PART II - 25th April 2024 13 additional points about why Direct democracy works in Switzerland - key elements

17) PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES – INFORMING EVERYONE

When a political issue arises in Switzerland necessitating a vote by the populace, a multitude of public engagement strategies are typically observed. The Swiss Direct democracy system encourages extensive public engagement through various channels such as public debates, informational campaigns, and the provision of comprehensive materials outlining both sides of the issue. This ensures that citizens are "well-informed" and have the opportunity to "actively participate" in the decision-making process, promoting a more deliberative and inclusive form of democracy that reflects the diverse perspectives and interests of the population.

18) EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK

In addition to the breath-taking mountains, serene lakes, and immaculate cities, towns, and villages, Switzerland often features a landscape dotted with posters displayed in public areas, aimed at informing the public about issues up for vote. These posters serve as a visible reminder of the upcoming referendums or popular initiatives, contributing to the vibrant democratic culture of Switzerland by promoting public awareness and engagement.

19) 24 CANTONAL BANK TO PROVIDE LOCAL FINANCE  

The presence of 24 state-owned cantonal banks in Switzerland plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the principles of direct democracy and the sovereignty of each cantonal region. These 24 State-owned cantonal banks (each canton is a State) provide local financial infrastructure and support regional economic development, enhancing the autonomy and self-governance of each cantonal region.

By facilitating access to banking services and promoting economic stability at the "local level", these banks contribute to the overall resilience of Swiss Direct democracy by empowering communities to manage their own affairs and make decisions in alignment with their unique needs and priorities. Regrettably, the disappearance of such regional banks in numerous countries reflects a trend toward increased centralization, consolidating power among a select few.

20) TAX REGIME PROMOTING SELF-DETERMINATION AT LOCAL LEVEL

In Switzerland, Direct Democracy works for many reasons. It is not just about referendums; there's also something about other aspects of "localism" that make it work, even the tax regime. Switzerland has 26 different tax regimes linked to the 26 States that make up the Swiss Confederation.

The tax regime reflects this commitment to localism by allowing cantonal and municipal authorities significant autonomy in setting tax policies tailored to their specific needs and priorities. This decentralization of fiscal authority not only promotes fiscal responsibility and efficiency but also reinforces the principles of subsidiarity and self-determination, key pillars of Swiss Direct democracy.

21) MULTILATERILSM OR BILATERALISM

In contrast to pure multilateralism, Switzerland opts for bilateral agreements to safeguard their decision-making autonomy. By prioritizing bilateral agreements, Switzerland maintains flexibility and control over its international engagements, allowing it to protect its sovereignty and tailor agreements to its specific needs and priorities.

This approach enables Switzerland to participate in international cooperation while retaining autonomy in decision-making, aligning with the principles of Swiss Direct democracy, where decisions are made closest to the people they affect.

22) INTERCANTONAL OPPOSITION

From the 26 cantons in Switzerland, several can form an "inter-cantonal opposition" to challenge a federal government policy. This mechanism allows cantons to unite and collectively oppose federal policies they perceive as detrimental to their interests or infringing upon their autonomy.

By providing a platform for cantonal cooperation and solidarity, the inter-cantonal opposition reinforces the principles of federalism and decentralization in Swiss Direct democracy, ensuring that the federal government remains accountable to the diverse needs and perspectives of the cantonal regions.

23) EUROPEAN UNION & SWISS SOVEREIGNTY

In the landscape of European politics, two distinct models of governance stand in stark contrast: the European Union (EU) and Switzerland. While both entities aim to promote cooperation and stability on the continent, their underlying principles and approaches to governance are fundamentally divergent, making reconciliation challenging, if not impossible.

The EU emphasizes supranational integration and the pooling of sovereignty among member states, while Switzerland prioritizes sovereignty, direct democracy, and bilateralism. These differing approaches create tensions and obstacles in areas such as trade, immigration, and political alignment, highlighting the complexities of reconciling diverse models of governance within Europe.

24) SMALLEST LEVEL OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Swiss municipalities are the smallest administrative division in Switzerland, akin to towns or villages in other countries. They are responsible for local governance, including services like education, infrastructure, and public safety. As of 2021, there were approximately 2,255 municipalities in Switzerland.

The decentralization of governance to the municipal level reflects Switzerland's commitment to subsidiarity and local autonomy, allowing communities to address their specific needs and priorities effectively. This decentralized structure fosters citizen engagement and accountability, aligning with the principles of Swiss Direct democracy and promoting efficient and responsive governance at the grassroots level.

25) OMBUDSMAN SYSTEM

Switzerland has an "ombudsman system" at various levels of government, which allows citizens to lodge complaints about government actions or decisions that they believe are unfair or unjust. Ombudsmen investigate these complaints and work towards resolving disputes. The presence of ombudsmen in Switzerland reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment within the governance framework. By providing an avenue for citizens to address grievances and hold government officials accountable, the ombudsman system strengthens trust in democratic institutions and promotes the principles of justice and fairness in Swiss society.

26) PETITIONS INFLUENCING GOVERNMENT DISCLOSURE

Citizens have the right to submit petitions to their local or national governments, urging action on specific issues or requesting legislative changes. While not legally binding, petitions can influence public discourse and government decision-making. The availability of citizen petitions in Switzerland exemplifies the participatory nature of Swiss Direct democracy, empowering individuals to directly engage with the political process and advocate for their concerns.

While petitions may not have legal force, they serve as a valuable tool for expressing public sentiment and shaping policy agendas, thereby enhancing democratic accountability and responsiveness to citizen needs.

27) FINANCIAL REFERENDUMS – FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Financial referendums in Switzerland provide citizens with the opportunity to directly influence major financial decisions made by their local governments. Financial referendums exemplify the principle of fiscal responsibility and citizen empowerment in Swiss Direct democracy.

By allowing citizens to vote on significant financial matters such as tax increases, budget allocations, or large-scale expenditures, these referendums ensure that government spending aligns with the priorities and preferences of the electorate. This mechanism enhances transparency, accountability, and public trust in the management of public finances, contributing to the overall effectiveness and legitimacy of local governance.

28) PROTECTION FROM THE WEALTHY ELITES

"Direct Democracy" Prevents the "Commodification of Democracy". By ensuring that political power remains in the hands of the people rather than being concentrated among wealthy elites or corporations, direct democracy helps safeguard against the commodification of democracy, where political influence is bought and sold like a commodity.

This strengthens democratic values and ensures that government policies reflect the genuine interests and concerns of the broader population.

29) YOU’RE FIRED

In Switzerland, citizens enjoy a peculiar power: the ability to give their elected officials the old "You're fired!" treatment through what's known as a "recall election" or "revocation referendum."  The recall election or revocation referendum allows Swiss citizens to remove elected officials from office before their term expires if they are dissatisfied with their performance or conduct.

This mechanism reinforces accountability and ensures that elected representatives remain responsive to the needs and wishes of their constituents. It serves as a powerful check on political power and strengthens the principles of Swiss Direct democracy by empowering citizens to hold their leaders accountable.

In case you want to read more, each of the points above are explained in longer articles in the Blog Feed.