Cluster: Democracy

How decades of debate over Stuttgart’s train station boosted local democracy

This content was published on Mar 18, 2026 In the debate over Stuttgart’s main railway station, politicians have learned lessons and, with Swiss support, bolstered local democracy.

Federal Council warns against "No 10 million Swiss" initiative

Swiss Politics

Swiss government warns against ten-million population cap

This content was published on Mar 16, 2026 Swiss government warns capping population at 10 million could harm prosperity and EU ties.

Opinion

Global elections

Why direct democracy is also a stage for political parties to fight for attention

This content was published on Mar 10, 2026 Popular votes may appear to reflect the pure “will of the people,” but they also function as a stage for political parties, argues Dutch political scientist Toine Paulissen.

The SBC initiative seeks to reduce the annual licence fee for the national broadcaster from CHF335 ($431) to CHF200 and exempt all businesses.

Swiss Politics

Swiss voters reject cuts to licence fee

This content was published on Mar 8, 2026 The Swiss have clearly rejected a proposal to reduce funding for Swissinfo's parent company.

Swiss democracy

Cash in the constitution: a Swiss decision on an international issue

This content was published on Mar 8, 2026 For cash advocate Brett Scott, the Swiss vote could act as a signal internationally. An analysis with sociological perspectives.

Illustration for an article about Swiss votes.

Swiss Politics

Swiss vote on taxing spouses, media licence fee, cash availability and climate fund

This content was published on Mar 7, 2026 Ballot boxes are set to close at noon on Sunday. Swiss citizens are voting on a referendum, three popular initiatives and a counterproposal. The results will be out the same day.

Digital Democracy

Is Swiss AI a powerhouse for democracy?

This content was published on Mar 2, 2026 US cyber expert Bruce Schneier has high hopes for a Swiss AI model. Optimism is also growing in Switzerland, but not across the board.

Could AI become a force for democracy?

Do you think artificial intelligence could contribute to more democracy?

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Mar 2, 2026

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What role should voters play in decisions about major trade deals?

Does popular input boost the legitimacy of big trade agreements? Or are such deals best left to the specialists?

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Feb 26, 2026

8 Comments

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Global elections

What it takes for a referendum to be fair

This content was published on Feb 23, 2026 Not only democracies hold referendums – semi-democratic and authoritarian states also run popular votes. Can such ballots ever be fair?

Cluster: Democracy

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Cluster: Democracy

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How decades of debate over Stuttgart’s train station boosted local democracy

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Swiss government warns against ten-million population cap

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Why direct democracy is also a stage for political parties to fight for attention

More

Swiss voters reject cuts to licence fee

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Cash in the constitution: a Swiss decision on an international issue

More

Swiss vote on taxing spouses, media licence fee, cash availability and climate fund

More

Is Swiss AI a powerhouse for democracy?

More

Could AI become a force for democracy?

More

What role should voters play in decisions about major trade deals?

More

What it takes for a referendum to be fair

Popular Stories

Most Discussed