Switzerland - a role model? Some remarks concerning the confederate "Direct Democracy"

June 2013, Werner T. Bauer, 6 pages

Of all western democracies, Switzerland has the most far-reaching direct democratic elements. These are evident at all political levels, hence in the municipalities, the 26 cantons and also at federal level, whereby their concrete configuration often greatly differs from municipality to municipality and from canton to canton. Whilst the fundamental meaningfulness of direct democratic proceedings in Switzerland is mainly undisputed, the question of greater integration in direct democratic proceedings in political decision-making processes is only addressed half-heartedly in this country. In general, the discussions circle around the question which positive invigorating effects have to be expected and which negative ones have to be feared respectively. The question whether and to what extent such instruments can be “forced” on existing traditions is only rarely asked.

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