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Have you lost faith in politics?

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As a reporter I cover developments in democracy where the Swiss perspective becomes relevant. I am Swiss and have long been fascinated by the way public discussions shape society.

Trust in government is declining, while populist movements continue to gain support. This trend is attracting growing attention from social scientists.

Political scientist Eri Bertsou of the University of St Gallen believes trust is not disappearing. Rather it shifts. People who lose faith in government may place their trust in populist leaders or academic experts instead.

What do you think? Have you become more sceptical of politics – and if so, why?

We’d love to hear your views.

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Join the conversation!

Contributions must adhere to our guidelines. If you have questions or wish to suggest other ideas for debates, please, get in touch!
J
jepyerly@websud.ch
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

Overpopulation and the rapid pace of industrialisation – with more and more foreigners and refugees arriving every year – are causing real problems. Infrastructure is struggling to keep up; pollution, global warming, a shortage of local food, and a lack of water and energy – not to mention the looming threat of insecurity – are leading us to lose faith in the decisions made by our authorities. Switzerland reminds me of the fable: ‘The frog that tried to be as big as the ox’. In the end, the frog burst and died. Similarly, too much air travel, sporting events and other gatherings, a lack of job satisfaction, etc.,

La surpopulation, la vitesse de l'industrialisation avec chaque année , toujours plus d'étrangers, de réfugiés, causent de vrais problèmes. Les infrastructures ne suivent pas, la pollution , le réchauffement, le manque de nourriture locale, le manque d'eau et d'énergie , sans parler de l'insécurité menaçante , nous conduisent à ne plus croire aux décisions de nos autorités. La Suisse,me fait penser à la fable : La grenouille qui tente d'être aussi grosse que le bœuf. Pour terminer, la grenouille a éclaté et morte. Également, trop déplacements en avion, rassemblements sportifs ou autre, manque de goût au travail etc.,

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@jepyerly@websud.ch

Thank you for your message; if that is how you see it, then in a system with so many elements of direct democracy, such as Switzerland’s, the question naturally arises as to what role citizens play in this

Danke für Ihre Nachricht, wenn Sie das so sehen; In einem System mit so vielen direktdemokratischen Elementen, wie der Schweiz, stellt sich natürlich dann die Frage, welche Rolle die Bürgerinnen und Bürger dabei haben

J
jose.zuccoli@yahoo.es
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

I often read about politics, listen to debates and try to understand which level of government (local, regional, national, European) has jurisdiction over certain matters, or whether it is a shared responsibility. But I think the complexity is increasing and it is becoming harder and harder to know which politician will defend my interests and well-being. Civil servants who are only interested in themselves – who even insult and belittle, in writing, the very citizens they are supposed to serve – do not help matters either. A certain sense of authoritarianism within the security forces and the judiciary, and the ‘we’re always right’ attitude on the left – neither of these things is in any way helpful in fulfilling the social contract whereby those represented feel truly represented and well represented. When the economy is not doing well, they blame one another (attributing some of the responsibility to a regional or national government of a different political persuasion to their own) and in this way they can shirk or wash their hands of any issue. I suppose that the police and civil servants lose the people’s respect when they are selfish or too clever and aggressive in defending their own turf and their own short-term interests.

Suelo leer de politica, escuchar los debates, intentar comprender que gobierno (local, regional, nacional, europeo) tiene la competencia en ciertos asuntos, o si es mixta. Pero creo que la complejidad va en aumento y es cada vez mas dificil saber que politico defendera mis intereses y bienestar. Los funcionarios interesados solo en si mismos, que inclusive insultan y menosprecian por escrito a los ciudadanos a los que debieran servir, tampoco ayuda. Cierta sensacion de autoritarismo en los cuerpos de seguridad, y judicatura y de "siempre tenemos razon" en la izquierda, ambas cosas, no son nada utiles para cumplir el contrato social de que los representados se sientan verdaderamente representados y bien representados. Cuando la economia no va bien, se culpan mutuamente (cierta parte de la competencia es de un gobierno regional o nacional de otro signo que el que habla) y asi pueden deshacerse o desentenderse de todo asunto. Supongo que la policita, y los funcionarios se empobrecen a ojos del pueblo, cuando son egoistas o demasiado listo y energicos en defender su propio espacio y su propio beneficio a corto plazo.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@jose.zuccoli@yahoo.es

Thank you very much, Mr Zuccoli, for taking the time to describe this. I assume, from your email address, that your impressions relate to Spain.

