Cluster: Democracy

Public services – a glimpse into the soul of the people

This content was published on Jun 6, 2016 As the initiative’s delighted opponents noted, following the high approval rating in the first opinion poll, the Swiss citizens then fortunately “noticed” that it would have led to a backwards step into the 1990s; to a weakening of public services and ultimately to a veritable sham. Nostalgia likely played a role in explaining the initial…

Democracy

Swiss back genetic testing of embryos (again)

This content was published on Jun 5, 2016 Switzerland is set to become the last country in Europe to allow in vitro embryos to be tested for genetic disorders before they are implanted in a woman’s uterus.

Democracy

Basic income plan clearly rejected by Swiss voters

This content was published on Jun 5, 2016 Official final results show the proposal winning 23.1% of the vote and all the country’s 26 cantons coming out against. Only one commune in western Switzerland and a few districts in the cities of Geneva and Zurich came out in favour. “The campaigners failed to present a convincing funding scheme for their proposal. But they…

Democracy

Public services initiative fails by surprisingly large margin

This content was published on Jun 5, 2016 Opinion polls before the vote had suggested a tight result. It would have needed both an outright majority of votes nationally and a majority of cantons to support it in order to succeed. Final results show the initiative was rejected by more than two out of three voters. Transport Minister Doris Leuthard said the…

Democracy

Swiss vote on utopian basic income

This content was published on Jun 4, 2016 The promoters – a group of humanists, artists and entrepreneurs – believe the initiative would allow all residents to live in dignity, as the money would help cover essential needs and they would be free to choose a more creative way of living. The proposal aims at reforming the cumbersome existing social security systems, boost…

Democracy

Politicians should not be afraid of people’s power

This content was published on Jun 2, 2016 Having dedicated most of his professional life to issues of participatory democracy, the 63-year old trained political scientist and politician looks back over four decades in a wide-ranging collection of essays, interviews, analyses and a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His book Die unvollendete Direkte Demokratie (Unfinished direct democracy) was…

Democracy

Party strongholds and political battlefields 1971−2011

This content was published on Jun 1, 2016 This is how communes have voted in elections since 1971: Swiss People’s Party vs. Social Democrats in canton Vaud, Uri as a traditional Radical Party stronghold, and a neck-and-neck races in Geneva.

Democracy

Finland’s example of ‘conditional’ basic income

This content was published on May 31, 2016 Two countries, two paths – and some interesting parallels. In Switzerland, citizens have until June 5 to make up their minds whether the principle of an unconditional basic income should be anchored in the constitution. Opinion polls suggest a clear majority will vote against it. In Finland, by contrast, where a citizens’ initiative failed to…

Democracy

The pros and cons of an unconditional basic income

This content was published on May 30, 2016 A basic monthly income for every Swiss citizen – whether they’re working or not, rich or poor. That’s the idea that’s going to a public vote on June 5. Supporters say it’ll free people up to make better career choices but opponents say it’s not economically viable. (RTS, swissinfo.ch)

Democracy

The story of the ballot paper

This content was published on May 28, 2016 In canton Bern, around 800,000 ballot papers are produced in the space of just a few weeks. When a voter receives their envelope in their letter box, little will they realise how much work is involved in producing this simple, standard document. The final ballot paper and vote documentation is a perfect example of team…

Cluster: Democracy

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Cluster: Democracy

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Public services – a glimpse into the soul of the people

More

Swiss back genetic testing of embryos (again)

More

Basic income plan clearly rejected by Swiss voters

More

Public services initiative fails by surprisingly large margin

More

Swiss vote on utopian basic income

More

Politicians should not be afraid of people’s power

More

Party strongholds and political battlefields 1971−2011

More

Finland’s example of ‘conditional’ basic income

More

The pros and cons of an unconditional basic income

More

The story of the ballot paper

Popular Stories

Most Discussed