[SCLA WEEKLY SEMINAR]Direct Democracy and Foreign Policy in Switzerland
[SCLA WEEKLY SEMINAR]Direct Democracy and Foreign Policy in Switzerland
Former Judge of the Geneva Court of Appeal-
Eric W. Fiechter.
Time: 6th March, 13:00 CET Time (Global Time zone Reference HERE)
Switzerland is small, but it is not one
country but a collection of 19 countries that have become 26 states united
under one constitution, following civil wars, with the latest state being
created in 1979 and which is due to be finally settled this year by a final
vote. Distrust against the government and the parliament and yet stability: no
right to repeal judges or members of government once elected for a fixed term
or 4,5 or 6 years. But once the term is over, there is no guarantee of
re-election. Members of the government and judges have not been re-elected.12
years in power is considered enough, but not by law. Each state-big or small, rich of poor, with many inhabitants or as few
as just a few thousand-has the same rights and must consent to any amendment to
the federal constitution. All powers rest with the states unless they have been
delegated to the federal government. Today, more and more delegation but the
principles remain. The legislative and the executive branch of government were not trusted
to act in line with the people's will. So, imitating some of the US states,
like California, which has more voters than France, progressively one Swiss
state after the other introduced the right for the people to ask a vote on an
amendment to the federal constitution and the right to object to any law passed
by the parliament. This Seminar will provide an insight in understanding the culture and politics in shaping the current legal system. Fee: 15 Euros for Non SCLA Members (Free for SCLA Members, register here) You will be able to login the system and see the ZOOM link in the course directory, and the videos of the seminar and readings will be available soon after the event.