Meet Federal Chancellor of Switzerland, Mr Walter Thurnherr, the man responsible for the smooth running of arguably the world’s only system of direct democracy.
At a time when there is considerable uncertainty within many traditional democracies, Switzerland stands aloft as a democracy demonstrating stability, strength and hope.
The United Kingdom is embarking upon a bold, unknown world epitomized by Brexit, the United States has well and truly lost its sheen as a global beacon of democracy and Germany is struggling to balance tolerance and security. France may have enjoyed something of a much-needed reinjection of political ebullience and President Emmanuel Macron offers a wonderful sense of great promise. However, France faces many obstacles and must tread a precarious path as it seeks to proclaim the reality of Liberté, égalité, fraternité.
Switzerland, however, seems relatively unfazed by the dilemmas of most other European democracies. It operates a system of direct democracy (also known as pure democracy) that dates back to the Swiss Federal Constitution of 1848. It is a system that serves the country and its citizens well.
One of the most important aspects of the Swiss political system is the separation of powers, organized into the three branches of state, namely, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. Furthermore, an individual cannot belong to more than any one of the stated branches of state at any one time. The aim is to prevent the concentration of power within the hands of too few and to prevent its concomitant abuse. It is for this reason that Switzerland has a collective, and not an individual, head of state.
The Federal Chancellor is elected for a four-year term by the United Federal Assembly, which also simultaneously elects the Federal Council.
The Presidency is held by a different member of the seven-member Federal Council every calendar year. Moreover, the Federal Council, rather than the President, is considered the head of state.
Unlike representative democracies such as Australia, direct democracy grants citizens a remarkable degree of power and political participation. The Swiss have the ability to influence how the country is run at a very real level. For instance, any individual with the right to vote, may demand a constitutional change by launching what is known as a popular initiative (one individual may sign, though a group of at least seven is required to initiate it). If 100,000 signatures are collected within a period of 18 months a vote will be held on the issue.
Similarly, the Swiss have the right to request a referendum if they wish to put a stop to a new law and even certain international treaties. The popular initiative and the optional referendum are the two most significant tools citizens possess to exercise political influence.
Chancellor Thurnherr, has occupied his position since January 1 2016. He offers a first-hand insight into Switzerland’s unique political system, explaining that “the first and most important advantage is that direct democracy is actually a permanent process of consultation”.
This environment is one within which “everybody is invited to take part in the official law-making processes”. It creates a political and public culture where “everybody is a part of the whole”. Such is the absolute confidence in the reality of this culture – held at an individual and communal level – that it imbues the Swiss psyche with a sense of power and significance, quite distinct to other democracies.
Chancellor Thurnherr believes that the impact of this level of participation and consultation is a “very important issue that is often underestimated”. It establishes “a different kind of communication” that encourages “constant accountability” as well as a culture of inclusiveness and relevance.
In a way it might be considered quite radical, even liberating. The reality of growing up believing that the individual has the power to deal directly with their government, with their democracy, to actually change and influence the constitution, is compelling. It develops an interesting psychological sense of empowerment and individual responsibility that is largely unfamiliar elsewhere. To what extent this freedom of political thought impacts upon Swiss culture and to what degree it influences individual and communal behaviour is an interesting notion that warrants attention. For surely there are lessons for countries like Australia that would enable us to further enrich our own democratic ideals.
Chancellor Thurnherr likens his position to that of Chief of Staff of the government. His duties include the organization of all Federal Council meetings, the presiding over of the relations between parliament and government as well as the communication and publication of government decisions.
The Federal Palace, home of the Swiss Parliament, is an extraordinary and magnificent building. Its architect, Hans Auer, aspired to create a symbol of an “eternal Switzerland”. Each year over 100,000 visitors come to admire this impressive structure which boldly defines the Bern skyline.
The importance of symbolism and place to national identity has long been recognized. The parliament building is a testament to Switzerland’s history, its birth as a nation and a physical reminder of the promise to come. Chancellor Thurnherr says that a new symbol has been added to the Parliament Square, namely the Platz als Platz – a water fountain consisting of 26 fountains – one for each Swiss canton. The Square is a popular social location and the fountain provides a playground for children. As Chancellor Thurnherr conveys, “It’s a very lovely atmosphere”.
