Cluster: Democracy

Bullfights and citizens’ rights in Basque Country

This content was published on Nov 12, 2016 It is the story of a burgeoning civic movement in San Sebastián – or Donostia in the local Basque language – and how the central government in Madrid has intervened in this autonomous community. The start was promising enough for the promoters of direct democracy. A group of citizens launched an initiative in October 2015…

Democracy

Trumpism as a stress test for democracy

This content was published on Nov 10, 2016 Swiss immigration curbs, Brexit, and now Donald Trump. A series of populist anti-globalism shocks is a test for Western democracies.

Democracy

Cabinet warns of plan to quash universal accords

This content was published on Nov 9, 2016 The cabinet recommended voters reject a rightwing initiative which aims to suspend all international treaties considered incompatible with the Swiss constitution, including the European Human Rights Convention. Approval of the initiative could have serious negative economic and diplomatic consequences, a statement warned. “It could lead to legal insecurity and damage the Swiss economy,” said a…

Democracy

Bulgaria heads to polls in democratic first

This content was published on Nov 3, 2016 Years of collaboration with Switzerland helped pave the way for a democratic precedent in Bulgaria.

Democracy

Iceland’s dance on a political volcano

This content was published on Nov 1, 2016 Bruno Kaufmann, correspondent for northern Europe at the public Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, and international expert on direct democracy, says Iceland has gone through turbulent times over the past decade. In a seeming paradox of rapid change and resistance, Iceland’s citizens cling to old traditions while embracing progressive reforms. In an article for the democracy platform…

Democracy

The cost of quitting nuclear energy

This content was published on Nov 1, 2016 Is Switzerland ready to phase out nuclear power? Experts weigh in on the November 27 nationwide vote on the country’s nuclear plants.

Democracy

Debate on foreign voting rights revived in Geneva

This content was published on Oct 31, 2016 Nearly 600 people took part in the vote on October 15, according to the Geneva Association for Political RightsExternal link (known as DPGE in French). About half of the participants used the internet while the others went to polling stations set up in five municipalities in canton Geneva. The final result showed 88% of voters…

Democracy

Boon and bane of media for direct democracy

This content was published on Oct 29, 2016 Moritz Leuenberger was invited by the University of Bern to a discussion on the changing face of the media and its impact on direct democracy. He identified several major factors at play: the growing role of social media, the dramatic loss in revenue from advertising and a trend towards simplification, emotions and personal antagonism. In…

Opinion

Democracy

Both Switzerland and Oregon practice direct democracy

This content was published on Oct 27, 2016 Switzerland has 26 cantons, which are jurisdictionally similar to counties in Oregon. Initially, democracy in Switzerland was primarily canton-based, and the Swiss conducted elections in a way that resembles current Oregonian politics at the county level. Since 1848, Switzerland has developed a highly participatory direct democracy, which inspired Oregon to adopt a similar political approach.…

Opinion

Democracy

Democracy gives more satisfaction even if not used

This content was published on Oct 27, 2016 No other country in the world offers citizens as extensive means to participate in and influence political decisions on a national level as Switzerland. But even on a federal level, there are only very few states which offer their citizens as much of a say in how they are run as the Swiss cantons. With…

Cluster: Democracy

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Cluster: Democracy

More

Bullfights and citizens’ rights in Basque Country

More

Trumpism as a stress test for democracy

More

Cabinet warns of plan to quash universal accords

More

Bulgaria heads to polls in democratic first

More

Iceland’s dance on a political volcano

More

The cost of quitting nuclear energy

More

Debate on foreign voting rights revived in Geneva

More

Boon and bane of media for direct democracy

More

Both Switzerland and Oregon practice direct democracy

More

Democracy gives more satisfaction even if not used

Popular Stories

Most Discussed