Democracy coverage at SWI swissinfo.ch

Switzerland holds the most referendums in the world by far and is known as a direct democracy. We look at questions of Swiss democracy – and global issues that are linked to Switzerland and its well-established democratic tradition.

How Swiss direct democracy works

This content was published on Mar 31, 2025 What do direct democratic tools like popular initiatives and referendums really entail? And how has this unique system evolved over time?

Our editor’s picks:

A giant light installation of the flag of Switzerland, by Swiss artist Gerry Hofstetter, illuminates the north face of the Jungfrau mountain, next to the Eiger and Moench mountains, near the city of Thun, in 2012.

How Switzerland and other states are navigating disinformation

This content was published on Apr 6, 2025 How can the Alpine state navigate the dangers of hybrid warfare – and what are other European countries doing?

‘It’s political’: why some people refuse to have a smartphone

This content was published on Mar 23, 2025 Almost two decades after the first iPhone, not everyone is ready to go fully digital. We talk to three people sceptical of the always-online life.

cartoon of hikers walking across a tree log

Why people in Switzerland trust the state

Stable country, stable money, stable lifestyles: in comparison, many things run smoothly in Switzerland. One factor is the high level of trust.

Our videos on democracy:

Supporters of left-wing Vetevendosje! party celebrate following results of a parliamentary election, in Pristina,

When Kosovo votes, so do 27,000 Kosovars in Switzerland

This content was published on Feb 19, 2025 A large number voted for the incumbent prime minister, Albin Kurti – who is well aware of the importance of his supporters in the diaspora.

Daniela Hauser in the ByWard Market district in the Canadian capital Ottawa

Swiss economist grapples with US-Canadian trade relationship

This content was published on Jan 7, 2025 Bern-born Daniela Hauser has to deal with the plans of incoming US President Donald Trump in the Canadian capital Ottawa.

Schoolkids ready for Moldova’s democracy – with Swiss help

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 In Moldovan schools, education for society is a popular subject. Swiss funding supports this progressive approach to pedagogy. SWI swissinfo.ch visited classrooms there to see how it works.

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on democracy:

Would you work for your municipality or country for free?

The Swiss militia system gives many people political responsibility but no salary. Would that be something for your country?

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Apr 24, 2025

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Our coverage of digital democracy:

light display featuring silhouette figures

How Swiss federalism is helping the rise of a new digital right

This content was published on Apr 3, 2025 Two Swiss cantons have become global frontrunners by introducing a constitutional protection for the online age.

‘It’s political’: why some people refuse to have a smartphone

This content was published on Mar 23, 2025 Almost two decades after the first iPhone, not everyone is ready to go fully digital. We talk to three people sceptical of the always-online life.

Digital democracy: will Swiss signature scandal pave way for e-collecting?

This content was published on Mar 8, 2025 It remains to be seen whether the signature scam will bring about the digitalisation of direct democracy in Switzerland. An overview of the situation.

How counterspeech is tackling hate speech in 2025

This content was published on Feb 17, 2025 As Facebook and Instagram relax content restrictions, the commitment of volunteers who push back against hate is becoming more crucial than ever.

Three people, seen from below, hold smartphones while standing behind a concrete barrier against a clear blue sky.

Social media fragmentation: do online platforms drown democracy in noise?

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 With online platforms under pressure and AI set to flood the internet with content, is it all over for the ideal of a harmonious digital public sphere?

A visitor looks at a virtual version of her heart at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona 2024.

Digital citizens could shake up democracy in Switzerland and beyond

This content was published on Feb 4, 2025 Leading experts in medicine and business are pinning their hopes on digital twins. Two economists have a bold proposal that could reshape democracy.

AI on trial – who’s responsible when the algorithms mess up?

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 What happens when public prosecutors bring charges directly against artificial intelligence itself? A mock trial in Geneva recently found out.

A deepfake image, created by AI, portrays Kamala Harris as a communist dictator.

US disinformation surge rings alarm bells for Swiss direct democracy

This content was published on Sep 26, 2024 Like the United States, Swiss direct democracy is vulnerable to the same disinformation tactics that threaten voters around the world.

Father and daughter in front of a computer.

Swiss found to be gullible regarding fake news

This content was published on Sep 2, 2024 The Swiss do not seem to be particularly good at separating truth from lies, according to an OECD study.

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How the Swiss political system works:

The Swiss political system

Direct democracy, federalism, and neutrality in foreign affairs are central components of the Swiss political system.