Vielen Dank Herr Zuccoli, haben SIe sich die Zeit genommen, das zu schildern. Ich nehme an, wegen Ihrer Mailadresse, dass sich Ihre Eindrücke auf Spanien beziehen

E
Edgar Suter
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

I have been living in a city governed by a left-wing, green coalition for 25 years. I do not share this political outlook, but I believe the city government is, on the whole, doing a good job. It is important that the council keeps a close eye on the government and that the public is consulted on important issues. Direct democracy builds trust, but I also find it reassuring that we have collective governments at all levels. There is no single individual at the helm who is solely focused on their re-election or who might come up with silly ideas.

Ich wohne seit 25 Jahren in einer linksgrün regierten Stadt. Ich teile diese politische Orientierung nicht, aber ich glaube, die Stadtregierung macht ihre Sache im Grossen und Ganzen gut. Wichtig ist, dass das Parlament der Regierung auf die Finger schaut und das Volk in wichtigen Fragen befragt wird. Die direkte Demokratie schafft Vertrauen, aber ich finde auch die Tatsache, dass wir auf allen Ebenen kollektive Regierungen haben, beruhigend. An der Spitze steht keine Einzelperson, die nur ihre Wiederwahl im Sinn hat oder auf dumme Ideen kommen könnte.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Edgar Suter

Thank you very much for your explanation! So it is specifically Swiss institutions that are crucial to your sense of trust? ____I tried to break down what you’re describing in this analysis a while ago: https://www.swissinfo.ch/ger/schweizer-demokratie/das-zusammenspiel-aus-vertrauen-und-stabilität-in-der-schweiz/88962253

Vielen Dank für Ihre Schilderung! Es sind also spezifisch schweizerische Institutionen, die für Ihr Vertrauensgefühl entscheidend sind? ____Was Sie beschreiben, habe ich vor einer Weile in dieser Analyse aufzugliedern versucht: https://www.swissinfo.ch/ger/schweizer-demokratie/das-zusammenspiel-aus-vertrauen-und-stabilität-in-der-schweiz/88962253

E
Edgar Suter
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Benjamin von Wyl

Switzerland’s political system has evolved continuously: from one-party rule to the system of concordance, from representative to direct democracy, and from a first-past-the-post to a proportional representation electoral system. In France and Germany, the political system has become rigid. Both systems only function well when there are two dominant parties that can alternate in power. Now, however, there is a multitude of parties. Switzerland brought a completely revised constitution into force in 1999. In the USA, the Supreme Court has to interpret a constitution dating from the 18th century.

Das politische System der Schweiz hat sich kontinuierlich weiter entwickelt: Von der Einparteienherrschaft zur Konkordanz, von der repräsentativen zur direkten Demokratie, vom Majorz- zum Proporzwahlrecht. In Frankreich und Deutschland ist das politische System erstarrt. Beide Systeme funktionieren nur gut, wenn es zwei dominierende Parteien gibt, die sich an der Macht ablösen können. Nun gibt es aber eine Vielzahl von Parteien. Die Schweiz hat 1999 eine totalrevidierte Verfassung in Kraft gesetzt. In den USA muss das Oberste Gericht eine Verfassung aus dem 18. Jahrhundert interpretieren.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Edgar Suter

Thank you for elaborating further; so you see the key point as being that institutions are changing and evolving.

Danke für die weitere Ausführung, Sie sehen das entscheidende also darin, dass sich die Institutionen wandeln und entwickeln.

M
Marcelo Gerardo
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Politics is a science and has its own rules and norms; corruption is found amongst politicians – some more than others – and there are also decent ones. Whilst I do not wish to cause confusion, I must address the issue that brought me here: ‘Wars’ – a subject that has occupied my entire life and which I still carry with me, even at the age of 88. I am currently finishing an essay on wars, driven by a fervent desire to see them disappear, and I imagine I am not alone in this. I have been a listener to Swiss Radio since I was at secondary school – that is almost the reason why. The sad thing is that wars are becoming more sophisticated (for the worse) and politicians are even worse. If anyone is interested in discussing the subject, please do invite me: Marcelo Gerardo Coria, Argentine, retired accountant; these days I read and write; I only speak Spanish (Latin American); I am 88 years old and am currently finishing an essay against wars. Warm regards to you all. coriamg2@gmail.com.

