Cluster: 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…

Democracy

Poll finds support for nuclear phaseout

This content was published on Oct 21, 2016 A proposal to decommission Switzerland’s nuclear power plants by 2029 has the backing of a majority of citizens.

Democracy

Parliament and building sector put under pressure

This content was published on Oct 21, 2016 The group, led by the youth chapter of the Green Party, handed in the signatures in a symbolic ceremony in Bern on Friday. The initiative hopes to put pressure on parliament to reform current zoning regulations. “This marks an important milestone in the fight against urban sprawl,” said Judith Schmutz, co-president of the Young Greens.…

Democracy

Local politics under pressure from legal experts

This content was published on Oct 17, 2016 “An increasing number of political decisions are contested for legal reasons. Be it because people’s initiatives are declared invalid before a vote or because ballot box decisions are challenged,” says Andreas Glaser of the Centre for Democracy StudiesExternal link. Glaser says the trend is particularly significant for local ballots as citizens can decide details with…

Democracy

A milestone for Swiss expat rights

This content was published on Oct 15, 2016 The vote, which gathered the support of all the cantons and 68.1% of voters, was considered a milestone for the Swiss abroad. The new constitutional article officially recognised their historical, political and economic role. It also underlined the importance of strengthening relations between the government and the expat community. The recognition was considered long overdue…

Opinion

Democracy

‘Demonising populist politics is unhelpful’

This content was published on Oct 15, 2016 Populism is not a new phenomenon. It is not just the concept that dates back to the Roman Republic – so does the negative moral connotation. Even in those days, representatives of the ruling elite described politicians who appealed directly to the people as populists (populares), while immodestly describing themselves as optimates – the best. The…

Democracy

How do you get youth into local politics?

This content was published on Oct 14, 2016 The Association of Swiss Communes has launched a campaign to get more young people to serve as local councillors in their villages and communities.

Cluster: Democracy

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Cluster: Democracy

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

More

Poll finds support for nuclear phaseout

More

Parliament and building sector put under pressure

More

Local politics under pressure from legal experts

More

A milestone for Swiss expat rights

More

‘Demonising populist politics is unhelpful’

More

How do you get youth into local politics?

Popular Stories

Most Discussed