental principles in order to move towards an authoritarian or even dictatorial system. For example, Trump and Putin get on well together, because they share the same autocratic vision.__In 1933, the burning of the Reichstag in Berlin allowed the Nazi movement to advance, and we know where that has taken the world.__Why do these authoritarian groups want to destroy democracy, and why are they advancing everywhere?__I find this very worrying for the future of democracies, even in Switzerland.

La démocratie est une organisation de la société qui garantit la stabilité du gouvernement, la liberté des citoyens, le respect des minorités, mais qui est un facteur d'nertie dans l'évolution sociétale, et c'est un bien pour la stabilité du système, mais un frein aux changements.__Actuellement, divers groupes minoritaires, de droite et extrême droite, partout dans le monde, tentent de miner ces principes fondamentaux pour évoluer vers un système autoritaire, voire dictatorial. Par exemple, Trump et Poutine s'entendent bien, car ils ont la même vision autocratique.__En 1933, l'incendie du Reichstag à Berlin a permis la progression du mouvement nazi, et on sait où cela a.mené le monde.__Pourquoi ces groupes autoritaires veulent- ils abattre la démocratie, et pourquoi progressent'ils partout ???__Je trouve cela très inquiétant pour l'avenir des démocraties, même en Suisse

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-11-30 16:13

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Ashtamir

Hello,____Thank you for your perspective. The question of the extent to which a democracy creates stability naturally differs from country to country - are you speaking from a Swiss perspective? Or in which country do you think this is the case? ____When you draw the - always difficult - direct comparison with 1933, I get the impression that you are actually quite convinced that you know why certain forces are involved in this way - am I right?

Guten Tag,____Vielen Dank für Ihre Perspektive. Die Frage, wie sehr eine Demokratie Stabilität herstellt unterscheidet sich natürlich auch je nach Land - sprechen Sie denn aus einer Schweizer Perspektive? Oder in welchem Land schätzen Sie das so ein? ____Wenn Sie natürlich direkt den - immer schwierigen - Vergleich zu 1933 ziehen, bekomme ich den Eindruck, dass Sie eigentlich schon recht überzeugt sind zu wissen, warum gewisse Kräfte sich in dieser Form engagieren - habe ich Recht

Peter1 2025-11-26 09:01

I suggest that the article was written by a socialist who is with other global socialist out to destroy democracy in countries (including Switzerland) around the world. There is no mention of the harm done by socialists and communists. Stalin was against the Jewish people as were any of the mentioned fascists. Mao in China and the present Xi Jinping are a much better threat to democracy around the world then the so-called far right like Meloni. I do not know much about the political group in Germany AFD but I suggest that the left wing Greens and Social Democrats are worse. There is no doubt that in UK the Labour party and the Tory conservatists are corrupt and do not consider the welfare of the ordinary people. __The EU and UN are threats to democracy because power seeking socialist have seized control. __Swiss direct democracy has been good for Swiss citizens. However, there are indications that socialist policies and centralisation of power is starting to interfer with democracies. I suggest the follow political issues are leading to a breakdown of democracy in Switzerland and around the world eg Australia, Canada, UK, USA.__1. Greens and Enviroment, 2. The climate scam 3. Health and forced vaccination 4. Energy (concern with CO2, Solar and Wind generation, pressures for EVs) 5. Centralisation of foreign policies (EU and UN) 6. control of banks, exchange rates, money flows (world bank, IMF) 7. Pressures on neutrality and formation of groups that have there own agenda such as NATO 8. Feminism and gender policies such as transgenders 9. Nuclear power (which is the future and should be managed at the local state level not by countries or transnational blocks like the EU and UN) 10. the attacks on free speech and censorship (in press

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-11-26 17:15

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Peter1

Hello, ____You are probably referring to this article? https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/history/how-the-far-right-became-a-europe-wide-movement/90360394____Ich can assure you that as a journalist I act independently of my private opinions (which I do not wish to share with you at this point) and do not pursue any other agenda besides journalistic information, and certainly not with "other global socialists out to" "destroy democracy in countries (including Switzerland) around the world". ____The article deals with research and an academic conference on the far-right movements and parties. This is also the reason why the article is about these parties. ____As you may know, journalistic articles deal with one topic at a time. ____In your list, you include several other topics at the end, on which I have written various interesting articles: ____Zur Demokratie: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-democracy/how-swiss-direct-democracy-works/89073820____Zur Nationalbank: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-democracy/how-protected-is-the-swiss-national-bank-compared-with-the-us-federal-reserve/90107636____Zum Multilateralism: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/global-elections/the-un-and-democracy-a-complicated-mix/90140256____Zu direct-democratic elements in Swiss pandemic containment: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/why-the-swiss-have-voted-three-times-on-the-covid-19-law/48602254____Zur Nuclear power: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/global-elections/taiwan-is-voting-to-restart-a-nuclear-power-plant-whats-at-stake/89796452____Mein Colleague Domhnall O'Sullivan also recently addressed the question of why Switzerland is part of NATO PA: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/democracy/why-switzerland-attends-natos-parliamentary-assembly/90176849____Ich I wish you a good read!

