Switzerland is often viewed with admiration by its French neighbors because of its model of direct democracy and its popular referendums. Every year, Swiss citizens go to the polls to participate in votes on important issues such as universal income, PMA for all and constitutional reform. However, is it so simple to set up such a system in France?
To better understand the Swiss legislative system, which combines both representative democracy and direct democracy, we interviewed Hans-Peter Schaub, political scientist, and Pascal Sciarini, professor of political science at the University of Geneva. According to them, the young people interviewed are particularly attached to these referendums, but it seems that electoral participation is not always there, which calls into question the legitimacy of the results.
So, is Swiss democracy really a model to follow? The answer is not so simple. Although the popular referendum system allows for greater citizen participation in the decision-making process, it also has limitations and challenges. For example, the question of participation remains a major issue, because often only the most engaged and best informed citizens go to the polls. Additionally, it can be difficult to balance the will of the majority with protecting the rights of minorities.
In summary, the Swiss model of direct democracy and popular referendums is a source of inspiration for many French people, but its implementation in France would require in-depth reflection on the challenges and practical implications. It is essential to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of this system to achieve a model of participatory democracy that is adapted to the specificities of each country. Direct democracy is an ideal to aim for, but its achievement requires contextual reflection and adaptation.