La política es una ciencia y tiene sus reglas y normas, la corrupción está en los políticos, unos más que otros y también hay decentes y si bien no quiero confundir, debo expresar el tema que me trajo, "Las guerras", un tema de toda mi vida y que todavía la cargo, con mis 88 años y estoy terminando un ensayo sobre las guerras con el ardiente deseo de su desaparición y supongo que no soy único. Soy seguidor de Radio Suiza desde que cursaba el secundario, casi por ese motivo. Lo penoso es que las guerrras se perfeccionan (para mal) y los políticos son peores. Si hay interesados en platicar el tema les pido me inviten: Marcelo Gerardo Coria, Argentino, profesión Contador jubilado, hoy leo y escribo, solo hablo Español, latino, tengo 88 años de edad y estoy terminando un ensayo contra las guerras. Un agradecido saludo para todos. coriamg2@gmail.com.

N
Norbert Kurz
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

How am I supposed to still have any trust in politicians, __- who don’t even read the F-35 contracts.__- who aren’t interested in learning from the Covid crisis.__- who merely parrot whatever the ‘quality media’ spout, for example on climate change or the war in Ukraine. ____The main problem, however, is the media, which once, as the fourth estate, kept politics in check and kept the public informed. __Today, the corporate media shape public opinion. Walter Lippmann describes this in his book *Public Opinion: How It Is Formed and Manipulated*.

Wie soll ich noch Vertrauen haben in Politiker, __- welche nicht einmal die Verträge zum F-35 lesen.__- welche nicht an einer Aufarbeitung der Covid-Krise interessiert sind.__- welche nur das nachbeten, was die "Qualitätsmedien" vorbeten, z.B. zum Klimawandel oder dem Ukrainekrieg. ____Das Hauptproblem sind allerdings die Medien, welche früher einmal, als 4. Macht im Staat, die Politik kontrolliert, und die Menschen so informiert haben. __Heute machen die Konzernmedien die öffentliche Meinung. Das beschreibt Walter Lippmann in seinem Buch "Die öffentliche Meinung. Wie sie entsteht und manipuliert wird."

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Norbert Kurz

Good afternoon, thank you very much for setting out your view.____Walter Lippmann’s book was published in 1922 – I naturally respect your critical stance towards the media, but I would therefore question your assertion that things were ‘different in the past’. ____In 1922, there was still no licensed radio station in Switzerland (the first one appeared in 1924) and proportional representation had only just been introduced (in 1919).

Guten Tag, vielen Dank für das Schildern Ihrer Einschätzung.____Walter Lippmanns Buch ist 1922 erschienen - ich respektiere natürlich Ihre kritische Haltung gegenüber den Medien, aber ich würde entsprechend Ihre Darstellung hinterfragen, dass es "früher einmal" anders gewesen ist. ____1922 gab es in der Schweiz noch keinen konzessionierten Radiosender (der kam 1924) und es war gerade erst die Proporzwahl eingeführt worden (1919).

J
jepyerly@websud.ch
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

By persistently constructing luxurious buildings (schools, administrative offices and so on) that are often poorly designed; and by having a glut of civil servants who work few hours, are overpaid, and have qualifications to spare but no practical experience, we are leading ourselves to ruin. This overpopulation is causing the loss of arable land, drinking water and biodiversity, whilst requiring infrastructure that is unaffordable. So how can we trust our authorities, who are prepared to sell off our country? Let us take a leaf out of the book of a great lady: Mrs Meloni.

A force de construire des bâtiments luxueux (Ecoles, bureaux administratifs, et autres ) souvent mal conçus ; d'avoir une pléthore de fonctionnaires faisant peu d'heures, trop payés, avec diplômes à revendre mais sans expérience pratique, nous conduisent à la ruine. Cette surpopulation qui font disparaître les terres nourricières, l'eau potable, la biodiversité, nécessitant des infrastructures impayables . Ainsi, comment peu t’on faire confiance à nos autorités prêtes à vendre notre Pays . Prenons un peu exemple sur une grande Dame : Mme Méloni.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@jepyerly@websud.ch

Thank you very much for sharing your views with us. When you refer to ‘our country’, are you referring to Switzerland? It is not entirely clear from your post.

Vielen Dank dafür, dass Sie uns Ihre Wahrnehmung geteilt haben. Wenn Sie von "unserem Land" schreiben, meinen Sie die Schweiz? Das wird aus Ihrem Beitrag nicht eindeutig klar.

