Cluster: Democracy

Debunking the myth of outvoted youth

This content was published on Jul 14, 2016 The outcome of the Swiss vote in February 2014 to curb immigration from the European Union didn’t just shock the political and business establishment; it also caused an outcry among the younger generation, notably in the science community. Many young scientists are concerned that their career prospects could be seriously damaged by the suspension of…

Democracy

No votes on wiretapping and army reform

This content was published on Jul 9, 2016 A committee of representatives from youth chapters of political parties from the left and the right as well as civil society said it had not been able to provide enough validated signatures to the Federal Chancellery by Thursday. The group had 100 days to collect at least 50,000 signatures following parliament’s approval of the amended…

Democracy

Challenge to surveillance law fails

This content was published on Jul 7, 2016 Parliament approved the law last year. It gives the Swiss intelligence service greater powers to monitor private communications in Switzerland in the interests of fighting terrorism, spying and arms proliferation. Opponents argue the change in law undermines people’s freedom and democracy by giving intelligence services too much power to monitor private communications over the internet…

Democracy

When direct democracy is pushed to its limits

This content was published on Jul 6, 2016 Direct democracy can be overwhelming and even dangerous, or so some people now believe after Brexit. More practice and co-determination is needed.

Democracy

How do democracy and populism go together?

This content was published on Jul 4, 2016 Paul TaggartExternal link is an expert on the subject. The professor of politics at Sussex University in England gave a keynote speech at a recent international conference in Zurich and put the phenomenon into context. The two-day conference was organised by the NCCR DemocracyExternal link and the Foundation for Population, Migration and EnvironmentExternal link.

Democracy

Youth groups reject ‘double weighting’ of votes

This content was published on Jul 3, 2016 “This idea is contrary to our democracy,” Tamara Funiciello, president of the youth branch of the leftwing Social Democratic Party, told the SonntagsBlick newspaper on Sunday. She was commenting on an idea put forward by a member of the Zurich cantonal government, Jacqueline Fehr, to reorganise the voting system in Switzerland. Under her plan, the…

Democracy

‘Gridlock within Switzerland’s political system’

This content was published on Jul 3, 2016 Slowing down to allow participation conflicts with the need to act quickly in an interconnected world. Reforms, however, are only promising if that the political elite makes proposals that will be supported by everyone, Vatter argues. swissinfo.ch: Let’s begin with some bookkeeping with regards to direct democracy. What are its biggest benefits and disadvantages? Adrian…

Opinion

Democracy

The Greek short-cut referendum drama

This content was published on Jul 1, 2016 With a vote on the complex bailout terms in Greece this weekend, Europe and the world once again has to revisit its suboptimal handling of modern direct democracy.

Democracy

Democracy vs football: 1:1

This content was published on Jun 30, 2016 There is actually a significant correlation between a country’s level of democracy and the performance of its national football team.

British interested in Swiss model to save Europe ties

This content was published on Jun 28, 2016 Post-Brexit Britain may opt for a Swiss-style solution – rather than a Norwegian model – to oversee relations with the EU.

Cluster: Democracy

Popular Stories

Most Discussed