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Swiss Model of Direct Democracy
The most convincing argument in favour of the
introduction of Direct Democracy is the success of this particular system of
government in Switzerland.
Citizens at all three levels of government (Federal, Regional and Local level)
have a say in all major decisions affecting their live. Some important laws must
be approved in a mandatory referendum while any group of citizens unhappy with
any other legislation has the opportunity to campaign for a referendum about
laws they are not satisfied with.
We reject the argument that citizens of other
countries would not be able and competent to play a similar role in the
governance of their respective countries. Given the opportunity to participate
in a proper discussion about the facts
before any referendum all
political arguments would lead to decisions that are more carefully assessed and
understood by the whole population.
While Switzerland is a relatively small country - if you call a country with a
population of nearly 8 million small - it also faces the extra challenge of
being home to three culturally and linguistically different communities. |
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By giving the
reader examples of recent policy decisions we highlight the dramatic
impact the introduction of Direct Democracy would have on the
political life of all countries.
All the following decisions where taken without the participation of
the affected citizens. Some - if not most - were highly
controversial and have a negative effect for at least some major
parts of the country's population.
The present system of government lnot
only leaves the citizens powerless in the face of a never-ending
tide of legislation, it also inevitably leads to
inefficient use of taxpayer's money and a steady erosion of civil
liberties.
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GENERAL
Should former politicians be allowed to cash in from books and lecture
tours?
Unequal regional distribution of tax burden
Forum demands that climate tax be redistributed on global basis
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CLIMATE CHANGE AND POPULATION
Cap-and-Trade of Carbon Permits and ideal vehicle for fraud
Green Energy plan may cost 17 times more than its benefits
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EUROPE
EU wants to
attract more refugees
EU Parliament
costs Euro 1.5 Billion annually
Monster Trucks up to
60 tons may be allowed
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UNITED KINGDOM
Parents may lose right to boycott school sex lessons
Britain to support $ 500 Mio donation to
Taleban
Committee calls for additional tax on air travel
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GERMANY
Solar Subsidy reaches
20 billion Euro
New tax on USB memory
sticks
Free Gas, Power for Unemployed, Hartz recipients
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AUSTRIA
VAT thresholds manipulated
Teenagers over 16 allowed to vote
Parties change Members of Parliament at will
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