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How do we save democracy?

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Studied history and politics at University of Bern. Worked at Reuters, the newspapers Der Bund and Berner Zeitung, and the Förderband radio station. I am concerned with the Swiss practice of modern direct democracy in all its aspects and at all levels, my constant focus being the citizen.

The rise of authoritarian regimes, fake news, global warming, the Covid pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine, looming energy shortages, inflation, growing social inequality: the most severe crisis since World War II is also affecting democracies.

Politicians are unanimous in saying that democracies must therefore become more resilient. But what are the concrete steps to achieve this? And who should do it? Share your suggestions with us.

From the article How true inclusion can reinforce democracy against crises and conflicts

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

Arno Niesner
Arno Niesner
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

The question implies that democracy is in danger. If this is true, this finding is expressed differently in every country. As a common approach to the possible rescue of democracies, I choose to call on the sovereign to mobilise against gaps in representation by means of democratisation initiatives and at the same time to take paths towards representative parliaments: https://bosolei.com/2024/05/15/demokratisiert-euch

Die Frage impliziert, dass die Demokratie in Gefahr ist. Sofern dies zutrifft, äußert sich dieser Befund in jedem Land anders. Als einen gemeinsamen Ansatz zur allfälligen Rettung von Demokratien wähle ich die Aufforderung an den Souverän, mittels Demokratisierungsinitiativen gegen Repräsentationslücken zu mobilisieren und gleichzeitig Wege zu repräsentativen Parlamenten zu beschreiten: https://bosolei.com/2024/05/15/demokratisiert-euch

Peter_Schwarz
Peter_Schwarz
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Knowledge of history is the best way to save democracy, or rather our freedom. All too often, totalitarians come under the guise of the good guys to fight the very monster that they themselves are. The terms "left" and "right" are particularly catchy. These terms originated in the first French parliament after the revolution. The liberal citizens sat on the left, the totalitarian monarchists on the right. So liberal = left totalitarian = right. Nowadays, socialists usually describe themselves as left-wing. In contrast to social democracy, socialism is a totalitarian ideology (=> Wiki Totalitarianism ) Fascism was originally a child of Marxism. It emerged as the third way, splitting the two largest Marxist parties in Sicily and Naples under the Marxist Mussolini. Incidentally, the founders of the (NS)DAP Harrer and Drexler and later Goebbels and Strasser were also socialists. If you see democracy in danger, you should know that the danger always came from the totalitarian corner and that all actually existing socialisms always perverted into fascism.

Wissen um die Geschichte ist der beste Weg die Demokratie, besser unsere Freiheit zu retten. All zu oft treten Totalitäre unter dem Deckmantel der Guten an, genau jenes Monster zu bekämpfen, dass sie im Grunde selber sind. Insbesondere verfangen die Begriffe "Linke" und "Rechte". Ursprünglich stammen diese Begriffe vom ersten französischen parlament nach der revolution. Die liberalen Bürger sassen links, rechts die totalitären Monarchisten. Also Liberal = Links Totalitär = Rechts. Heutzutage bezeichnen sich meist Sozialisten als Linke. Im Gegensatz zur Sozialdemokratie, gehört der Sozialismus zu den totalitären Ideologien (=> Wiki Totalitarismus ) Der Faschismus war ursprünglich ein Kind des Marxismus. Er entstand als 3ter Weg, unter Aufspaltung der zwei grössten marxistischen Parteien von Sizilien und Neapel unter dem Marxisten Mussolini. Übrigens, auch die Gründer der (NS)DAP Harrer und Drexler sowie später Goebbels, Strasser waren Sozialisten. Wenn man die Demokratie in Gefahr sieht sollte man wissen, das die Gefahr immer aus der totalitären Ecke kam sowie das alle real existierenden Sozialismen immer pervertierten zum Faschismus.

