Tunisia: A U-turn from democracy
Once regarded as the sole democracy that has emerged from the mass protests of the Arab Spring in 2011, Tunisia is now experiencing extensive setbacks in its path to democracy. In a referendum on August 16th Tunisia adopted a new constitution implementing a presidential system...
The Michigan Freedom for Reproductive Rights Campaign and the power of the Citizens Initiative
Politics encompassing a moral dimension often garner considerably more controversy being, as Christopher Mooney puts it, “the validation of a particular set of fundamental values” rather than being viewed and assessed in purely practical terms. The potential for conflict...
Democracy Camp
What forms of political co-determination exist in Switzerland and surrounding countries? Which of them work well and why? During the Democracy Camp - a camp that brings together more than 50 youth and young adults - participants can exchange ideas on this topic, share their...
Direct democracy is back in the 21st century
The book entitled Direct democracies has just been published in French following several others is situated in the context of a broad demand for direct democracy in France since...
Chile’s new constitution: An unstable path to the countries future
When in 2019, protests following proposed rises in subway fairs escalated into a broader movement about the country’s constitution, Chile began its long and complicated path towards changing its political system. In 2020, with a voter turnout of almost 50%, Chileans voted...
European Citizens’ Initiative: 10-year anniversary!
The European Union, since its inception in the 1990s, has attempted to build its political foundations on the power of collective action and unity. The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) was first proposed with the intent of giving more power to the people.
Ukrainian Vibes on Tour
Three months of intensive planning, networking and promoting have already passed since Ukrainian Vibes 2022 - European Public Sphere project began in April. Last Saturday, our four Ukrainian and German team members finally kicked off the tour in Cologne! Right at the heart of...
European Convention: What does it mean?
On the 24th of February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, there was a need for strong leadership and a unified response to counter Russia’s aggression. The EU, together with its allies from all around the world, was able to rise up and meet this demand. Since then, a newfound...
Home stretch: less than 100 days to the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy
Finally! After two years of pandemic-related uncertainty and a first-ever online edition, our much-anticipated Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy is taking place in person again. Over 300 direct democracy supporters from academia, administrations and civil society will meet...
AMLO vs. AMLO: the President who recalled himself
On April 10, Mexican voters had the possibility to remove President Andrés Manuel López Obrador from office. It was the first nation-wide recall referendum ever in Mexico, but the unorthodox use of the instrument was hotly debated.
By Caroline Vernaillen