Cluster: Democracy

Is the Swiss burka ban a tyranny of the majority?

This content was published on Apr 19, 2017 In a direct democracy, does the banning of new minarets, burkas and the ritual slaughter of animals discriminate against religious minorities?

Democracy

Europe gives direct democracy a second chance

This content was published on Apr 18, 2017 What at first glance seems an overdue acknowledgement by the executive branch of the European Union could become a true window of opportunity. The unexpected announcement was made by the European Union’s First Vice-President Frans Timmermans just before the Easter holiday. The scene was the annual European Citizens’ Initiative Day External linkhosted by the European…

Democracy

Swiss Turks say No in controversial referendum

This content was published on Apr 18, 2017 A proposal to extend the powers of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been rejected by with an overwhelming majority of Turks in Switzerland.

Democracy

Swiss democracy in stranglehold of digitalisation

This content was published on Apr 17, 2017 Thurnherr holds one of the most important offices in the finely balanced mechanism of Swiss democracy. Now 53, he is the chief of staff, supporting the cabinet in its governmental activity – but there’s another reason why Thurnherr and his Federal Chancellery are central: it’s that they act as an interface between the government, people,…

Democracy

How Turkey’s democratic dream turned ugly

This content was published on Apr 13, 2017 Indeed, a functioning democracy needs freedom of expression like a fish needs water. Here is a five-part analysis ahead of Erdoğan’s constitutional referendum. 1. The vote: On 16 April 2017, 55 million Turks will be asked to vote on the future powers of their president. The constitutional reform proposed by the incumbent conservative Recep Tayyip…

Democracy

Sion 2026: an un-Olympic dream

This content was published on Apr 11, 2017 Voters may have said no to Graubünden’s candidacy for the Winter Olympics 2026, but Switzerland could still be in the running to host the event.

Democracy

Spain tests new forms of citizen participation

This content was published on Apr 11, 2017 We want real democracy and this involves opening the institutions’ doors. Since the last municipal elections, many cities have focused on increasing citizen participation. The variety of processes and the desire to experiment has been extraordinary. New platforms based on Consul free participation softwareExternal link, such as Decide MadridExternal link or Decidim BarcelonaExternal link, have…

Democracy

Anti-arms trade initiative launched

This content was published on Apr 11, 2017 The launching of the campaign kicked off with one of the group’s members, 86-year-old Louise Schneider, being picked up by police for spraying “Geld für Waffen tötet” (money for weapons kills) on the Swiss National Bank (SNB). The bank is currently undergoing renovations, so the graffiti was sprayed on a wooden protective wall. The text…

Democracy

A penny for your vote!

This content was published on Apr 8, 2017 When it comes to creating political campaigns, the Swiss have a lot of practice - voters are called to the polls about four times a year.

Immigration initiative challenge fails

This content was published on Apr 7, 2017 An alliance of committees on Friday handed in about 13,000 signatures – short of the 50,000 signatures needed to challenge a parliamentary compromise adopted last December. A leading member of the group, Let the People decide, said the campaign over the past 100 days had been difficult because of the “limited funds and staff resources”.…

Cluster: Democracy

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Cluster: Democracy

More

Is the Swiss burka ban a tyranny of the majority?

More

Europe gives direct democracy a second chance

More

Swiss Turks say No in controversial referendum

More

Swiss democracy in stranglehold of digitalisation

More

How Turkey’s democratic dream turned ugly

More

Sion 2026: an un-Olympic dream

More

Spain tests new forms of citizen participation

More

Anti-arms trade initiative launched

More

A penny for your vote!

More

Immigration initiative challenge fails

Popular Stories

Most Discussed