J
Jorg Hiker
@Benjamin von Wyl

Western internet is overrun by Russian trolls, trying to post inflammatory topics and hoping to find one that catches on and creates dissent. Is it possible that some users here are Russian trolls, too

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Jorg Hiker

Swissinfo actually checks users’ profiles – precisely to prevent this from happening. I generally assume that most of those taking part in the discussion here are real people. But you, of course, are one of those whose authenticity really comes across, Mr Hiker! :-)

Swissinfo prüft die Profile der Nutzerinnen und Nutzer eigentlich - um genau dies zu verhindern. Eigentlich gehe ich bei den meisten, die hier mitdiskutieren, davon aus, dass sie echte Menschen sind. Sie gehören aber natürlich zu jenen, bei denen man die Authentizität besonders spürt, Herr Hiker! :-)

J
Jorg Hiker
@Benjamin von Wyl

I think it is a curse of spending much time abroad and seeing how other societies solve the same problems. Swiss debates are charming, but sometimes problem debated has long been solved abroad. Like what to do about midsummer heat waves - install district cooling like about a billion people in Asia.

P
Prof. Giovanni Scavazza
The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.

THE DECLINE OF A CHILLING UTOPIA____...Since we have not reflected on old age and death, here we are, now caught unawares by the rampant senile dementia...____The generation that came of age in the thirty years following the war (my own) enjoyed the best diet of all time; it was cultured, refined, fairly happy and, at the very least, hopeful, and believed that peace – and even socialism – were possible.____But as the century turned, the triumph of medical science has allowed a vast army of old people to invade the historical stage: arrogant, petulant, aggressive and incapable of contemplating their own decline, having grown up in a cultural world where old age and death are taboo and banished.____Neither the ideology of the ruling class nor Marxist-inspired critical thought has attempted to come to terms with this reversal of perspective, with this decay of the collective body and with the sadness that has invaded the collective mind, not only that of the elderly, but even more markedly that of the younger generations, oppressed by the weight of an increasingly senile future.____....Since we have not reflected on old age and death, here we are now, unprepared in the face of rampant senile dementia...____Prof. Giovanni Scavazza:__Professor (retired) of Art Education and Art History at the Unitre University in Zurich.

LA DECADENZA DI UNA GELIDA UTOPIA____...Poiche' non abbiamo riflettuto sulla vecchiezza e sulla morte, eccoci ora sprovveduti di fronte alla demenza senile dilagante...____La generazione che emerse nel trentennio post-bellico (la mia) godeva del miglior regime alimentare di tutti i tempi, era colta, raffinata, abbastanza felice e perlomeno speranzosa, e credette che fosse possibile la pace e anche il socialismo.____Ma nel volgere del secolo il trionfo della scienza medica ha permesso a un esercito sterminato di vecchi di invadere la scena storica: arroganti, petulanti, aggressivi e incapaci di pensare il proprio esaurimento, perche' cresciuti in un mondo culturale in cui la vecchiezza e la morte sono incoffessabili e banditi.____Ne' l'ideologia della classe dominante, ne' il pensiero critico d'ispirazione marxista, ha tentato di fare i conti con questo rovesciamento della prospettiva, con questo decadimento del corpo collettivo e con la tristezza che ha invaso la mente collettiva, non solo quella dei vecchi, ma ancor piu' marcatamente quella delle nuove generazioni, oppresse dal peso di un futuro sempre piu' senile.____....Poiche' non abbiamo riflettuto sulla vecchiezza e sulla morte, eccoci ora sprovveduti di fronte alla demenza senile dilagante...____Prof. Giovanni Scavazza:__Docente (in quiescenza) di Educazione Artistica e Storia dell'Arte all'Universita' Unitre di Zurigo.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Prof. Giovanni Scavazza

This is a description of the problem that I haven’t come across before. So you see a sort of generational conflict as the core problem? If I understand you correctly, do you believe that the older generation acts out of fear of their own mental decline? That strikes me as rather psychoanalytical and reminds me of Ernest Becker’s *Denial of Death*. But the central theme there is actually that the prospect of death is a driving force for a struggle against it, for taking action – quite regardless of one’s own age.

