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.

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?

Our editor’s picks

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.

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.

Voices of democracy in Mexico and Switzerland

Switzerland is an old hand at direct democracy, while Mexico is forging a new path to give more power to its people.

The Swiss political system

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

Our videos on democracy

Eine erhobene Faust vor einer Schweizer Flagge.

Explainer: Is there no political opposition in Switzerland?

This content was published on Dec 8, 2023 In Switzerland the major parties are always part of the government. So who keeps a check on the cabinet ministers?

Nabil Alosaidi: Press freedom in Yemen has been sentenced to death

This content was published on Oct 30, 2021 The latest in our Global Voices of Freedom series: a Yemeni journalist fights for press freedom in his war-torn country.

The role of AI in democratic processes

This content was published on Apr 23, 2021 A research group at the University of Geneva is polling Swiss citizens to explore what a future AI-powered democracy may look like.

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on democracy

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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Our most recent series on democracy

Democracy inclusion

Kinder im Kipa Luzern halten bei einer Abstimmung grüne Karten hoch, die Ja bedeuten

How young parliamentarians are making a Swiss city more child-friendly

This content was published on Mar 21, 2023 In Lucerne, kids are getting involved politically – and they do it as well as grown-ups. SWI swissinfo.ch visits the children’s parliament.

Children with ballot papers and and a ballot box

How children can contribute to build better democracies

This content was published on Sep 24, 2022 Shortcomings of participative democracy: An international panel in the Swiss city of Lucerne puts the spotlight on the youngest members of society.

Die Schweizerin und Italienerin Zaira Esposito lehnt sich auf eine Bank.

How one woman is trying to give foreigners a political voice in Switzerland

This content was published on Sep 15, 2022 International Day of Democracy: Zaira Esposito helps organise parliamentary sessions for foreigners.

Time to rethink citizenship access in Switzerland

This content was published on Sep 15, 2022 International Day of Democracy: Radical-Liberal politician Përparim Avdili wants easier citizenship access and voting rights for foreigners.

Political rights are not a tool for social inclusion

This content was published on Sep 5, 2022 A young politician argues that political rights should only belong to Swiss citizens.

Männer demonstrieren mit Transparenten in der Stadt

Seasonal workers inspired Swiss ‘Together’ movement

This content was published on Aug 26, 2022 The “seasonal worker” status was deliberately precarious in Switzerland. Solidarity came from the political left.

How true inclusion can reinforce democracy against crises and conflicts

This content was published on Aug 17, 2022 As democracy around the world faces growing challenges, activists and experts say one way to make it more robust is to include more voices.

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Explore the essence of democracy and its impact on society

Two years on, how has Covid marked Swiss democracy?

This content was published on Jul 27, 2022 In spring 2020, democracy took a hit when health measures also meant the curtailing of political rights.

Pension reform in Switzerland: a democratic balancing act

This content was published on Apr 15, 2021 All major efforts since 2003 at reforming the Swiss pension system have failed. Is this a case of democracy meeting its limits?

What remains of Swiss democracy after Covid-19 measures?

This content was published on May 22, 2020 Parliament was cancelled. A referendum was postponed. The government ruled alone by emergency decree. Where does that leave direct democracy?

Should we draw lots for fairer elections?

This content was published on Jun 26, 2019 Two researchers from the University of Lausanne have been studying the notion of chance in politics.

When political education begins with the army

This content was published on Feb 22, 2019 Is it a surprise that it can be a challenge to promote political education even in a country with a highly developed system of direct democracy?

Citizens’ Juries – providing a neutral recommendation on voting issues

This content was published on Dec 21, 2018 Switzerland plans to test the use of a citizens’ jury whereby a few randomly selected citizens provide a balanced assessment of voting issues.

What is federalism?

This content was published on Sep 7, 2018 In Switzerland, state power is spread over three levels: the federal government, the 26 cantons and the 2,222 municipalities.

How to motivate young adults to participate in politics

This content was published on Aug 10, 2018 Voter turnout among young adults is well below the population average. We discover the true political interests of young people.

