Archive – Democracy

What is civic education?

This content was published on Aug 14, 2015 Swiss citizens can either propose legislation of their own, or work to defeat legislation already approved by parliament. However, democracy only works if people understand the rules and play along. Many democracies suffer from poor participation in the voting process, due to poor civic education. There’s room for improvement in Switzerland too. (Michele Andina, swissinfo.ch)

‘Defeatism’ is destabilising state, warns Swiss minister

This content was published on Aug 9, 2015 The increasing lack of compromise in Swiss politics and criticism of political institutions is having a damaging effect on the system, warns Swiss Finance Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf.

‘Every vote counts – including yours’

This content was published on Jul 31, 2015 Every August 1, the president has a special message for the 750,000 Swiss who live abroad. This year the focus is on Switzerland's direct democracy.

Opinion

People Power Night at Denmark’s ‘Liquor Parliament’

This content was published on Jul 27, 2015 No country celebrates its democracy like Denmark. But is that democracy still worth celebrating?

Opinion

‘Direct democracy isn’t feasible in modern societies’

This content was published on Jul 23, 2015 Switzerland, despite being applauded as a role model of direct democracy in a modern society, actually applies an indirect democracy instead. However, its political system leaves room for direct election and referendum. Why is direct democracy not possible in modern societies? There are several reasons. Direct democracy comes with high costs and high risks, it…

Democratic system ‘needs debate more than reform’

This content was published on Jul 18, 2015 Moritz Leuenberger and Pascal Couchepin were both dominant figures in the government from the mid-1990s for more than a decade. They served as interior, economic and transport ministers in the seven-member cabinet. They retired more than five years ago but regularly comment on politics, also adding their voice to ongoing discussions about direct democracy and…

When will the Swiss vote on same-sex marriage?

This content was published on Jul 14, 2015 Equal rights campaigners have had reason to celebrate over the past few weeks. In June, the US Supreme Court legalised same-sex marriages, about a month after voters in Ireland approved a proposal to extend civil marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples. How long before Swiss citizens will have their say on a similar proposal…

Sex ed ban will not be put to a nationwide ballot

This content was published on Jul 14, 2015 “It put a check on the sexualisation of our children at an early age,” a statement said. The group mentions five reasons for the withdrawal, including a growing awareness of the topic among the population, the closure of a centre of competence at a teacher’s training college and the removal of “pornographic material” from teaching…

Swiss government supports stronger local rights

This content was published on Jul 9, 2015 A three-month national consultation process on the matter began in mid-June. The Additional Protocol to the European Charter of Local Self-Government on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authorityExternal link is “the sole legally binding document of the Council of Europe with regard to participative democracy”, the government says. Its call…

Press predict Greek euro exit after referendum

This content was published on Jul 6, 2015 “Greeks follow the government into chaos” screamed an editorial in the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper. “Playing poker with the highest stakes” said Blick, whilst Le Temps interpreted Greece’s referendum result as “The No that shakes Europe”. On Sunday, just over 60% of Greek voters followed their government’s advice to reject a list of savings measures that included…

Archive – Democracy

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Archive – Democracy

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What is civic education?

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‘Defeatism’ is destabilising state, warns Swiss minister

More

‘Every vote counts – including yours’

More

People Power Night at Denmark’s ‘Liquor Parliament’

More

‘Direct democracy isn’t feasible in modern societies’

More

Democratic system ‘needs debate more than reform’

More

When will the Swiss vote on same-sex marriage?

More

Sex ed ban will not be put to a nationwide ballot

More

Swiss government supports stronger local rights

More

Press predict Greek euro exit after referendum

Popular Stories

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