Guten Tag, ____Sie beziehen sich wohl auf diesen Artikel? https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/history/how-the-far-right-became-a-europe-wide-movement/90360394____Ich kann Ihnen versichern, dass ich als Journalist unabhängig von meinen privaten Meinungen agiere (die ich aber an dieser Stelle auch nicht mit Ihnen teilen möchte) und neben der journalistischen Information keinerlei weitere Agenda verfolge, schon gar nicht mit "anderen globalen Sozialisten darauf aus" bin "die Demokratie in Ländern (einschließlich der Schweiz) auf der ganzen Welt zu zerstören". ____Der Artikel befasst sich mit Forschung und einem wissenschaftlichen Kongress mit den Rechtsaussen-Bewegungen und -Parteien. Das ist auch der Grund, weshalb es im Artikel um diese Parteien geht. ____Wie Ihnen vielleicht bekannt ist, befassen sich journalistische Beiträge jeweils mit einem Thema. ____In Ihrer Liste bringen Sie einige weitere Themen am Ende, zu denen ich diverse spannende Artikel verfasst habe: ____Zur Demokratie: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-democracy/how-swiss-direct-democracy-works/89073820____Zur Nationalbank: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-democracy/how-protected-is-the-swiss-national-bank-compared-with-the-us-federal-reserve/90107636____Zum Multilateralismus: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/global-elections/the-un-and-democracy-a-complicated-mix/90140256____Zu direktdemokratischen Elementen in der Schweizer Pandemieeindämmung: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/why-the-swiss-have-voted-three-times-on-the-covid-19-law/48602254____Zur Atomkraft: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/global-elections/taiwan-is-voting-to-restart-a-nuclear-power-plant-whats-at-stake/89796452____Mein Kollege Domhnall O'Sullivan hat sich auch kürzlich mit der Frage befasst, warum die Schweiz Teil der NATO PA ist: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/democracy/why-switzerland-attends-natos-parliamentary-assembly/90176849____Ich wünsche Ihnen gute Lektüre!

jose.zuccoli@yahoo.es 2025-11-16 08:30

I was born in Argentina, but living half of my life in Spain, part of Europa. So if i have to speak about democracy in both countries, it could arise some differences, but democrary on both countries are under heavy attack. On Argentina, a country that, on XX century, have had several military coups, and whose people, more likely to join italian and spanish cultural background on government, are not very stick and close to democratic values. It is just that democracy needs for common people to participate and, on that way, local governments first and then regional and national should listen (these is not always the case on those kind of countries, simple they do not listen). So in Argentina, everyday governemnt with executive orders are frequently used. That undermine democracy. On Spain, nowadays democracy is showing that 1978 agreements are dying, those agreements that brings democracy without blood to spanish society. But political society shows no intention to update, to recalibrate, to recalculate, to reconnect with society. So that could be on these old days a good thing but on everyday life on Spain 2020's decade is not so. Local, regional and more national government dont want to listen to people demands. They just use the common (rojos/fachas - communist/facist) retoric, every single day several times, so people still believe thats policits and thats democracy demanding nothing to local, regional or national level. It few people do so, they are labelled as "you not belong to us, you belong to the oppostive", and then orders are given to aisle that social group. Thats not pretty democratic but it works for the policital power, so it is use as a tool. And more, constitutional regional differences are not still close: Cataluna and Basque Country want more self-government. The 1978 politician dont close an agreement about that, living Constitution open, pretty open to changes: changes that could undermine the Constitution itself. So, on Spain, it is no need to foreign powers undermine democray, we do very well by ourselfs.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-11-26 08:33

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@jose.zuccoli@yahoo.es

Thank you for your detailed account from Spain with the additional Argentinian perspective. Do you have the impression that new rights or reforms in the system are needed to revitalise democracy? What could they be

Vielen Dank für Ihre ausführliche Schilderung aus Spanien mit der argentinischen Zusatzperspektive. Haben Sie denn den Eindruck, dass es neue Rechte oder Reformen im System bräuchte, um die Demokratie wieder zu beleben? Welche könnten das denn sein

Estrella 2025-11-15 22:26

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

In Costa Rica we have seen many cases of corruption, and lately "shameless", they are no longer interested that the people (deceived and manipulated) realise it and still support them. Because of the above, I do NOT believe in democracy and this man plays the victim and the people believe it.