How to serve up an initiative that is hard to digest

This content was published on May 25, 2018 Some Swiss votes can be very technical and the need for independent viewpoints is vital. But experts can be incomprehensible and not very neutral.

Bringing everyone to the table

This content was published on Mar 30, 2018 When politics polarise, solutions become difficult and blockades form. How to cope? Get people together and let them speak freely.

When shopping gets political

This content was published on Dec 8, 2017 Are there other ways of judging how politically involved young people are than looking at voter turnout?

How to implement successful people’s initiatives

This content was published on Oct 13, 2017 After the people vote in favour of an initiative, parliament gets to work. How do they make new decisions compatible with existing laws?

Making your voice heard in a democracy

This content was published on Sep 8, 2017 How do people find their political fit and motivation, particularly migrants?

Drawn figures standing in front of the Centre for Democracy Aarau.

When you cast your vote far from home

This content was published on Aug 18, 2017 Why do the Swiss abroad vote differently from the Swiss at home? An expert takes a closer look at the political profile of the Swiss diaspora.

Our global voices of freedom coverage

External Content

More series on Swiss and global democracy

Swiss democracy hotspots with Claude Longchamp

How exclusion became the driving force for democratisation

This content was published on Sep 13, 2022 Geneva is a pioneer for giving people with severe mental or physical disabilities the right to vote.

Frau, die im Parlamentssaal voller Männer vereidigt wird.

Gender discrimination: the first Swiss woman in cantonal parliament

This content was published on Aug 16, 2022 The first woman in Switzerland ever to be elected to a cantonal parliament was Raymonde Schweizer.

How a strike threat reshaped Swiss democracy

This content was published on Jul 19, 2022 The general strike called in Olten in 1918 was like an earthquake for Swiss politics.

How popular votes made Switzerland a global democracy leader

This content was published on Jun 24, 2022 The latest in our ‘Swiss democracy hotspots’ series: Schaffhausen, a canton with an almost unbelievable voting record.

Stadtwanderer Claude Longchamp in Bern vor dem Hotel Äusserer Stand

The Swiss constitution – a mix of democracy and federalism

This content was published on Jun 10, 2022 The first version of the Swiss constitution was a breakthrough on the road to democratisation. But it was far from perfect.

How canton Ticino became a democracy pioneer in Europe

This content was published on Apr 28, 2022 Canton Ticino is today a popular tourist destination. Back in July 1830 it was the scene of the first liberal revolution in Europe.

The birth of modern democracy in the heart of Europe

This content was published on Mar 28, 2022 The “Swiss Revolution” brought democracy to Switzerland. It was an uprising against the aristocracy – and the beginning of a long journey.

Freedom of Expression

Man pulling plants on plastic sheet through street

Freedom of expression at the ballot box: the Swiss case

This content was published on Jul 1, 2021 What role does modern direct democracy play in ensuring citizens are heard? The Swiss experience offers various lessons.

Gender-neutral language: an issue for the ballot box?

This content was published on Jun 1, 2021 As more public and private media try to communicate gender neutrally, some say it’s a distraction from real issues. How can you legislate on language?

String of people holding up several pages of signatures they raised for their petition.

Petitions: seemingly toothless yet fundamental

This content was published on May 20, 2021 Not linked to any legally binding commitments, petitions seem to have a paper tiger reputation. So why are people submitting and signing them?

‘Humour over rumour’: lessons from Taiwan in digital democracy

This content was published on May 7, 2021 Audrey Tang, the digital minister of Taiwan, talks about “antisocial” media and new democratic competencies.

When white collar criminals try to silence the press

This content was published on May 6, 2021 In Switzerland, as in the rest of Europe and the US, attempts to pressure and censor a financially fragile media are increasing.

Freedom of expression: universal, but not absolute

This content was published on May 6, 2021 Under threat in many countries and pushed to its limits elsewhere, freedom of expression as we know it is at a critical crossroads.