Dies ist eine Problembeschreibung, die ich so noch nicht gelesen haben. Sie sehen also eine Art Generationenkonflikt als Kernproblem? Wenn ich Sie recht verstehe, handelt Ihrer Meinung nach die ältere Generation aus Angst vor dem eigenen geistigen Verfall? DIes scheint mir recht psychoanalytisch und erinnert mich an Ernest Beckers "Denial of Death". Doch da ist das Kernthema ja eigentlich, dass die Perspektive auf das Sterben Antrieb für ein Aufbäumen dagegen, ein Handeln, ist - ganz unabhängig vom eigenen Lebensalter.

E
Enrique Cotes
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

The thing is, populism stirs up emotions rather than relying on facts or real figures about problems and their solutions.____To say that I don’t believe in politics would be to ignore the fact that there are decent people in the world, but if we are seeing a lack of civic awareness in the way many people choose their leaders, I think we need to educate people about these issues from a very young age so that they can thoroughly examine the problems facing society and, when it comes to voting, make their choices based on their knowledge rather than their emotions.

El asunto es que el populismo mueve emociones y no datos o cifras reales de problemas junto a las soluciones.____Decir que no creo en la política seria desconocer que existe gente decente en el mundo, pero si estamos viendo una falta de cultura en como muchos eligen a sus lideres, pienso que se debe educar desde muy joven sobre estos temas para que la gente estudie muy bien los problemas que presenta la sociedad y a la hora de elegir lo hagan según sus conocimientos y no según sus emociones.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Enrique Cotes

Thank you very much for sharing your point of view! It seems, then, that you have managed to maintain that trust

Vielen Dank für das Schildern Ihrer Perspektive! Entsprechend scheinen Sie sich das Vertrauen bewahrt zu haben

M
Max2100

100% I have lost faith.____You vote for one thing and you get another. Yes, politics has always been this way, but now there is no concern for the people whatsoever. They lie in your face, fix elections in your face, and the media is complicit. ____It is also concerning that in a democracy people are elected from amongst the people. But do we really believe someone with a high school education is going to write the policies big businesses will follow? Does anyone genuinely believe this?____It also concerning that the quality of person joining politics has gone down precipitously. To the point that we have prime ministers using ChatGPT to govern. Let's not kid ourselves, most of parliamentarians are using LLMs to not work. ____Things are bleak, and getting bleaker by the day.____No. I don't have a solution....

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Max2100

Thank you very much for taking the time to explain all this in such detail. May I ask whether you are referring to Switzerland? Or to another country?

Vielen Dank haben Sie sich trotzdem die Zeit genommen, das alles so ausführlich zu schildern. Darf ich fragen, ob Sie sich auf die Schweiz beziehen? Oder auf ein anderes Land

I
Igen

People lean on easy solutions after years of training by the marketing and advertising industry. But society doesn’t work like this.__The perception of a dysfunctional democracy is the latest easy solution bought from the scammers who hijack the system.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Igen

Good afternoon, I’m not sure I’ve understood you correctly: are you saying that it is fraudsters who call democracy dysfunctional? I get the feeling that’s what you’re trying to say, but I’d just like to clear up a misunderstanding. ____And then move on to the fascinating key question: how does society actually work?

Guten Tag, ich bin nicht sicher, ob ich Sie richtig verstehe: SIe sagen, es seien Betrüger, die die Demokratie dysfunktional nennen? Ich habe das Gefühl, das ist was Sie sagen wollen, aber ich möchte nur ein Missverständnis ausräumen. ____Und dann zur spannenden Kernfrage kommen: Wie funktioniert Gesellschaft denn

S
sceptic

For my part, trust has disappeared for two reasons:__1. The 'established party' governments all turned populist meaning they will say anything to stay in power no matter what they said the day before. See for example Merz in Germany, a school book populist.____2. The realization that politicians are in politics for their own benefit, not for the voters. As a famous economist stated; 'Priority number one for a politician is to be elected. Priority number two is be re-elected. Whatever priority three may be, it is far behind.'____I don't like the current use of the term populist. In established media, any opposition to the ruling class is labeled 'populist'. A populist is someone who changes opinion by the day depending on who he is currently speaking to. Another example from Germany is AFD always labeled 'populist' whereas in reality, they have stuck the same program since the beginning. The populists are the ruling parties who one day lambast AFD policies for being Nazi, and the next day they are happy to introduce AFD proposals (refugee centers outside the EU for example).