cesardelucasivorra@hotmail.com
cesardelucasivorra@hotmail.com
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Democracy must be the basis of the Swiss state, but in case of warlike situations, as in the two previous world wars, it must have an executive power that reacts in a very fast time, the protection of the country. Switzerland has to start from the basis, although it may already do so wisely, to avoid totalitarianism. One must believe in democracy, but never by judicially allowing ultra-right movements, of luciferian rite or animal rape, even if they are accompanied by memberships of Royal Houses or important institutions. A good Swiss should believe in his ideas, but on the basis of a realistic situation, being aware of the obligations and faults he may have committed. Democracy does not imply that the military spheres such as the police, the army or the secret service are not part of the concept of a democratic system; on the contrary, they should be the guarantors of the welfare of the state.
Therefore, democracy must be preserved, as a concept that ensures freedom, but without reaching a lack of functions, so it must be protected and be one of the basic legal pillars of the Swiss state.
César De Lucas Ivorra, San Juan De Alicante, Spain.

La democracia debe ser la base del estado suizo, pero en caso de situaciones bélicas, como en las dos guerras mundiales anteriores, debe tener un poder ejecutivo que reaccione en un tiempo muy rápido, la protección del país. Suiza tiene que partir de la base, aunque puede que ya lo haga sabiamente, de evitar los totalitarismos. Se debe creer en la democracia, pero nunca por judicialmente permitir movimientos ultraderechistas, de rito luciferino o violación animal, aunque lleven aparejadas, membresías de Casas Reales o instituciones importantes. Un buen suizo debe de creer en sus ideas, pero partiendo de la base de una situación realista, siendo consciente de las obligaciones y faltas que pueda haber cometido. La democracia no implica que ámbitos castrenses como la policía, el ejército o el servicio secreto no formen parte del concepto de sistema democrático, sino todo lo contrario, deben ser los garantes del bienestar del estado.
Por tanto, la democracia debe ser preservada, como un concepto que asegura la libertad, pero sin llegar a una falta de funciones, por lo que debe ser protegida y ser uno de los pilares jurídicos básicos del estado suizo.
César De Lucas Ivorra, San Juan De Alicante, España.

AAMMOU
AAMMOU
The following contribution has been automatically translated from AR.

In my humble opinion, democracy in its short sense is the rule of the people themselves by themselves, through fair and transparent elections through which the people choose who manages their affairs and manages their affairs. As long as the concept of the people from the political side, according to some political scholars, is anyone who has the nationality of the country in which they live, foreigners, especially immigrants who are exploited in the country, are deprived of political participation in elections, for example. Most immigrants in European countries are skilled in all economic fields, including those who work in all economic fields. These immigrants (immigrant brains) serve the interests of the countries in which they live, away from serving their countries of origin. In my opinion, the authorities of these countries should consider them integrated in their countries and allow them to participate politically, i.e. in electoral participation, by nominating and voting, like other members of their people.

في نظري المُتواضِع، أنّ الديمقراطية بالمفهوم المُختصَر هو، حُكم الشعب نفسه بنفسه، عن طريق انتخابات نزيهة وشفّافة يختار من خلالها الشعب مَن يُدير شؤونه و يُدبِّر أمرَه. فمادام أنّ مفهوم الشعب من الجانب السياسيّ، و حَسب بعض فُقهاء السياسة، هو كل مَن يحمل جنسيّة البلَد الذي يعيش فيه، فإنَّ الأجانب و بالخصوص المُهاجرين الذين يستغلون في البد محرومون من المُشاركة السياسيّة، في الانتخابات،مثلاً، عِلماً مُعظم المُهاجرين في البلدان الأوروبيّة من الكفاءات التي تعمل في جميع المجالات الاقتصاديّة منها على الخصور. هؤلاء المُهاجرون (الأدمغة المُهاجِرة) يخدُمون مَصالح البلدان التي يعيشون فيها،بعيداً عن خدمة أوطانِهم الأصليّة، ففي نظري، يجب على سلطات هذه البُلدان أن تعتبِرَهم من المُدمَجين في بلدانها، فتسمح لهم بالمُشارَكة السياسيّة أي في المُشاركة الانتخابية، بالترشيح و التصويت، كباقي أفرادِ شعوبها.