Our series on Swiss and global democracy:

Moldova: A small neutral country at the crossroads between the EU and Russia

Switzerland is committed to democracy education and the integration of Ukrainians in Moldova.

More content on democracy:

Would you work for your municipality or country for free?

The Swiss militia system gives many people political responsibility but no salary. Would that be something for your country?

Join the discussion

Apr 24, 2025

8 Likes

11 Comments

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How the Swiss militia system strengthens civic identity – and favours the privileged

This content was published on Apr 24, 2025 The militia principle is a special feature of Swiss democracy. It strengthens the connection between those who govern and those who are governed. An explainer.

swiss parliament building surrounded by mist

‘One for all, all for one’ – how the Swiss government makes decisions

This content was published on Apr 22, 2025 Secret meetings, no prime minister, and a seven-member executive that defends decisions collectively – the Swiss system of “collegiality” explained.

The Swiss will have to vote again on the e-ID

The Swiss will have to vote again on digital identity

This content was published on Apr 17, 2025 The referendum committee against the introduction submitted 63,000 signatures to the Federal Chancellery on Thursday.

Stephan Büchi in his flat in Köniz near Bern, with pictures of some of his favourite places in Romania on the wall.

One Swiss man’s patient work towards a democratic Romania

This content was published on Apr 13, 2025 After the fall of the Iron Curtain, Stephan Büchi took up a short-term role in a Romanian children’s home. Decades later, his heart still beats for the country.

How Swiss federalism emerged and shapes the nation

This content was published on Apr 11, 2025 In a country with four official languages and 26 cantons, federalism is a principle deeply rooted in the people and political system of Switzerland.

How Switzerland and other states are navigating disinformation

This content was published on Apr 6, 2025 How can the Alpine state navigate the dangers of hybrid warfare – and what are other European countries doing?

How Swiss federalism is helping the rise of a new digital right

This content was published on Apr 3, 2025 Two Swiss cantons have become global frontrunners by introducing a constitutional protection for the online age.

How Swiss direct democracy works

This content was published on Mar 31, 2025 What do direct democratic tools like popular initiatives and referendums really entail? And how has this unique system evolved over time?

Opponents of Covid-19 measures on the Rütli meadown on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, in July 2021.

Study reveals antipathy towards marginalised groups in Switzerland

This content was published on Mar 26, 2025 Minority groups like Covid-19 skeptics and climate campaigners are particularly unappreciated.

In Switzerland, trust and stability are interwoven

This content was published on Mar 25, 2025 The global political order is in upheaval, yet Switzerland remains relatively stable. SWI swissinfo.ch reporter Benjamin von Wyl analyses why.

‘It’s political’: why some people refuse to have a smartphone

This content was published on Mar 23, 2025 Almost two decades after the first iPhone, not everyone is ready to go fully digital. We talk to three people sceptical of the always-online life.

What impact do social media platforms have on democratic debate?

Do Facebook, X, TikTok and co. foster a diverse and dynamic “digital public square”? Or do they just make people angrier and more entrenched?

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Mar 13, 2025

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Digital democracy: will Swiss signature scandal pave way for e-collecting?

This content was published on Mar 8, 2025 It remains to be seen whether the signature scam will bring about the digitalisation of direct democracy in Switzerland. An overview of the situation.

How will Swiss democracy promotion fare after the USAID funding freeze?

Switzerland has followed America’s lead so far. The freezing of USAID funds demands a rethink.

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Mar 4, 2025

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Why the AfD is keen on Switzerland’s direct democracy

This content was published on Feb 24, 2025 The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has long advocated for “Swiss-style” direct democracy. What does the party hope to achieve with this?

Booing for rally against Alice Weidel in Einsiedeln SZ

Heated atmosphere at Swiss rally against AfD politician Alice Weidel

This content was published on Feb 23, 2025 Around 250 people demonstrated “against the right” and the German AfD politician Alice Weidel on Saturday afternoon in Einsiedeln.

SP warns of right-wing populist wave at party conference

Swiss Social Democrats warn against rightwing populist wave at party conference

This content was published on Feb 22, 2025 For co-presidents Mattea Meyer and Cédric Wermuth, cohesion and solidarity are more important than ever.

When Kosovo votes, so do 27,000 Kosovars in Switzerland

This content was published on Feb 19, 2025 A large number voted for the incumbent prime minister, Albin Kurti – who is well aware of the importance of his supporters in the diaspora.

How counterspeech is tackling hate speech in 2025

This content was published on Feb 17, 2025 As Facebook and Instagram relax content restrictions, the commitment of volunteers who push back against hate is becoming more crucial than ever.

