Swiss democracy

Could direct democracy put the brakes on trade?

This content was published on Mar 19, 2026 As global trade rules falter, countries are looking to bolster their exports and diversify their networks. Switzerland faces here a unique challenge: the ballot box.

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.

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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What experience have you had with referendums in your country?

Have you ever experienced a referendum where you live? Let us know!

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Feb 23, 2026

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24 Comments

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National Council committee does not want to slim down the savings package any further

Swiss democracy

Swiss parliament signals division on size of federal budget cuts

This content was published on Feb 20, 2026 House of Representatives finance committee signals higher budget cuts than Senate.

Trade policy

Could direct democracy trip up Swiss trade deals?

This content was published on Feb 20, 2026 As global trade rules fray, countries are scrambling to shore up export markets and diversify partners. For Switzerland, this could come with an added complication: the ballot box.

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Swiss democracy

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Could direct democracy put the brakes on trade?

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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

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Swiss voters reject cuts to licence fee

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

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

More

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

More

What experience have you had with referendums in your country?

More

Swiss parliament signals division on size of federal budget cuts

More

Could direct democracy trip up Swiss trade deals?

Popular Stories

Most Discussed