Picaflor-libre
Picaflor-libre
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Democracy
Where I come from Peru, the genosida Government Dictator of Boluarte says; we are a Democratic Country, However her charge is absolutely false she is not the President in a Legal way, she has violated the Constitution, she has removed the current President Pedro Castillo with false accusations and she does not present any proof. In 16 months as President she has not had a single death, she is a usurper, 80 dead and thousands wounded by mortal bullets. This is Democracy?
Who destroys Democracy?
Those who buy in an illicit way the Natural Resources of Peru, Switzerland buys Gold Illegally 4.000 kilos arrive to Switzerland to whom the Businessman pays them for that purchase? to the Usurper Dina Boluarte and her ministers, for that reason they do not want to leave the power of government, also China goes and buys a Port called Chancay.
Everything that Boluarte signs will be unknown and will be denounced to return the Peruvian people's belongings. I have the hope that it will help to reinstate the Peruvian President who is imprisoned without any communication with his exiled family in Mexico. And this Corrupt Government must be imprisoned.
Democracy in the World must exist not disappear. and the developed Countries must collaborate and not take advantage of the needs and high Delinquency in the Countries not yet developed, Peru has become the coveted Country who can steal more and they fight among the looters who gives more couma to the Governors. And where do they take the money to hide? To the Rich Countries!
Let there be Justice and Democracy at World level.

Democracia
De donde vengo Peru, el Gobierno genosida Dictador de Boluarte dice; somos un Pais Democrático, Sin embargo su cargo es absolutamente falso ella no es la Presidenta en forma Legal, ha violentado la Constitución, ha destituido al actual Presidente Pedro Castillo con falsas acusaciones y no presenta ningun prueba. El 16 meses de Presidente ningun muerto ella de usurpadora 80 muertos y miles de heridos de bala mortal. Esto es Democracia?
Quienes destruyen la Democracia?
Los que compran en forma ilicita los Recursos Naturales del Peru, Suiza compra Oro Ilícitamente 4.000 kilos llegan a Suiza a quien les paga el Empresario por esa compra? a la Usurpadora Dina Boluarte y sus ministros, poresa rason no quieren dejar el poder de gonierno, tambien va China y le compra un Puerto llamado Chancay.
Tofo lo que firma Boluarte sera desconocido y sera denunciado a devolucion de Pertenencias al pueblo Peruano. Tengo la esperanza que se fene ayufar a que se restituya al Presidente Peruano que esta encarcelado sin comunicacion alguna su Familia exiliada en Mexico. Y este Gobierno Corrupto debe ser encarcelado.
La Democracia en el Mundo debe existir no desaparecer. y los Paises desarrollados deben colaborar y no aprovecharse de las necesidades y de alta Delincuencia en los Paises no todavia desarrollados, Peru se ha convertido en el Pais codiciado quien puede le roba mas y se Pelean entre los saqueadores quien da mas couma a los Governantes. Y a donde llevan el dinero a esconder? A los Paises Ricos!
Que exista la Justicia y la Democracia a nivel Mundial.

Anonymous
Anonymous
The following contribution has been automatically translated from JA.

In Japan, voter turnout among young people is low and overall voter turnout is also declining. This means that the people have abandoned their right to participate in the political process. In order to preserve democracy, the people must participate in politics.
More recently, however, I have come to believe that "not participating in politics" is an exercise of some kind of right...

日本では若者の投票率が低く、全体でも投票率が下がっている。つまり、民衆が自らの参政権を放棄しているということだ。民主主義を守るためには民衆に政治に参加してもらわないといけない。
もっとも最近では私は「政治に参加しない」というのもある種の権利の行使ではないか、と思うが…

Tomato-Lake-Sempach
Tomato-Lake-Sempach
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

How do you say coockies in Swiss? Recipe? I don't remember who said: The Swiss, the inhabitant, is an innkeeper. When it comes in, everything is fine. If there's a problem when it comes to the bill, that's when things get messy. Democracy? Just a question of money, however the meaning of the word value is much broader. The problem? It's the narrowness of some concept. The narrower it is, the more it sticks. Primary logic, not to say childish.

