Switzerland - dreamworld?

Why don't we sometimes look to Switzerland for inspiration? It is a small country in Europe with a population which is less than 8 million (about 80 Lakhs). Many would ask me why, with such a rich cultural heritage, should we look up to this miniscule country? What is so great about it and what can they offer us?


Well, to start with, it is a country that always fascinated me. In the days, not so far long back, when Indians only dreamed of travelling out, Switzerland was always the dream place to go to. Ask anyone of my generation, our dream extended far beyond the 8 Dollars per day foreign exchange our Government grudgingly provided us in case we dared to go out into the world! We were too poor a nation.


Hence Switzerland was a place that only occupied our dreams and reading. Now, let me share what impresses me about that country.


It is a landlocked country across the Alps, sharing borders with many countries like Austria, Germany, France, Italy and another small country Liechtenstein. Yet, it has not been in a state of war internationally since 1815.  It did not join or take sides during the World Wars which raged on all sides. It did not join the United Nations until 2002. It has remained a neutral country - as a policy. It boasts of 2 globally famous cities in Geneva and Zurich. It is one of the richest countries of the world with a per capita GDP of about US$-70,000. (Rs.35 Lakhs).


Switzerland is home to many international organisations, including the World Economic Forum, the International Olympic Committee, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization, FIFA, and the second largest UN office. On the European level it was a founder of the European Free Trade Association. Notably, it is not a member of the European Union, nor the European Economic Area.


Switzerland comprises three main linguistic and cultural regions - German, French, and Italian, to which the Romansh-speaking valleys are added. The Swiss therefore do not form a nation in the sense of a common ethnic or linguistic identity. The strong sense of belonging to the country is founded on the common historical background, shared values (federalism, direct democracy, neutrality) and Alpine symbolism. The establishment of the Swiss Confederation is traditionally dated to 1 August 1291; Swiss National Day is celebrated on the anniversary.


It has no official religion - though the population is predominantly Catholics and Christians. Yet, almost 27 percent of the population do not believe in God and over 4 percent are agnostic!


Now, let us see how they government works. It has Flat-top structure which, has been functioning all the way back from 1848. Here is what the Swiss do to form a government. Broadly, there are three main governing bodies on the federal level - the bicameral parliament (legislative), the Federal Council (executive) and the Federal Court (judicial). The Federal Council constitutes the federal government, directs the federal administration and serves as collective Head of State. It is a collegial body of seven members, elected for a four-year mandate by the Federal Assembly which also exercises oversight over the Council. There are 8 Cantons (equivalent to our States) - all of which have equal status and governments of their own.


The Federal Council of 7-member has equal power vested in all its members. The Executive does have a position of chair (similar to a PM), which is rotated among its members every year. The chair has additional responsibility to receive foreign heads of state and represent Switzerland in international forums; however, during a meeting of the Executive the chair has a weight that is no more than that of any other member. 


Now, note how the 7 members are chosen. For the last 60 years or so they have had the golden rule of electing two representatives each from the largest three parties and one from the fourth largest. Together the four parties generally account for more than three fourth of the parliament. With a population of 75% German ancestry, 20% French, 4% Italian, and 1% Romansch, they also make sure to elect one Italian representative, two representatives with French mother tongue, and four have German as their mother tongue. The 7-member Executive divides up various governmental departments among themselves; however, they meet every week to discuss all important things and try to reach consensus as much as possible.


Over and above all this, they have what is called the "Direct Democracy". The instruments of Swiss direct democracy at the federal level, known as civic rights, include the right to submit a constitutional initiative and a referendum, both of which may overturn parliamentary decisions! By calling a federal referendum a group of citizens may challenge a law that has been passed by Parliament, if they can gather 50,000 signatures against the law within 100 days. If so, a national vote is scheduled where voters decide by a simple majority whether to accept or reject the law. Eight cantons (states) together can also call a referendum on a federal law.


Similarly, the federal constitutional initiative allows citizens to put a constitutional amendment to a national vote, if they can get 100,000 voters to sign the proposed amendment within 18 months. Parliament can supplement the proposed amendment with a counter-proposal, with voters having to indicate a preference on the ballot in case both proposals are accepted. Constitutional amendments, whether introduced by initiative or in Parliament, must be accepted by a double majority of both the national popular vote and a majority of the cantonal popular votes!


Well, this is fascinating - but there are many other features that you may find out for yourself - or wait for it to appear here. What do you think we should take from this?