En Costa Rica se han visto muchos casos de corrupción, y últimamente "descarados", ya no les interesa que el pueblo (engañado y manipulado) se de cuenta y aún así, los apoye. Por lo anterior, NO creo en la democracia y este señor, se hace la víctima y el pueblo se lo cree

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-11-26 08:31

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Estrella

Thank you for your account from Costa Rica. You say that people continue to support the government even though they recognise the cases of corruption as such

Vielen Dank für Ihre Schilderung aus Costa Rica. Sie sagen, die Menschen unterstützen die Regierung weiterhin, obwohl sie die Fälle von Korruption als solche erkennen

marco leist 2025-11-12 10:54

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

the article focuses on the economy, which interacts with the financial system to produce wealth. wealth is created through labour. and when it becomes difficult to create it yourself, others have to step in - a common practice for centuries.____ it's a shame that the article only addresses the question of whether wealth can continue to grow in democracies. as in the past with princes, kings and patricians, it works the same way today - the more working peasants, the more wealth. without wishing to diminish switzerland's own achievements - does anyone really believe that switzerland's current wealth was only generated by its own labour? then we wouldn't be dependent on cheap imports. furthermore, we don't want to scrutinise the activities of the banks.____ i miss the questions:__- how much prosperity must there be, for whom?__- how is prosperity distributed?__- what can prosperity cost, what do we sacrifice, who suffers?__- can an economy function even if it remains the same size?__- is bigger always better?____ perhaps the question is no longer important after that. hopefully, because the question has already been answered several times - no. what then? when will the madness stop? probably never,... unbridled greed must be anchored in people.

der artikel fokussiert auf die wirtschaft, die interagierend mit dem finanzsystem wohlstand produziert. wohlstand wird mit arbeit erschaffen. und wenn es schwierig wird, selber zu erschaffen, müssen andere herhalten - seit jahrhunderten gang und gäbe.____schade, dass der artikel nur der frage nachgeht, ob wohlstand weiter wachsen kann in demokratien. wie früher bei den fürsten, königen und patriziern funktioniert es heute auch, je mehr arbeitendes fussvolk, um so mehr reichtum. ohne die eigenleistungen der schweiz mindern zu wollen - glaubt jemand tatsächlich, dass der heutige reichtum der schweiz nur mit eigenarbeit erwirtschaftet wurde? dann wären wir nicht auf billige importe angewiesen. ferner wollen wir die aktivitäten der banken nicht genauer durchleuchten.____ich vermisse die fragen:__- wieviel wohlstand muss sein, für wen?__- wie ist der wohlstand verteilt?__- was darf der wohlstand kosten, was opfern wir, wer leidet?__- kann eine wirtschaft auch bei gleichbleibender grösse funktionieren?__- ist immer grösser auch immer besser?____vielleicht ist danach die fragestellung nicht mehr wichtig. hoffentlich, weil die frage schon mehrfach beantwortet wurde - nein. was dann? wann hört der wahnsinn auf? wohl nie ,... ungebremste gier muss im menschen verankert sein.

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-11-13 10:01

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@marco leist

Dear Mr Leist____Thank you for your interesting questions - you are probably referring to the article "Does democracy (still) bring more prosperity?" We tried to answer this particular question in it, which is a challenge in itself.____We encounter the questions you ask in many other articles - especially many articles from our cooperative focus deal with this: https://www.swissinfo.ch/ger/schweizer-demokratie/die-schweiz-eine-genossenschaft/48288116

Lieber Herr Leist____Vielen Dank für Ihre spannenden Fragen - Sie beziehen sich wohl auf den Artikel "Bringt Demokratie (immer noch) mehr Wohlstand?" Wir versuchten darin diese bestimmte Frage zu beantworten, was für sich eine Herausforderung ist.____Den Fragen, die Sie stellen, begegnen wir in vielen anderen Artikeln - gerade auch viele Beiträge aus unserem Genossenschafts-Fokus befassen sich damit: https://www.swissinfo.ch/ger/schweizer-demokratie/die-schweiz-eine-genossenschaft/48288116

