Cluster: Democracy

Hand-wringing over unorthodox use of political initiative

This content was published on Apr 15, 2015 Narrowly passed by the electorate in 2010, the original initiative text called for the automatic expulsion of foreign criminals for certain crimes, including murder, rape, robbery and human trafficking, but also less serious offences. Long procedural delays having to do with proportionality, the definition of crimes specified by the initiative, and its compatibility with international…

Opinion

Democracy

Commission wants a more efficient transnational democracy

This content was published on Apr 13, 2015 The European Commission is a model student when it comes to following the rules, and so- just in time and as required by law – it has presented a reportExternal link on the first three years of the European Citizens’ initiative. This historic first tool of direct citizen participation at the transnational level was introduced…

Democracy

Voters have final say on radio and TV fees

This content was published on Apr 12, 2015 “A change from a receiver to a household system is sensible,” says parliamentarian Kurt Fluri of the centre-right Radical Party. “Because now you can get programmes not just from radios and TV sets, but also from devices that nearly everyone carries on the go,” Fluri adds. However, Roland Büchel of the Swiss People’s Party is…

Democracy

‘A referendum is democratic only if it is transparent’

This content was published on Apr 10, 2015 Last November, the Catalan authorities organised a vote, but it was mainly symbolic as the principle of self-determination of a region is ruled out by Spain’s constitution. The government in Madrid lacks the political will to open channels that would allow a democratic expression on the issue of secession, according to experts. “It is not…

Democracy

New immigration vote ‘inevitable’, says EU

This content was published on Apr 10, 2015 In an interview with Swiss newspaper La Liberté on Thursday, EU diplomat Maciej Popowski said the Swiss would “without doubt” have to decide again by the end of 2016. “It’s unimaginable that one takes a step backwards. Safeguard clauses belong to the past,” said Popowski, deputy secretary-general of the European External Action Service since November…

Opinion

Democracy

Buhari’s victory in Nigerian election has global significance

This content was published on Apr 8, 2015 Four years after the Jasmin revolution Tunisia has a modern constitution, a freely elected parliament and president – and also a new coalition government. But the "Arab world's first modern democracy" is challenged in its foundations by the deadly attack on the National Museum.

Democracy

Are card-carrying party stalwarts a dying breed?

This content was published on Apr 8, 2015 Up until the 1970s there were about 50,000 members, and at the end of 2013 there were not much more than 30,000 left. We are talking primarily about the members of the Social Democratic Party, which in four decades has lost about 40% of its paid-up membership. The shrinking of the party’s grassroots seems to…

Democracy

Poll finds Swiss wary of political change

This content was published on Mar 31, 2015 Fear for the economy could see Swiss citizens sticking to the political status quo in parliamentary elections in October, a survey shows.

Democracy

Swiss pledge aid for Kyrgyz elections

This content was published on Mar 26, 2015 Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga and Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter assured Almazbek Atambaev of Switzerland’s continuing support of the democratic process in Kyrgyzstan, according to a justice ministry statement on Thursday. Local, parliamentary and presidential elections are set to be held in 2015 and 2017. “For these funds the appropriate equipment will be purchased,” a senior…

Opinion

Democracy

Winning by losing, Tunisia style

This content was published on Mar 23, 2015 Four years after the Jasmin revolution Tunisia has a modern constitution, a freely elected parliament and president – and also a new coalition government. But the "Arab world's first modern democracy" is challenged in its foundations by the deadly attack on the National Museum.

Cluster: Democracy

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Cluster: Democracy

More

Hand-wringing over unorthodox use of political initiative

More

Commission wants a more efficient transnational democracy

More

Voters have final say on radio and TV fees

More

‘A referendum is democratic only if it is transparent’

More

New immigration vote ‘inevitable’, says EU

More

Buhari’s victory in Nigerian election has global significance

More

Are card-carrying party stalwarts a dying breed?

More

Poll finds Swiss wary of political change

More

Swiss pledge aid for Kyrgyz elections

More

Winning by losing, Tunisia style

Popular Stories

Most Discussed