On 18 June 2017 the citizens of Moutier, a small town in the heart of the Jura region in Switzerland, decide on the future of their city, whether to remain in the Canton of Berne or to leave and join the Canton of Jura. The referendum vote […]
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What? Brexit (British exit) refers to the June 23, 2016 popular vote in which a majority of the voters decided that Great Britain should leave the European Union. Who decided to call the popular vote? In 2013 PM David Cameron promised to negotiate a new settlement with […]
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Question (7/7): In an era of centralized and partly anti-democratic decision-making in Europe, with an almost powerless European Parliament and obscure, undemocratic decision-making bodies like the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Troika, I believe that more and more pressure will be put on Swiss people to […]
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Question (6/7): I know that Swiss citizens regard their political system as an exception – and probably it is. But also, they were always looking inwards and avoided to “spread the good news” of direct democracy. I know, for example, that back in the 19th century politicians […]
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Question (5/7): Many argue in favor of a “meritocracy” where less power will be given to the common people and all important decisions will be taken by a few exceptionally capable citizens in the name of the “common good”. Is this something that can realistically happen or […]
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Question (4/7): Another argument against direct democracy is that wealthy lobbying groups can “buy” a positive referendum result with the use of advertisements, TV time etc. Is this true? Do you have any relevant examples from Switzerland? What kind of measures have you employed in Switzerland to […]
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Question (3/7): One of the most commonly used counterarguments in Greece against referendums [especially, the purest form of it, the referendums triggered by the people] and citizens’ initiatives is that the people are not “educated” and “mature” to properly vote in favor of the “right” option. It […]
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Question (2/7): What is the current situation in Finland regarding Direct Democracy? Does the political system allow the participation of citizens in the decision making process [besides parliamentary elections] and, if yes, how? What is the opinion of the Finns about direct democracy? Do they have similar […]
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Question (1/7): You used the term ‘real democracy’ to describe direct democracy. Could you please briefly summarize the main characteristics of direct democracy that make it a real democratic system compared to other forms of democracy like pure representative parliamentarism – according to your opinion? Answer: Democracy […]
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