Comment on dit coockies en langue suisse ? Recette ? Je sais plus qui a dit : Le suisse, l'habitant donc, est un aubergiste. Lorsque ça rentre, tout va. Si il problème au moment de la note, c'est là que ça se gâte. La démocratie ? Juste une question d'argent, pourtant le sens du mot valeur est bien plus large. Le soucis ? C'est l'étroitesse de certain concept. Plus c'est étroit, plus ça coince. Logique primaire, pour pas dire enfantine.

Roberto Hechich
Roberto Hechich
The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.

I am Italian, but perhaps because of this, seeing some deficits of democracy in my country, ( which despite everything still continues to be a democratic country even if an imperfect democracy, on par with countries such as France, the U.S., etc., at least according to the Democracy Index of EIU i.e. Economist Itelligence Unit) I can better delineate certain issues. What is lacking, from a long-term perspective, is the quality of education. An education that is not an end in itself and classical, but a tool for understanding, walking, and building the present world. An education in which civic education must be not a secondary subject, but to be considered on a par with math, science, and humanities. Not to be considered as a mere study of constitutions and civic behavior, but as a real discipline that allows us to navigate through fake news, manipulation, and Orwellian-style distortion of values. It would be the most valuable contribution to generating those antibodies that make it possible not to turn away during an invasion or consider Putin more of a victim than an executioner. But also the main tool to prevent the rise of populisms (the real ones) It is no coincidence that the least influenced by manipulative propaganda, according to some surveys, is Finland, where education in this sense is implemented, albeit mild. And in Italy we can see the difference, at least according to surveys, between some northern and southern regions where there is a difference between the quality of education anyway, with some northern territories coming in just below Finland at least according to INVALSI tables. It would already be a start to teach the difference between fake, manipulation and post-truth. Also because manipulation of news, as we see in the current conflict, is done not only by the "bad guy" but also by the "good guys." Already knowing how to untangle such news is a contribution to democratic growth and an antidote to the growth of authoritarianisms, including those emerging in our Central Western Europe.

Sono Italiano, ma forse proprio per questo, vedendo alcuni deficit di democrazia nel mio paese, ( che malgrado tutto continua comunque ad essere un paese democratico anche se una democrazia imperfetta, al pari di paesi come Francia, USA ecc, almeno secondo il Democracy Index di EIU cioè Economist Itelligence Unit) posso delineare meglio certe problematiche. Quello che manca, in una prospettiva a lungo respiro, è la qualità dell'istruzione. Un'istruzione non fine a se stessa e classica, ma uno strumento per capire, camminare, e costruire il mondo presente. Un'istruzione in cui l'educazione civica deve essere non una materia secondaria, ma da considerare al pari di matematica, scienze, e materie umanistiche. Non da considerare come mero studio delle costituzione e di comportamento civico, ma di vera e propria disciplina che ci permette di navigare tra fake news, manipolazioni, stravolgimento dei valori in stile orwelliano. Sarebbe il contributo più valido per generare quegli anticorpi che permettono di non girarsi dall'altra parte durante un'invasione o considerare Putin più una vittima che un carnefice. Ma anche lo strumento principe per evitare l'ascesa di populismi (quelli veri) Non a caso, la meno influenzata dalla propaganda manipolatoria, secondo alcuni sondaggi, è proprio la Finlandia, dove viene attuata un'istruzione in tal senso, anche se blanda. E in Italia si vede la differenza, almeno secondo i sondaggi, tra alcune regioni del Nord e del Sud dove comunque c'è differenza tra la qualità dell'istruzione, con alcuni territori del Nord che arrivano poco sotto la Finlandia almeno secondo le tabelle INVALSI. Sarebbe già un'inizio insegnare la differenza tra fake, manipolazione e post verità. Anche perché la manipolazione delle notizie, come vediamo nell'attuale conflitto, non la fa solo il "cattivo" ma anche i "buoni". Già sapersi districare tra queste notizie è un contributo alla crescita democratica e un antidoto alla crescita degli autoritarismi, compresi quelli che emergono nella nostra Europa Centro Occidentale.