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@sceptic

Good afternoon, thank you very much for setting out your perspective! I think, however, that your definition of ‘populist’ is more in line with that of an opportunist. The – academic – definition of populism refers to something else. ____Opportunism is certainly a problem too, but it is, as I said, a different one.

Guten Tag, vielen Dank für das Schildern Ihrer Perspektive! Ich denke, Ihre Definition von "Populist" entspricht aber eher dem Opportunisten. Die - wissenschaftliche - Definition von Populismus meint etwas Anderes. ____Opportunismus ist sicher auch ein Problem, aber eben: eher ein Anderes.

K
kkckkc

There is a sense that Europe, in particular EU/UK, has lost the plot and Switzerland is struggling to find a position. Some examples: ____Over 100 countries at the UN voted for a negotiated settlement on Ukraine and yet 29 countries keep sending coordinates and weapons to Ukraine. This is forcing us to choose neutrality vs "pick and choose neutrality".____Just this week, BRICS (

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@kkckkc

Your comment seems to have cut off halfway through

Ihr Kommentar scheint mittendrin abzubrechen

Lynx Vegas
LynxVegas

I lost faith decades ago. I used to live in Great Britain. After Thatcher, it's not great any more, though Burnham looks like he might fix any issue caused by the Tories and Farage. Too many politicians are in it for themselves, their family, friends, financial backers. They do far too little for those who voted for them, until just before election time. Can anyone name any world leader or political party that actually cares about the people? I can't.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@LynxVegas

Thank you very much for sharing your perspective! If I may ask: where do you live now? And what would it take for you to regain your trust?

Vielen Dank für das Schildern Ihrer Perspektive! Wenn ich fragen darf: Wo leben Sie denn heute? Und was bräuchte es, damit Sie wieder Vertrauen schöpfen könnten

S
sceptic
@LynxVegas

hmm interesting, I remember when Thatcher came to power and to me, an outsider, the UK improved dramatically under her reign. As a child in school we used to laugh and crack jokes about what we had seen from England on the news the evening before.____When you say Burnham 'might fix any issue'. What issue might he fix and why do you think he is the right person? Trigger warning: my English friends were very enthusiastic about Burnham when he was pitched as the next leader. As a result I listened to a few interviews with him and I was appalled. To me he appeared as inept and incompetent as Starmer did in the run up to his appointment.

L
Leo Gali
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Trust in the government is like giving alms to the poor. The better off someone is financially, the more trust they can afford to place in it.

Vertrauen in die Regierung ist wie ein Almosen an Verarmte. Je besser jemand wirtschaftlich gestellt ist, desto mehr Vertrauen kann er/ sie sich leisten.

J
Jorg Hiker

This is *exactly what* corrupt politicians want: citizens who don't bother them and are individualized, even if they ineffectively grumble.

J
Jorg Hiker

Understand that this is corrupt politicians want: citizens who don't bother them and are individualized, even if they ineffectively grumble. A sort of typical Russian. At the same time, history shows how aware and organized citizens can change politics—from the revolutions of Eastern Europe in the 20th century to the culture wars of the 21st century. Even undemocratic countries like China watch closely what citizens accept and understand they cannot cross certain borders—those that people themselves allow to cross.____A lesson of the 21st century is that politics is something citizens must take part in; they must not let politicians run things themselves. Another lesson of the 20th century is that for a politician, the most efficient behavior is to become corrupt immediately when citizens aren't protesting, and this in turn brings economic stagnation to collapse to the country. The 'Dictator's Handbook' by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and similar works describe the relations between politicians and society in the 21st century.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Jorg Hiker

Thank you once again for your perspective! ____Just to make sure I’ve understood you correctly: citizens who lose trust become isolated individuals and act accordingly, with little political impact

Einmal mehr vielen Dank für Ihre Perspektive! ____Nur um Sie sicher richtig zu verstehen: Die Bürgerinnen und Bürger, die das Vertrauen verlieren, werden zu Einzelpersonen und handeln entsprechend mit wenig politischer Wirkung