Environmental liability initiative rejected by 69.8% of votes cast

Post-vote survey: scant support for environmental responsibility initiative

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 The Swiss do not want to be restricted by environmental protection.

Social media fragmentation: do online platforms drown democracy in noise?

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 With online platforms under pressure and AI set to flood the internet with content, is it all over for the ideal of a harmonious digital public sphere?

Zurich residents don't give their politicians a pay rise

Voters in Zurich reject pay rise for local politicians

This content was published on Feb 9, 2025 Local parliamentarians in Zurich will not receive a pay hike after 53.2% of voters in the city came out against the plan on Sunday.

Digital citizens could shake up democracy in Switzerland and beyond

This content was published on Feb 4, 2025 Leading experts in medicine and business are pinning their hopes on digital twins. Two economists have a bold proposal that could reshape democracy.

January 6, 2021: supporters of Donald Trump break through security and storm into the symbolic heart of US democracy, the Capitol in Washington.

Why some people turn to authoritarianism in the name of freedom

This content was published on Jan 25, 2025 Sociologists Carolin Amlinger and Oliver Nachtwey explain the sometimes surprising origins of a new type of anti-democratic figure.

Experts advise a strategy for dealing with communication platforms

Experts recommend holistic strategy for online platforms

This content was published on Jan 14, 2025 Online platforms such as social networks or search engines influence the formation of public opinion and thus democracy.

Only a few invalid signatures for a ban on animal testing

‘Surprisingly few’ signatures invalid for ban on animal testing

This content was published on Jan 14, 2025 The initiative to ban animal testing was submitted in November with around 127,600 signatures. “Surprisingly few” signatures are not valid, the initiative’s organisers have now said.

Swiss votes reveal gender divide

This content was published on Jan 10, 2025 A majority of women rejected all four voting proposals on November 24 – in contrast to men.

Mass-Voll launches referendum against e-ID

Referendum launched against Swiss electronic ID

This content was published on Jan 9, 2025 Voters rejected similar proposals to introduce e-ID in a referendum in 2021.

Swiss economist grapples with US-Canadian trade relationship

This content was published on Jan 7, 2025 Bern-born Daniela Hauser has to deal with the plans of incoming US President Donald Trump in the Canadian capital Ottawa.

Procurement initiative: thousands of false initials

Thousands of fake signatures flagged in Swiss people’s initiative

This content was published on Dec 29, 2024 More than 3,600 of the signatures submitted for the initiative for the security of medical supplies were invalid.

person with hands behind their back carrying a camera

What does 2025 hold in store for democracy around the world?

This content was published on Dec 28, 2024 Disinformation, election manipulation and online hate are unlikely to disappear – but some signs of hope for democracy can still be found.

A demonstrator waves a Georgian flag during a protest against the governments' decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union in Tbilisi, Georgia, early Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov)

Fear of police violence and deportation: the Georgia protests from a Swiss perspective

This content was published on Dec 22, 2024 Swiss citizens are also taking part in the protests. Some fear that they could be deported.

Switzerland must be able to build new nuclear power plants

Switzerland could build new nuclear power plants

This content was published on Dec 20, 2024 The Swiss government has opened up the possibility of new nuclear power plants in response to a people’s initiative.

Moldova: A small neutral country at the crossroads between the EU and Russia

Switzerland is committed to democracy education and the integration of Ukrainians in Moldova.

Federal Court rejects appeals on AHV vote

Swiss court refuses to annul vote raising women’s retirement age

This content was published on Dec 12, 2024 The Federal Supreme Court has rejected a bid to annul a vote that raised the age of retirement for women in Switzerland.

Popular initiatives: signature collection to be digitized

Senate in favour of digital signature collection for Swiss votes

This content was published on Dec 11, 2024 Signatures for popular initiatives and referendums could be collected via digital channels.

Max Schneeberger in the kitchen of the "Tilendieva" clubhouse in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Swiss entrepreneur Max Schneeberger pursues cultural mission in Almaty

This content was published on Dec 10, 2024 Since taking early retirement, the Swiss national has made a new career giving a boost to democracy in his adopted country of Kazakhstan.

Are direct democracies more vulnerable to disinformation?

The wave of disinformation is expected to particularly affect direct democracies such as Switzerland or many US states.

