The Union and the Disunion on the first of August

2 August 2020

Switzerland is a small country (the size of the Netherlands) in the middle of Europe. The Swiss Confederation The fascinating history and culture, direct democracy, economic, monetary, political, and multicultural accomplishments are often overlooked and neglected by other neighbouring European countries. Switzerland, with its centuries of state-building (not always peaceful and neutral), has evolved into … Read more » “The Union and the Disunion on the first of August”

Mexit or Moutier Exit

3 November 2019

Although it did not receive attention outside Switzerland, an exit drama is unfolding in the canton of Bern. Referendum A majority of voters of Moutier voted in favour of leaving the canton of Bern and joining the canton of Jura instead, by 2,067 votes in favour versus 1,930 votes against, a difference of 137 votes. … Read more » “Mexit or Moutier Exit”

The Europeanization of Switzerland

16 April 2019

Europe Europe is a name given by the Greeks to a region or continent that stretches from the Ural in the east to Ireland (or Iceland) in the west and from Scandinavia in the north to Italy in the south. The continent’s societies, cultures, and languages have always been highly diverse. Greeks and Romans were … Read more » “The Europeanization of Switzerland”

The Federal Multilingual State

14 April 2019

Switzerland is the second-oldest federal state after the United States of America. The federal constitution of 1848 was closely modelled on that of the USA (written in 1787). The cantons delegated some of their sovereignty to the federal level in 1848. The cantons Most cantons have a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. … Read more » “The Federal Multilingual State”

The EU should join the Swiss Confederation

16 March 2019

Switzerland should not join the EU, but the EU should join the Swiss Confederation, a union of twenty-six democratic republics. The country should seriously and critically consider whether to sign the so-called Rahmenabkommen, accord-cadre, or Institutional Treaty.  Sovereignty The sovereignty that is transferred to the EU is lost forever. And the EU is never satisfied. In ten years, … Read more » “The EU should join the Swiss Confederation”

William Tell and the Congress of Vienna

8 March 2019

1291-1513 When the Habsburg rulers in the central Swiss areas failed to maintain peace and protect the roads, three rural communities took action and formed a peace alliance in 1291. These alliances were relatively common in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, reflecting the interests of local elites, whether rural, urban, or noble. The alliance covered … Read more » “William Tell and the Congress of Vienna”

One Century Elections based on Proportionality

14 February 2019

Available in French, German and Dutch

The Flag of Switzerland

28 January 2019

The flag of Switzerland consists of a red flag with a white cross in the centre. The dimensions of the cross were formally established in 1889, when the flag became the national flag (adopted by the constitution on December 12, 1889). Before that, the use of this flag was a military matter. The white cross … Read more » “The Flag of Switzerland”

The Bulletin of the Parliament

5 July 2018

In 2016, it will be 125 years since the debates in the Swiss parliament first appeared publicly in the three official languages (German, French and Italian). The debate began immediately after the adoption of the new Constitution of 1848. It would take until 1891 for the first Bulletin to see the light of day: Amtliches … Read more » “The Bulletin of the Parliament”