This sense of equilibrium – between the past and the present, between politics and populace, between work and quality of life, seems intrinsic to the Swiss identity at both an individual and national level.
Interestingly, Chancellor Thurnherr has a background in theoretical physics – having graduated in this discipline at the ETH Zürich. He subsequently worked at the Mathematical Seminar and at the Physiological Institute of the University of Bern. It was during his time in Bern that he entered the Concours, a multi-stage competitive diplomatic recruitment process organized by the Swiss Government. Chancellor Thurnherr says modestly, “I don’t know why but they accepted me”. Upon acceptance, his intention was to pursue this area for one year before returning to academia.
He was sent to Moscow during Perestroika which he describes as “quite an interesting place to be”. Something within the diplomatic life must have clicked for Chancellor Thurnherr, as he rejected the prestigious offer of a position at Harvard University in favour of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. He remained in administration and says “You never know how it ends”. The role of the Federal Chancellor was not a plan but rather a “happy development”.
Swiss democracy revolves around egalitarian ideals with primus inter pares (first among equals) operating at the highest level.
Chancellor Thurnherr maintains that “shared power is a very useful instrument. It keeps checks and balances over the whole country”.
It is worth noting that the Swiss have a remarkable confidence in their politicians and government. In fact, an OECD led study indicated that almost 80% of Swiss citizens interviewed reported a high level of trust in their government. This was the highest indicated amongst all 34 OECD countries. It is perhaps all the more remarkable, when one considers that in many western countries the converse is often true.
Chancellor Thurnherr attributes this confidence to two things. Firstly, the significance of the consultative nature of Swiss democracy. Due to the frequency of voting (three or four times a year) ministers must tour the country to communicate and convince people of particular issues. They must engage with the populace at regular intervals ensuring “direct contact between government and people. Not only by television or twitter, but directly”.
Secondly, Chancellor Thurnherr maintains the Swiss “have a tradition not to take ourselves too seriously”. As a result, the Federal Council, the ministers, are readily accessible and approachable. Thus, “a lot of people know the federal councillors” and this “gives a certain trust”.
Furthermore, Chancellor Thurnherr believes that the Swiss have historically exhibited a mistrust of authority. It’s a notion that stems from the Swiss Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment. It is also evident within the Swiss Constitution.
There is a sense of reason to the Swiss style of government that might inspire other nations.
There is also an important non-confrontational attitude that lends itself to the image of peace and neutrality associated with Switzerland.
Switzerland is renowned for its extremely high standard of living, exceptional social and healthcare system, highly skilled labour force, low unemployment and a per capita GDP among the highest in the world. Yet there was a time when Switzerland was a very poor country wounded by invasion, religious discord and civil war. Chancellor Thurnherr humours, “there was not even any chocolate!”. Times were tough indeed! The turning point was the creation of the Swiss Constitution in 1848. Since this time, the country has enjoyed continual growth, particularly in terms of its economy, political system and social structure.
Certainly its neutrality during both World War I and World War II, was a critical factor in ensuring this progression. Indeed, Chancellor Thurnherr affirms that such fortune and fate play definite determining roles in the direction of nations.
In terms of its economic and political stability there is much to suggest that Switzerland enjoys the most stable and successful democratic system in existence.
The Swiss political system is unusually detailed though seamlessly streamlined.
There is no question that the relationship between the political and the personal bears import, particularly in terms of the democratic style and the Swiss psyche.
It’s a style of democracy that without this mindset would be difficult to export.
In a political world increasingly marred by intractability, Chancellor Thurnherr cautions that “compromise” is often more useful than “obstinately sticking to our guns, something that’s much too often mistaken for strength”.
Chancellor Thurnherr is extraordinarily communicative in several languages. He has the ability to analyse and extrapolate within the world of politics, to explain and monitor complicated processes and to do so with a great sense of positivism, directness and energy.
He also has a genuine interest in people and an understanding that almost everything is interconnected. He is keenly aware of the many challenges the global community faces and encourages a foreign policy that is responsive to this environment.
Balanced and judicious, reserved yet thoroughly engaging, the Federal Chancellor of Switzerland projects an impressive combination of substance, serenity and style. It is a formula for success that seems to have been patented by the Swiss. It is also a political model from which much insight may well be gained.
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