J
Jorg Hiker
@Benjamin von Wyl

'Losing faith in politics' may suggest apathy or cynicism. The correct attitude is wise participation in politics: supporting citizen initiatives, openly criticizing corrupt and inefficient politicians, and backing more effective politicians and sensible initiatives. Switzerland's society is already ahead of most countries in this respect, with traditions like referendums on practical matters, a preference for pragmatic politicians over showmen, and local governments that keep many decisions close to citizens. Still more active and wise citizen participation in politics is needed, otherwise Switzerland will not cope with the new challenges. In fact, it has long been known that bad politicians purposefully promote citizen passivity and confusion in order to delay removing them. This political tactic has many names—for example, FUD "sowing Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt." When one reads online posts that amount to "oy vey, we are powerless," they are usually paid trolls, precisely because citizens are not powerless.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
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@Jorg Hiker

I see, thank you very much! It’s interesting that, whilst Switzerland has all these democratic mechanisms, there are still hardly any ways – even indirectly – to vote the government out of office.____You might also be interested in this article by my colleague Domhnall O’Sullivan: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-democracy/why-the-swiss-government-doesnt-need-to-fear-a-no-confidence-vote/92027316

Ich verstehe, vielen Dank! Spannenderweise gibt es in der Schweiz ja all diese demokratischen Hebel - und trotzdem auch indirekt kaum Möglichkeiten, die Regierung abzuwählen.____Vielleicht interessiert Sie dazu auch der Beitrag meines Kollegen Domhnall O'Sullivan: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-democracy/why-the-swiss-government-doesnt-need-to-fear-a-no-confidence-vote/92027316

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Jorg Hiker
@Benjamin von Wyl

Thank you for your interest in my posts. Actually, the mechanism of a no-confidence vote in parliament is not an example of citizens being able to influence politics, but rather an example of different factions of the political class fighting within their own class. A politician facing a no-confidence vote primarily focuses on counting supporters and developing alliances within parliament, rather than giving citizens what they need or say. Perhaps that is why some countries frequently have no-confidence votes as well as a dysfunctional political class and poorly functioning state.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
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@Jorg Hiker

Thank you for your analysis. The way in which parliamentarism is structured – through the institution itself, but also through established practice – is certainly a factor that plays a part in the problems facing democracy today.

Ich danke Ihnen für Ihre Analyse. Die Art, wie Parlamentarismus ausgestaltet ist - durch die Institution, aber auch durch die jeweilige Gewohnheit - ist sicher ein Faktor, der mitreinspielt in die Probleme der Demokratie heutzutage.

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Jorg Hiker
@Benjamin von Wyl

Thank you for your interest. Indeed, it is important because, as the analysis of Bueno de Mesquita shows, for any politician the optimal behavior is to favor short-term interests and a possibly small group of cronies keeping him in power and neglect long-term and country-wide perspective. With predictable results. In addition to institutions and established practice, very important are lower-level control mechanisms preventing political abuse and constant citizen vigilance. Rather than citizens waking up once every few years at parliamentary elections or some major demonstration. In the broad sense, I see that the political class limits a country's growth. One can compare it to a farmer running a farm. A farmer has less room for being lazy and neglectful and must work more cleverly and harder, if a farm is to improve. Likewise, the Swiss government must be more efficient, and citizens must watch it more carefully if Switzerland is to grow.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
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@Jorg Hiker

You’re right – and I’ve just returned from an OECD conference in Paris, where civil servants and government representatives from 38 countries have been discussing precisely how to make their public services and their democracies more efficient. However, very few of them had the idea that a well-developed system of concordance and democracy could be adapted.

Sie haben recht - und gerade bin ich zurück von einer OECD-Konferenz in Paris, wo sich Beamte und Regierungsvertretende aus 38 Länder über genau die Frage gebeugt haben, wie sie ihre Dienste und ihre Demokratie effizienter machen. Allerdings sind nur Wenige auf die Idee gekommen, dass man ein ausgebautes System von Konkordanz und Demokratie adaptieren könnte.

Anonymous
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“Politics” is a term that is a little too broad to allow for a direct answer to this question. I assume you mean the executive branch (i.e. the Federal Council)? ____Then I ask myself whether I believe that the Federal Councillors think and act in the best interests of the country, the welfare and safety of the population, and the sustainable preservation of our natural resources? Or whether they tend to think and act in their own interests or in the interests of their ‘lobby’? __I see signs of both – depending on the issue. So my trust is only partial. Unfortunately, democracies are particularly vulnerable to strong self-interests prevailing over balanced, sensible decisions… it is almost inevitable, therefore, that people often have little trust in politicians.

