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I find what is happening in Switzerland rather fascinating. The majority of the political parties called for a “no” to set up quotas for immigrants coming to the country. The employers’ organisations called for a “no” as well, arguing for the prosperity of their nation. The European Commission warned the voters last week of the possible consequences of such a vote. It will now examine the implications for its relations with Switzerland. In fact, most of the comments I read in the last few days are saying how bad this vote is for the country’s future economy and for its relationship with the EU.

Yet, the referendum benefited from the legitimacy of a double majority: the majority of the cantons, and the majority of the voters who participated at a rate of 56,5% or ten points higher than the average for a referendum. Commentators stressed that you have to go back to 2005 to witness such a participation rate.

We all have a tendency to forget that, and the Swiss referendum is a good reminder, that we don’t do good for the people. We do it with them -like the motto of one of our members: “nothing about us without us”. This is why I see quite a problem when the result of the people’s vote is perceived as an issue in our democracy. It takes time, education about our common purpose, awareness raising, dialogue, debate, integration of different policy areas to prepare together with people the political answers to current economic and social changes. There lies a solution for a healthy democracy framed around fundamental rights.

Let’s engage

Pierre Baussand – Director