Cluster: 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…

Democracy

How an orchestra drums up vote support

This content was published on May 23, 2016 It’s the beginning of May, just one month before voters in the city of Zurich will be asked approve a CHF240 million ($251 million) schemeExternal link that includes the renovation of the TonhalleExternal link building and the adjoining Congress HouseExternal link. The Tonhalle has thrown open its doors to the public, inviting them to a…

Democracy

Fear and fascination with a basic income

This content was published on May 21, 2016 It is a warm May evening in Basel. Daniel Häni leaves a panelled conference room and heads to a nearby café in the old city. He has just presented the idea of an unconditional basic income to the local conservative right Swiss People’s Party. The result was foreseeable. None of the 60 or so participants…

Democracy

Defining victory in a direct democracy

This content was published on May 18, 2016 Winners versus losers, leftwing versus rightwing – the political process is full of rhetoric that separates people and issues into categories.

Democracy

Public sector worker pay under the microscope

This content was published on May 18, 2016 One of the aims of the “Pro Public Services” initiative is to restrict wages to the same levels as those earned by civil servants and other people who work directly for the federal administration. For example, chief executives should not earn more than a government minister (CHF475,000), according to the initiative. Swisscom boss Urs Schaeppi…

Democracy

A spoof initiative claims victory despite failure

This content was published on May 17, 2016 The proposal was launched 18 months ago and caused considerable amusement in the media near and far. It was a “political work of art”, says Christian Mueller, the man behind the action that will come to an unspectacular end on Wednesday. The idea was a protest against a rightwing initiative, approved by voters in 2010,…

Democracy

What the Swiss can learn about e-campaigning

This content was published on May 17, 2016 Amelia ShowalterExternal link, 32, served as Director of Digital Analytics for Obama in 2012, leading a team which implemented hundreds of experiments to improve the performance of digital outreach. Now she gives courses on e-campaigning. At the end of April she was in Zurich for training on digital acquisition, which was organised by KampagnenforumExternal link.…

Cluster: Democracy

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Cluster: Democracy

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

More

How an orchestra drums up vote support

More

Fear and fascination with a basic income

More

Defining victory in a direct democracy

More

Public sector worker pay under the microscope

More

A spoof initiative claims victory despite failure

More

What the Swiss can learn about e-campaigning

Popular Stories

Most Discussed