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Dec 5, 2024

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Seven ways the ECHR has shaped Swiss law over the years

This content was published on Nov 28, 2024 From surname rules to asbestos claims, the European Court on Human Rights has rapped Switzerland’s knuckles some 140 times since 1974.

view into the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg

Happy anniversary? Switzerland marks 50 years at the ECHR

This content was published on Nov 28, 2024 Half a century after Swiss ratification of the European Convention on Human Rights, the treaty is under pressure across the continent.

How Irish pop star Bambie Thug became the face of a Swiss referendum on Eurovision

This content was published on Nov 24, 2024 While choosing the host city was an incredibly slow process, a referendum to reverse the decision moved at double speed.

Aargau voters clearly reject voting age 16

Canton Aargau rejects lowering voting age to 16

This content was published on Nov 24, 2024 Aargau is the latest in a line of Swiss cantons which have voted against extending the right to vote to 16-year-olds.

Swiss citizens submit signatures for referendum to simplify naturalisation

This content was published on Nov 21, 2024 The committee behind the popular initiative “For modern citizenship rights” submitted around 105,000 certified signatures on Thursday to simplify naturalisation for foreigners living in Switzerland.

Critics of a nuclear repository call for a national referendum

Critics of proposed Swiss nuclear waste site want a referendum

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 A proposed radioactive waste repository in canton Zurich is facing opposition even before official approval.

On April 5, thousands demonstrated in Zurich against the housing crisis. It was the city's largest housing demonstration since the turn of the millennium

Life & Aging

Zurich: how the world capital of housing shortages is tackling the problem 

Switzerland strikes a careful balance between boosting its economy and preserving its infrastructure

Workplace Switzerland

The changing face of Swiss immigration

Heavy rainfall in southern Switzerland: canton Valais issues weather warning and Ticino will have a wet Easter.

Swiss Abroad

Switzerland Today

The Swiss Alps ski village that is luring nervous Americans

Climate change

Zurich project explores storing CO₂ beneath Switzerland

Did you immigrate to Switzerland? What are your experiences?

What were the circumstances of your immigration to Switzerland? And what motivated your decision to stay or leave?

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Apr 1, 2025

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Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?

Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?

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Mar 22, 2025

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How are mental illnesses treated in your country?

In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?

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Apr 23, 2025

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Democracy coverage at SWI swissinfo.ch

More

How Swiss direct democracy works

Our editor’s picks:

More

How Switzerland and other states are navigating disinformation

More

‘It’s political’: why some people refuse to have a smartphone

More

Why people in Switzerland trust the state

Our videos on democracy:

More

When Kosovo votes, so do 27,000 Kosovars in Switzerland

More

Swiss economist grapples with US-Canadian trade relationship

More

Schoolkids ready for Moldova’s democracy – with Swiss help

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on democracy:

More

Would you work for your municipality or country for free?

Our coverage of digital democracy:

More

How Swiss federalism is helping the rise of a new digital right

More

‘It’s political’: why some people refuse to have a smartphone

More

Digital democracy: will Swiss signature scandal pave way for e-collecting?

More

How counterspeech is tackling hate speech in 2025

More

Social media fragmentation: do online platforms drown democracy in noise?

More

Digital citizens could shake up democracy in Switzerland and beyond

More

AI on trial – who’s responsible when the algorithms mess up?

More

US disinformation surge rings alarm bells for Swiss direct democracy

More

Swiss found to be gullible regarding fake news

Don’t miss out on the newest stories! Sign up to our democracy newsletter:

How the Swiss political system works:

More

The Swiss political system

Our series on Swiss and global democracy:

More

Moldova: A small neutral country at the crossroads between the EU and Russia

More content on democracy:

More

Would you work for your municipality or country for free?

More

How the Swiss militia system strengthens civic identity – and favours the privileged

More

‘One for all, all for one’ – how the Swiss government makes decisions

More

The Swiss will have to vote again on digital identity

More

One Swiss man’s patient work towards a democratic Romania

More

How Swiss federalism emerged and shapes the nation

More

How Switzerland and other states are navigating disinformation

More

How Swiss federalism is helping the rise of a new digital right

More

How Swiss direct democracy works

More

Study reveals antipathy towards marginalised groups in Switzerland

More

In Switzerland, trust and stability are interwoven

More

‘It’s political’: why some people refuse to have a smartphone

More

What impact do social media platforms have on democratic debate?

More

Digital democracy: will Swiss signature scandal pave way for e-collecting?

More

How will Swiss democracy promotion fare after the USAID funding freeze?

More

Why the AfD is keen on Switzerland’s direct democracy

More

Zurich: how the world capital of housing shortages is tackling the problem 