Wolland66 2025-10-31 19:12

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

No, it is not possible, because there is no such thing as democracy in Cuba. There is only one party and any dissenting opinion is discarded, pushed aside and if you insist, punished. And the punishments are already up to 10 years in jail for certain posts on social networks. Recently a citizen was punished to 4 years in jail for taking pictures of a long line of people buying gas for cooking, which is scarce like everything else in Cuba because of the ineptitude of our government. ____ Worse, they have invented an excuse, with the US embargo, which they call a blockade, that works for them internationally. The EU sends them money that nobody of the people sees and they use it to buy more equipment for the political police, the only activity that maintains a high standard. This despite the fact that Cuba tolerates and perhaps supports the Cubans' participation in the war against Ukraine. ____ It is incredible that so many people in Europe who claim to love democracy support this government that holds almost 1000 political prisoners, many of them just for marching and shouting slogans, and some of them with sentences of more than 20 years. They avoid calling that government a dictatorship and worry that Trump is breaking democracy when any judge stops him. In Cuba the communists control everything, from the executive, the parliament where they all vote unanimously on every law that they don't even draft, but are sent to them already prepared by the government, and they also completely control the judiciary. And even the civil society is a fake, they call the organisations of the communists themselves. ____They claim that they hold elections and referendums, which are not worth a penny because they do not have the necessary options, only the government campaigns and does so 24 hours a day in all the media that belong to them, and they do not allow even the slightest international observation of these processes.____Please help us to get rid of this wretched government and to promote free elections in Cuba____Saludos.

No, no es posible, pues no existe tal cosa como democracia en Cuba. Hay un solo partido y toda opinion disidente es descartada, apartada y si insistes, castigada. Y los castigos ya son hasta 10 años de carcel por ciertos posts en redes sociales. hace poco un ciudadano fue sancionado a 4 años de carcel por hacer fotos de una gran fila de personas comprando gas para cocinar, que escasea como todo lo demas en Cuba por culpa de la ineptitud de nuestro gobierno. ____Lo peor, se han inventado una excusa, con el embargo de EEUU, al que llaman bloqueo, que les funciona internacionalmente. La UE les envia dinero que nadie del pueblo ve y usan para comprar mas equipo para la policia politica, unica actividad que mantiene un alto estandard. Eso a pesar de que Cuba tolera y tal vez apoya que los cubanos participen en la guerra contra Ucrania.____Es increíble que tanta gente que dice amar la democracia apoyen en Europa a ese gobierno que mantiene casi 1000 presos politicos, muchos de ellos solo por marchar gritando consignas y algunos con condenas de mas de 20 años. Evitan llamar dictadura a ese gobierno y les preocupa que Trump este rompiendo la democracia cuando cualquier juez lo detiene. En Cuba los comunistas controlan todo, desde el ejecutivo, el parlamento donde todos votan unánimemente cada ley que ni siquiera redactan, sino se las envían ya preparadas del gobierno, y también controlan completamente al Poder Judicial. Y hasta la sociedad civil es falsa, llaman asi a las organizaciones de los mismos comunistas. ____Aseguran que hacen elecciones y referéndumndos, que no valen un centavo por no tener las opciones necesarias, solo el gobierno hace campaña y lo hace 24 horas al dia en todos los medios que le pertenecen, y no permiten ni la mas minima observación internacional de esos procesos.____Ayudennos por favor a quitarnos de arriba a ese desdichado gobierno y a promover elecciones libres en Cuba____Saludos

Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-11-26 17:04

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Wolland66

Thank you for your exciting and engaging perspective!

Vielen Dank für Ihre spannende und engagierte Perspektive!

Amilcar Ivanhoe 2025-12-03 16:29

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

@Wolland66

How can it be helped? Would Trump have to intervene in Cuba as well?

¿Cómo se podría ayudar? ¿Trump tendría que intervenir también en Cuba

Maurizio Troli 2025-12-09 21:26

The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.

@Amilcar Ivanhoe

Trump wants to help, if all those who attack him allow him to, starting with Venezuela; then it's Cuba's turn.!!!

Trump vuole dare una mano, se tutti coloro che lo attaccano glielo permettono, a cominciare dal Venezuela; poi tocca a Cuba.!!!

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

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