Cluster: Democracy

Dutch citizens’ veto: Panacea for democratic ills?

This content was published on Apr 4, 2016 After the vote on the EU Constitutional Treaty in 2005, it is only the second referendum in modern Dutch history. Applauded by some as welcome democratic reform, the design and use of the new popular right is a detraction, criticises political scientist Saskia Hollander from Amsterdam. On April 6, Dutch voters will have their say…

Democracy

‘Other countries should follow the Swiss example’

This content was published on Apr 3, 2016 The 17-year old student from Prague is a fresh voice of the Swiss Abroad community. swissinfo.ch gives the floor to leading members of the newly-founded online youth parliament. swissinfo.ch: What do you want to achieve as a member of the new youth parliament of the Swiss abroad – first of all in Switzerland, and second…

Democracy

Youth call for own national parliament

This content was published on Apr 3, 2016 In the past 20 years, 65 youth parliaments and councils have been formed in Swiss cantons and communes, as well as in Liechtenstein. But there is no overarching national body. Currently the biggest platform dedicated to representing young people’s political interests was the Youth SessionExternal link held at the Swiss parliament, which is held once a…

Democracy

‘Experts shouldn’t have too much say in running society’

This content was published on Apr 3, 2016 Are some popular votes too complicated for those of us without economics degrees? Why and how should people become ‘active economic citizens’?

Democracy

The 2015 elections in pictures

This content was published on Apr 2, 2016 They attended party gatherings out in the country and watched candidates in public debates and personal publicity stunts. They trained their lenses on politicians at press conferences and at work. What’s more, accredited photographers enjoy the privilege of unrestricted access to both chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. This is unique in Europe. …

Democracy

‘The Swiss are not model democrats’

This content was published on Apr 1, 2016 Indeed, some 90% of those eligible to vote cast a ballot. Very few, however, do so every time. The people who always vote tend to be politically well informed, Lanz explained in this syndicated interview with the newspapers, Tages-Anzeiger and Der Bund. Felix Schindler: Your study found that only 10% of those entitled to vote…

Democracy

Political forums hold the key to democracy

This content was published on Apr 1, 2016 When climbing the stairs of the 13th-century Käfigturm, you do not just end up in an information centre on democracy; the thick walls of the former fortified tower, which later became a prison, also are a venue for political events and exhibitions. What’s special about these rooms, located in a prime spot near the parliament…

Democracy

Farmers ask voters to boost local food production

This content was published on Mar 30, 2016 A leftwing farmers’ movement handed in an initiative promoting Swiss agriculture and sustainable food.

Democracy

‘Chile lacks Switzerland’s democracy’

This content was published on Mar 28, 2016 The 17-year old student who is part of a vast community of expats, is a founding member of the Youth Parliament of the Swiss Abroad External link(YPSA). In a series of interviews, swissinfo talks to the group’s committee members. swissinfo.ch: What do you want to achieve as a member of the new youth parliament of…

Opinion

Democracy

The Referendum Charade

This content was published on Mar 25, 2016 Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, has already said that Hungary would resist letting them in. “All the terrorists are basically migrants,” he saidExternal link. The referendum is likely to go his way. Perhaps the oddest referendum will take place in April in the Netherlands, following a successful petition campaign. The question put to Dutch citizens…

Cluster: Democracy

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Cluster: Democracy

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Dutch citizens’ veto: Panacea for democratic ills?

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‘Other countries should follow the Swiss example’

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Youth call for own national parliament

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‘Experts shouldn’t have too much say in running society’

More

The 2015 elections in pictures

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‘The Swiss are not model democrats’

More

Political forums hold the key to democracy

More

Farmers ask voters to boost local food production

More

‘Chile lacks Switzerland’s democracy’

More

The Referendum Charade

Popular Stories

Most Discussed