Experts extol virtues of federalism
The president of Switzerland's cantonal authorities has called for a strengthening of the country's federalist system.
Lorenz Bösch said there was a tendency by the federal government in Bern and the business community to push for more centralism and uniformity among the 26 different cantons.
Under the Swiss constitution Swiss cantons have a large degree of autonomy.
Bösch said the cantons ensured and reflected the diversity of Switzerland.
He added that the federalist system encouraged citizens to play an active role in politics and to find practical solutions.
More than 300 experts from politics, business, science and culture are meeting in the town of Baden to discuss the future of the federalist system.
Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf will address the assembly – the second national conference on federalism since 2005 – on Friday.
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