"Die Politik" ist ein etwas zu pauschaler Begriff, als dass man diese Frage direkt beantworten könnte. Ich nehme an, es ist die Exekutive (also der Bundesrat) gemeint? ____Dann stelle ich mir die Frage, ob ich glaube, dass die Bundesräte für das Wohl des Landes, das Wohl und die Sicherheit der Bevölkerung und für die nachhaltige Pflege unserer Lebensgrundlage denken und handeln? Oder dass sie eher im Eigeninteresse oder im Interesse ihrer "Lobby" denken und handeln? __Für beides sehe ich Anzeichen - je nach Thema. Mein Vertrauen ist also nur teilweise gegeben. Demokratien sind leider besonders anfällig dafür, dass sich starke Eigeninteressen mehr durchsetzen als ausgewogene, vernünftige Entscheide.... dass man Politikern deshalb oft wenig vertraut, ist fast unvermeidlich.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
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@Anonymous

Good afternoon, thank you very much for your perspective! ____Trust in the Swiss Government is, on average at least, higher than trust in the legislature. But you could, of course, also place your trust in the latter – or in the interaction between the Government, Parliament and instruments of direct democracy as a checks-and-balances mechanism. ____What would it take for you to gain more confidence? Personally, however, I feel that a little bit of trust, as you describe it, isn’t such a bad thing. After all, blind trust is certainly not desirable in a democratic society – and a little trust is fundamentally different from active mistrust.

Guten Tag, vielen Dank für Ihre Perspektive! ____Das Vertrauen in die Schweizer Regierung ist, zumindest im Schnitt, höher als in die Legislative. Aber Sie könnten Ihr Vertrauen selbstverständlich auch in diese legen - oder in das Zusammenspiel von Regierung, Parlament und direktdemokratische Instrumente als Kontrollorgan. ____Was bräuchte es, damit Sie mehr Vertrauen schöpfen könnten? Persönlich habe ich aber das Gefühl, dass ein bisschen Vertrauen, wie Sie es schildern, gar nicht so schlecht ist. Denn blindes Vertrauen ist sicher nicht wünschenswert in einer demokratischen Gesellschaft - und etwas Vertrauen etwas grundsätzlich Anderes als aktives Misstrauen.

Anonymous
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@Benjamin von Wyl

You ask what it would take for me to have more confidence. __I am largely only indirectly aware of the Federal Council’s actions and decisions through the media, and therefore really only know about them ‘by hearsay’. So a certain amount of uncertainty and scepticism remains. __But I do have direct contact during referendums: the information booklet on the referendum questions contains statements drafted by the Federal Council. These are – as I said, to a greater or lesser extent depending on the topic – often ideological and shaped by (veiled) lobbying interests. If this were to change noticeably, in the sense of a visible weighing up of various influencing factors and reasonably substantiated recommendations, my confidence might increase.

Sie fragen, was es bräuchte, damit ich mehr Vertrauen schöpfen könnte. __Verhalten und Entscheide des Bundesrates nehme ich überwiegend nur indirekt über die Medien wahr, und kenne sie deshalb eigentlich nur "vom Hörensagen". Da bleibt also eine gewisse Unsicherheit und Skepsis. __Aber direkten Kontakt habe ich bei den Abstimmungen: Das Informationsheft zu den Abstimmungsfragen enthält vom Bundesrat verfasste Stellungnahmen. Diese sind - wie gesagt, je nach Thema mehr oder weniger - oft ideologisch und von (verschleierten) Lobby-Interessen geprägt. Wenn sich das spürbar ändern würde, im Sinne von sichtbarer Abwägung verschiedener Einflusskräfte und vernünftig begründeten Empfehlungen, könnte sich mein Vertrauen erhöhen.

Benjamin von Wyl
Benjamin von Wyl SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Anonymous

It’s fascinating that the referendum booklet plays such a central role for you! ____Are you mainly dissatisfied with the way the government presents its position in the referendum booklet? Or what is it about the format that bothers you? The page dedicated to the opposition, which takes a different stance to the government’s position, always has the same space to set out its own position.

Das ist spannend, dass das Abstimmungsbüchlein für SIe so eine zentrale Rolle spielt! ____Sind Sie denn vor allem unzufrieden mit der Art, wie die Regierung Ihre Position im Abstimmungsbüchlein zum Ausdruck bringt? Oder was stört Sie am Format? Die Konterseite, die gegen die Regierungsposition steht, hat ja immer denselben Platz, um auch ihre Position darzulegen.

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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