Ania V.T.
Ania V.T.
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Just to say that I know that Swiss democracy was annulled for a few months in 2020. A certain supranational organization that nobody has voted for, ruled more than the Swiss and that is why there were no referendums about those policies of fear... there was no debate.... The supranational rules a lot and the press has an owner with a lot of money....

Solo decir que sé que la democracia suiza fue anulada durante unos meses en 2020. Cierta organización supranacional a la que nadie ha votado, mandó más que los suizos y por eso no hubo referéndums acerca de esas políticas del miedo... no hubo debate... Lo supranacional manda mucho y la prensa tiene un dueño con mucho dinero...

Abraham Blum
Abraham Blum

The problem is that most of those dictatorships have a nuclear bomb, or getting close to it.

Odacy de Brito Silva
Odacy de Brito Silva
The following contribution has been automatically translated from PT.

Participating, contextualizing, understanding your place of residence, your city as the habitat of democracy, caring for the environment, preserving the cultural heritage. defending fundamental rights, the free press ...

Participando, contextualizando, compreendendo o seu local de moradia, a sua cidade como habitat da democracia, cuidando do meio ambiente, preservando o patrimônio cultural. defendendo os direitos fundamentais, a imprensa livre ...

Ania V.T.
Ania V.T.
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Democracy, which in its strict meaning means the "dictatorship of the majority", since it would be that what is decided by the majority is obeyed, ONLY EXISTS IN SWITZERLAND. In Spain there is a Spanish Facebook group entitled "Democracia asamblearia" in which we make proposals for changes to the Constitution (dreaming is free) and my change includes this: "Article 6: "1. The political parties, together with independent candidates aspiring to be mere managers and arbitrators, will compete in the nominations and elections with equal opportunities, each one representing the resulting percentage of the votes. Democracy shall represent the formation and manifestation of the decisions made by the majority of the population.
2. This Constitution guarantees that if in eighteen months or less 100,000 signatures are collected in an ILP, the government, with its different percentages of votes, will comply with the obligation to establish a referendum with a binding result. If fifty thousand signatures against an unpopular law are obtained in three months, the government will be obliged to call a referendum with a binding result on that law.
3. The Constitution guarantees a clause whereby no referendum may be called on issues that strictly concern the intimate and private sphere under any argument that seeks to minimize or eliminate the intimate or private aspect of such issues."

La democracia, que en su estricto significado significa la "dictadura de la mayoría", pues sería que se acata lo que decida la mayoría, SOLO EXISTE EN SUIZA. En España hay un grupo de Facebook español titulado "Democracia asamblearia" en el que hacemos propuestas de cambios de Constitución (soñar es gratis) y mi cambio recoge esto: "Artículo 6: "1. Los partidos políticos, junto a candidatos independientes aspirantes a ser meros gestores y árbitros, concurrirán a las candidaturas y elecciones en igualdad de oportunidades, representando cada uno de ellos al tanto por ciento resultante de los votos. Será la democracia la que represente la formación y manifestación de las decisiones tomadas por la mayoría de la población.
2. Esta Constitución garantiza que si en dieciocho meses o menos se recogen 100.000 firmas en una ILP, el gobierno con sus distintos porcentajes de votos, cumplirá con la obligación de establecer un referéndum con resultado vinculante. Si contra una ley impopular se consiguen en tres meses cincuenta mil firmas, el gobierno estará obligado a convocar un referéndum con resultado vinculante sobre dicha ley.
3. La Constitución garantiza una cláusula por la cual no se podrán convocar referéndums sobre temas que atañen estrictamente al ámbito íntimo y privado bajo ningún argumento que trate de minimizar o eliminar el aspecto íntimo o privado de tales cuestiones."

Yuriy Petrov
Yuriy Petrov
The following contribution has been automatically translated from RU.