Switzerland ticks differently with social media laws

This content was published on May 6, 2021 Fake news, conspiracy theories, censorship: the reputation of social media seems at an all-time low. Can it ever be a boon for democracy again?

Governing the Internet from Rousseau’s hometown

This content was published on Apr 27, 2021 If the internet is going to serve democracy around the world, it needs to have its own global government – in Geneva

Who gets to control the freedom of expression?

This content was published on Feb 8, 2021 Democracy vs the Tech Giants: debates have flared after the tumultuous transfer of power in the US in January.

Marietje Schaake is the president of the Cyber Peace Institute in Geneva

Cyber expert warns of dangers of unregulated social media

This content was published on Jan 22, 2021 Marietje Schaake, president of the Cyber Peace Institute, talks to SWI swissinfo.ch about the unprecedented challenges in our digital era.

More content on democracy

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.

Commission wants to reduce foie gras imports

Switzerland could restrict foie gras imports

This content was published on Feb 22, 2025 Restrictions on imports of foie gras could be imposed if labelling transparency measures do not have an effect.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Detail view of a thousand Swiss franc note

Life & Aging

Switzerland no longer wants to foot the bill for ‘suicide tourism’

On Lake Geneva, the bise can lead to high waves.

Swiss Abroad

The bise, the ill wind unique to Switzerland

Alpine Environment

A new start for the ‘sleeping beauty’ of the Swiss Alps

International Geneva

Swiss budget cuts increase pressure on International Geneva

A mountain guide visits a cave formed by melting ice at the end of the Zinal glacier in November 2021.

Climate change

Could Switzerland become part of a Paris Agreement exodus?

Should nations spend more on foreign aid or are cutbacks justified?

Many countries are cutting back on foreign aid and Switzerland is among them. Do you think it is justified?

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Feb 6, 2025

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As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?

In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?

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Jan 23, 2025

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12 Comments

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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.

Join the discussion

Dec 5, 2024

68 Likes

131 Comments

View the discussion

Democracy coverage at SWI swissinfo.ch

More

Why the AfD is keen on Switzerland’s direct democracy

Our editor’s picks

More

Swiss economist grapples with US-Canadian trade relationship

More

Thousands of fake signatures flagged in Swiss people’s initiative

More

Voices of democracy in Mexico and Switzerland

The Swiss political system

More

The Swiss political system

Our videos on democracy

More

Explainer: Is there no political opposition in Switzerland?

More

Nabil Alosaidi: Press freedom in Yemen has been sentenced to death

More

The role of AI in democratic processes

Community corner: latest debates and surveys on democracy

More

Are direct democracies more vulnerable to disinformation?

Our most recent series on democracy

More

How young parliamentarians are making a Swiss city more child-friendly

More

How children can contribute to build better democracies

More

How one woman is trying to give foreigners a political voice in Switzerland

More

Time to rethink citizenship access in Switzerland

More

Political rights are not a tool for social inclusion

More

Seasonal workers inspired Swiss ‘Together’ movement

More

How true inclusion can reinforce democracy against crises and conflicts

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

Explore the essence of democracy and its impact on society

More

Two years on, how has Covid marked Swiss democracy?

More

Pension reform in Switzerland: a democratic balancing act

More

What remains of Swiss democracy after Covid-19 measures?

More

Should we draw lots for fairer elections?

More

When political education begins with the army

More

Citizens’ Juries – providing a neutral recommendation on voting issues

More

What is federalism?

More

How to motivate young adults to participate in politics

More

How to serve up an initiative that is hard to digest

More

Bringing everyone to the table

More

When shopping gets political

More

How to implement successful people’s initiatives

More

Making your voice heard in a democracy

More

When you cast your vote far from home

Our global voices of freedom coverage

More series on Swiss and global democracy

More

How exclusion became the driving force for democratisation

More

Gender discrimination: the first Swiss woman in cantonal parliament

More

How a strike threat reshaped Swiss democracy

More

How popular votes made Switzerland a global democracy leader

More

The Swiss constitution – a mix of democracy and federalism