Democracy Labs

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.