Switzerland is doing everything against itself in world politics, they will not mess with such a country in the future, which is very bad for Switzerland

Швейцария в мировой политике все делает против себя, не будут с такой страной связываться в будущем, что Швейцарии очень плохо

JP911
JP911

Limiting the 1% from trying to obtain 90% is a good place to begin. Good luck with that ;-)

Harlequin-Lagginhorn
Harlequin-Lagginhorn

Democracy is on life support in most Western countries. We are living in world where we have the illusion of freedom of speech and choice, whilst the reality is that our lives are monitored and controlled more than ever before.

If we want to have a true democracy then we must be able to hold those in power accountable for their actions, even after they have left office. All too often we see these so-called 'leaders' retire gracefully after inflicting policy decisions that have harmed the economy and health of a country.

Most importantly, our elected leaders should be accountable to the people that elected them and not third-party, supra-national organisations the pursue globalist agendas that are not aligned with the best interests of the general public... and yes I mean the WEF.

Switzerland's leaders need to stop 'cooperating' with this organisation and focus instead on their own national interests.

Ania V.T.
Ania V.T.
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.
@Harlequin-Lagginhorn

I have been censored from my previous comment. Just to say that I know that Swiss democracy was annulled for a few months in 2020. A certain supranational organization that nobody has voted for, ruled more than the Swiss and that is why there were no referendums about those policies of fear... there was no debate.... The supranational rules a lot and the press has an owner with a lot of money....

Me han censurado el anterior comentario. Solo decir que sé que la democracia suiza fue anulada durante unos meses en 2020. Cierta organización supranacional a la que nadie ha votado, mandó más que los suizos y por eso no hubo referéndums acerca de esas políticas del miedo... no hubo debate... Lo supranacional manda mucho y la prensa tiene un dueño con mucho dinero...

Anonymous
Anonymous

"Democracy"...the will of the people. A will that has been usurped by big business and corrupt politicians for far too long. As long as greed and corruption continue to have the upper hand...a 'robust democracy' is far away.

Abraham Blum
Abraham Blum
@Anonymous

What we call "democracy" is the worst form of government.
Apart from all the others that have been tried.

Switzerland today offers the best form of democracy there is, and the Swiss system is far from corrupt, but people still enjoy complaining.

Of course there is always something to improve in our system, but complaining and whining instead of offering a solution is definitely not the way to do it, but to destroy what we have achieved so far.

Anonymous
Anonymous
@Abraham Blum

There is no such thing as a country without corruption. In olden times it used to be that accusing fingers would be pointed at Latin American countries because of their know corruption. But other countries have corruption too...the difference being, they hide it better.

Abraham Blum
Abraham Blum
@Anonymous

There is a little thing called "proportion" that can help us understand and distinguish between situations.

When we lose it, we don't have the tools to understand the possibilities we have.

I highly doubt there is corruption in North Korea, but I don't think it matters as long as the government is a horrible dictatorship.

Only after we have democracy can we complain about corruption.

I don't live in Latin America, but I'm sure that whatever there is, as bad as it is, is much better than a dictatorship.

On the other hand, with all the bad things that people may see in Switzerland, democratically it is better than all the other countries.

Anonymous
Anonymous
@Abraham Blum

Quite often corruption will lead to dictatorship...

Abraham Blum
Abraham Blum
@Anonymous

When the gatekeepers of democracy are weak, it can lead to dictatorship.

Their weakness is not necessarily corruption or meddling by large corporations.
It could equally be due to other reasons such as the public's lack of trust in them.

To preserve democracy, we must keep the gatekeepers strong.

Losing proportion, complaining about everything and reducing public trust in democracy and government institutions, this is definitely not the way to do it.

wail salim
wail salim
The following contribution has been automatically translated from AR.

I think it is our duty to teach to establish the values and principles of personal freedom for each person in a manner that does not interfere with hearing and thinking about the opinions of others. The value of democracy should be determined by the result, not the action... Everyone does democracy when they talk about themselves, but authoritarianism appears when another opinion is issued by a person who is not accepted in person rather than by thought.

