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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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Decisions you would be able to influence:
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
not
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.
Full list of
decisions the citizens could influence
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GENERAL
Nuclear Powers impose further sanctions on Iran
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
European Council
members must put interest of the Union above those of their own
countries (Lisbon Treaty, Article 9)
EU prepares
expanded sanctions against Iran
MEP wants tax on carbon-intensive products
EU wants introduction of body scanners on Airports
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UNITED KINGDOM
Minister
states: British forces will be among the last to come home from
Afghanistan
Wind farms will
increasingly dominate most picturesque landscapes
7.6 billion car trip entries stored by police
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DEUTSCHLAND
Solar
Subventionen
erreichen 85 Mrd. Euro
Neue Steuer auf USB Medien
Hartz IV Empfaenger zahlen nicht fuer Strom, Gas
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OESTERREICH
Transparenzkonto: Parteifinanzen ausgenommen
Feinstaubkompetenz fuer Laender und Gemeinden
Mehrwertsteuergrenze manipuliert
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