Safeguarding Switzerland’s political system

Swiss foreign minister, Joseph Deiss, addressed the conference swissinfo.ch

Conflict resolution and fiscal issues top the agenda at the international conference on federalism in St Gallen.

Switzerland has used the conference to present the Swiss model of federalism to the world and to reflect on its own political system.

In his opening address the Swiss president, Kaspar Villiger, said although federalism could serve as an example for Europe and the rest of the world, the Swiss system should not be viewed as an export model.

And in examining the role of the cantons in helping shape policy issues, the Swiss foreign minister, Joseph Deiss, sought to counter claims that there has been a gradual shift to a more centralised government in Switzerland in recent years.

Diversity of approaches

Political scientist, and a delegate to the conference, Wolf Linder agrees with Villiger that the Swiss model is an “interesting example” for other countries to follow, but it should not be viewed as an ideal solution to their specific problems.

“I’m very sceptical about exporting either federalism or democracy because in my experience institutions must be developed from the heritage and culture of the countries in which they are to function,” he told swissinfo.

“We have to get used to the idea that western models of federalism and democracy are not the only ones available.”

An example to others

But Switzerland is regularly cited as an example of how well a federal system can and does work, and rightly so, according to University of Melbourne professor and a speaker at the conference, Cheryl Saunders. She says the Swiss experience can and does send out a very important message to other countries.

“I don’t think the Swiss hold themselves up as the sole model of federalism. But they see their system as an example of governance that keeps diverse communities together very happily.”

But Saunders warns there is more than just one interpretation of the way in which federalism can work and we should be wary of trying to stick to rigid guidelines. She says a feature of federalism throughout the world in the 1990s was diversity in approach, with the European Union – not itself a federal system – acting as a catalyst.

According to Saunders, the EU shows that “there is that there is more than one way of getting people together in different kinds of groups where they can cooperate with each other but maintain their autonomy.”

Swiss federalism under attack

Deiss told the conference that federalism as a form of government was not under threat, he admitted that there needed to be “constant discussions on improvements and adaptations”.

Those discussions could prove vital in preserving the balance of power in Switzerland, especially as central government itself feels the impact of globalisation.

In a recent interview, St Gallen’s cantonal president, Peter Schönenberger, warned that the cantons were coming under increasing pressure to yield some of their powers to Bern. He said tax discrepancies already existed across the country and there would be a particular strain on the Swiss federal system from closer integration with the European Union.

But Linder thinks the consultation that already exists between the various levels of government in Switzerland will prove to be the most important bulwark to ensuring that the cantons retain their say in not only future Swiss foreign policy, but also any issues that come under pressure from international agreements.

“As long as the government continues the process of discussions with the cantons, I’m confident both sides will be able to find a common position,” he told swissinfo.

Linder maintains that although globalisation has taken on political implications that make it hard for individual governments to make independent decisions, a paradox exists that makes it easier for cantons to play a role on the international stage.

“Cantons or big cities today probably have more success in attracting international enterprises to settle in their region than central government would have.

“And over the last 10 years the cantons have been given more say in foreign policy, so rather than losing powers they seem to be gaining them.”

swissinfo, Jonathan Summerton