أظن أنه من الواجب علينا تعليم ترسيخ قيم ومبادئ الحرية الشخصية لكل شخص فيما لا يتعارض مع سماع والتفكير في آراء الآخرين. قيمة الديموقراطية يجب أن تحددها النتيجة وليس الفعل... الجميع يفعل الديمقراطية حينما يتحدث عن نفسه ولكن الاستبداد يظهر عند صدور رأي آخر من شخص غير مقبول بشخصه لا بفكره.

Harlequin-Lagginhorn
Harlequin-Lagginhorn

A fundamental pillar of democracy is free speech, but sites such as this one are actively censoring comments which do not align to its editorial view.

Perhaps saving democracy should start with this site?

Anonymous
Anonymous
@Harlequin-Lagginhorn

I fully agree with you!!! Some of my comments have been rejected and why? Because I have the temerity of calling a spade a spade. Of course, inconvenient truths are always rejected for not conforming with the 'official' lines. But I will also say that I have the feeling that some folks at SwissInfo are poorly informed when it comes to foreign politics and look at critiques as criticism. And even so, criticism is not bad in in itself if it is based on facts and not on pure malice.

Renat Künzi
Renat Künzi SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Anonymous

Thank you for your comment. We moderate comments based on our netiquette. Comments that violate this will be rejected. https://www.swissinfo.ch/ger/nutzungsbedingungen/44139938
With best regards.

Vielen Dank für Ihren Kommentar. Wir moderieren Kommentare auf der Basis unserer Netiquette. Kommentare, die dagegen verstossen, werden abgelehnt. https://www.swissinfo.ch/ger/nutzungsbedingungen/44139938
Mit besten Grüssen.

H 8
H 8
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Good morning . Who can answer these questions ☮️Why do we need a rule of law ? What is terrorism ?

Buenos días . Quién puede responder a estas preguntas ☮️Porque necesitamos un estado de derecho ? Que es el terrorismo ?

Abraham Blum
Abraham Blum
@H 8

Regarding the first question:
Humans are social creatures and they do not function well in the jungle.
Only in a government where all people are equal before the law and everyone has equal opportunities, can the mutual benefit that can be derived from each and every one be maximized for the benefit of the public as a whole.

Regarding the second question:
"Terror" means "intimidation".
When various organizations kill people who are not military and security personnel but ordinary citizens, with the aim of instilling fear, we call them terrorist organizations.

It is customary to call various communist and Islamist organizations by the name "terrorist organizations", but even Western governments in extreme cases (such as the allies in World War II) may carry out acts of terrorism against enemy citizens to force them to surrender.

amjones@fastmail.to
amjones@fastmail.to

In my view, the special thing about Swiss democracy is the plebiscite element. It requires ongoing, (hopefully) thoughtful engagement with issues throughout the electoral cycle. In the British system, we vote once every 5 years and then devolve all decisions to the elected representatives, whilst constantly moaning about the outcomes. This even applies at the local government level where mad plans can be imposed on communities with no agreement, recompense or comeback.

The result of all this is disillusionment with politics and our form of democracy resulting in a feeling of hopelessness, a sort of national depressive illness.

Of course plebiscite democracy , when well done, is quite hard work and requires commitment - I am not sure if a population Kline the U.K. which has been infantilised by its so-called ‘Mother of Democracies’ will ever take it on…..

Ania V.T.
Ania V.T.
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.
@amjones@fastmail.to

However, in the UK, politicians who do badly do resign? don't they? In Spain absolutely nobody resigns, that is, NOBODY, no matter how they do it, they are not forced to resign. A question about the UK: Is it true that there are "district MPs" who are bound by their promises in that district and if they don't deliver, signatures are collected to be able to fire them or something like that...?

Sin embargo, en Reino Unido sí dimiten políticos que lo hacen mal... ¿no? En España no dimite absolutamente nadie, o sea, NADIE, lo hagan como lo hagan, no se les obliga a dimitir. Una pregunta sobre Reino Unido: ¿Es cierto que existen los "diputados por distrito" que se deben a sus promesas en ese distrito y si no cumplen se reúnen firmas para poder despedirles o algo así...??

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SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR