DOCSLIB.ORG

The Populist Right in Switzerland: the Forces of Exclusion in a Multilingual Country

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Populist Right in Switzerland: the Forces of Exclusion in a Multilingual Country University of Luxembourg Thesis „Master in European Contemporary History” December 2011 The populist right in Switzerland: the forces of exclusion in a multilingual country. Development and factors of success. Joël Frei 1 The populist right in Switzerland i. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….3 I. Historical Analysis i. The „ overforeignisation” movement in the 1960's and 1970's…………………...11 ii. Schweizerische Volkspartei (SVP): peasant-protestant and middle class roots…. 17 iii. Transformation of the Zurich section: a laboratory of radicalisation……………21 iv. Swiss isolationism and euroscepticism…………………………………………..33 v. The „new” SVP on the national level in the 1990's……………………………...36 vi. Electoral success and secession: the end of antagonisms?....................................41 II. The Populist Right in Switzerland today i. Populist right parties in the Swiss political system………………………………..47 ii. EU integration and SVP…………………………………………………………..53 iii. Migration politics and SVP………………………………………………………56 iv. „Going west” into the Romandie………………………………………………....62 III. Opening of the Black Box i. SVP structure: a traditional Swiss party?.................................................................68 ii. Democrats without democracy: what makes the SVP „different”?........................76 IV. Populist Right Party Behaviour i. Opportunity structure: federalism, direct democracy and consociationalism……..83 ii. Defending national identity, „myths” and the instrumentalisation of history….....89 V. Conclusions...………………………………………………………………………..99 VI. Bibliography……………………………………………………………………...106 VII. Annexes i. Abbreviations……………………………………………………………………..110 ii. Questionnaires…………………………………………………………………...111 2 i. Introduction Literature on the populist right has for a long time seen a special case in Switzerland: an affluent, heterogeneous and stable country in which many scholars didn't expect much room for the populist right to develop. The positive stereotypes of Switzerland like political stability, low unemployment rates and cultural tolerance have been predominant in the academic literature. But since the late 1990's, Switzerland has one of the strongest populist right party representations in parliament in all of the world's democracies. The populist right has also been represented in the Swiss government almost continuously since the radicalisation of the centre-right SVP (Schweizerische Volkspartei, Swiss People's Party) in the early 1990's. This paper will help correct the view on Switzerland as a Sonderfall (special case), a denomination that the populist right regularly employs in order to legitimise its agenda of isolationism and hostility towards EU integration. At the same time, it will be important to stress the particularities of the Swiss populist right in a politically highly fragmented and multicultural country. Notably the relative success of the SVP, originally a Swiss German farmer's party, to establish itself in the Romandie (French speaking part of Switzerland), is an unusual feature of the populist right that draws on exclusionism and intolerance towards other cultures. Many populist right parties show ethnoregionalist features e.g. the Vlaams Belang party in Belgium that advocates the independence of Flanders. When revisiting the Swiss „special case”, I will therefore have in mind the particularities of the Swiss political system. The Swiss system happened to bring forward an anomaly in the populist right party family: the SVP has been able to overcome language borders and has gained an important percentage of votes in different linguistic and cultural areas. The Swiss case may lead to a clarification of the ethnoregionalist characteristics of the party family and may also put in perspective a narrow definition that sees ethnoregionalism as the key driver of populist right parties. The comparison of the SVP with the ethnoregionalist populist right party Lega dei Ticinesi in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland will also add to a better understanding of populist right behaviour and the factors of success of this party family. 3 The first part of this research paper is mainly dedicated to a historical analysis of the roots of the Swiss populist right parties. On the one hand, I will discuss the movement of „overforeignisation” of the 1960's and 1970's, which brought forward numerous xenophobic parties that prepared the ground for the electoral breakthrough of a larger populist right party, the SVP. This part will on the other hand stress the unusual transformation and radicalisation of the latter party. Unusual because the consociational and fragmented Swiss political system would not seem to exhibit the ideal opportunity structures for the transformation of the small, regionally based protestant farmer's party SVP that was founded in 1917 to the national populist right party that became the strongest Swiss party in the parliamentary elections of 2003 and that today makes up 26.6% of the percentage of votes. The second part of this thesis will focus on the SVP; I will analyse its ideology and agenda, especially its immigration policy, in my view the key driver of the party. Also of great importance is the party's stance towards EU integration: with its uncompromising isolationism it finds many supporters in the independence-minded Swiss electorate. The SVP has been able to connect most political issues to the two above-mentioned agenda items: Ausländerpolitik (politics towards foreigners) and EU integration. These two main issues are the most important reasons why the party is receiving electoral support, and the SVP gained almost complete issue ownership over these agenda items within the national- conservative voter segment and beyond. Besides the SVP, other populist right parties like the FP (Freiheitspartei), and the SD (Schweizer Demokraten), that have remained at the fringe of Swiss politics, will be discussed to show their early roots in the movement of „overforeignisation”. A special attention will be given to regionalist populist competitors of the SVP such as the MCG (Mouvement citoyen genevois) in the French speaking or the Lega dei Ticinesi in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. In the second part I will also look at the expansion of the Swiss German SVP into another linguistic and cultural region within the Swiss political system, an unusual phenomenon for the populist right family. The party achieved electoral breakthrough in several French speaking cantons in the 1990's, and recently in the Italian speaking canton Ticino, reason enough to look closer at this phenomenon. This section is of particular academic interest as 4 explained above. At the end of this chapter, I will introduce two research questions from which one will focus on the SVP's expansion into the Romandie. The third part of this paper will discuss the internal organisation of the SVP and the role of the party leader Christoph Blocher in the professionalization and transformation of the party structures and clout. The special feature of the fragmented Swiss party system, especially the role of the cantonal parties, play an important part to understand the rise of the „new” SVP in the 1990's as it was Blocher's cantonal section of Zurich that served as a laboratory for the radicalisation of the national party. The SVP was the first Swiss party to introduce permanent campaigning and has contributed the most to the nationalisation and modernisation of party organisation in Switzerland. The fourth and last part is dedicated to party behaviour, notably to the new style of oppositional and polarising politics introduced by the „new” SVP. Switzerland has been a good example of a highly integrative and stable political system. It will be important to analyse the consequences of the SVP's rise for the Swiss political system, notably for its main competitor, the liberal centre-right party FDP, the populist right fringe parties, a rise that created dynamics within the whole system that led to a polarisation and confrontational culture of Swiss politics and challenges the consociational character of the Swiss democracy. With the radicalisation of the SVP, the consensual political system in Switzerland is prone to change towards the oppositional politics found in most European democracies. This chapter will try to find an answer to the question, in what way the rise of the SVP has transformed and will influence the Swiss political system. Of particular interest are the means by which the populist right in Switzerland gained legitimization and an important percentage of votes in the 1990's. The analysis of instrumentalisation of Swiss direct democracy will help understand why initiatives and referenda can be important means for populist parties to put pressure on the government and enforce agenda items either directly (an accepted popular initiative can introduce new legislation, an accepted referendum can abort a law adopted by the parliament) or indirectly (the initiative itself can put pressure on government and parliament, the lost referendum 5 enables the party to present itself in the media limelight as the true representative of the people that fought against a far more powerful political and economic establishment). Another element of the institutional opportunity structures is consociationalism. The SVP has been able to double-cross and play oppositional and governmental politics at the same time thanks to the fact that in Switzerland, all important political forces are represented in government. The analysis of this
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Raiders of the Lost Ark
    Swiss American Historical Society Review Volume 56 Number 1 Article 12 2020 Full Issue Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/sahs_review Part of the European History Commons, and the European Languages and Societies Commons Recommended Citation (2020) "Full Issue," Swiss American Historical Society Review: Vol. 56 : No. 1 , Article 12. Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/sahs_review/vol56/iss1/12 This Full Issue is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Swiss American Historical Society Review by an authorized editor of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. et al.: Full Issue Swiss A1nerican Historical Society REVIEW Volu1ne 56, No. 1 February 2020 Published by BYU ScholarsArchive, 2020 1 Swiss American Historical Society Review, Vol. 56 [2020], No. 1, Art. 12 SAHS REVIEW Volume 56, Number 1 February 2020 C O N T E N T S I. Articles Ernest Brog: Bringing Swiss Cheese to Star Valley, Wyoming . 1 Alexandra Carlile, Adam Callister, and Quinn Galbraith The History of a Cemetery: An Italian Swiss Cultural Essay . 13 Plinio Martini and translated by Richard Hacken Raiders of the Lost Ark . 21 Dwight Page Militant Switzerland vs. Switzerland, Island of Peace . 41 Alex Winiger Niklaus Leuenberger: Predating Gandhi in 1653? Concerning the Vindication of the Insurgents in the Swiss Peasant War . 64 Hans Leuenberger Canton Ticino and the Italian Swiss Immigration to California . 94 Tony Quinn A History of the Swiss in California . 115 Richard Hacken II. Reports Fifty-Sixth SAHS Annual Meeting Reports .
    [Show full text]
  • The Parliament Building. a View of an Ideal Switzerland
    Parlament_Buch_20.6.12 Status: Entwurf_für Promacx The Parliament Building. A view of an ideal Switzerland. 12 93 Englisch.inddParl_Buch_12_07_pmx.indd 2-3 12 20.07.12 11:35 Parl_Buch_12_07_pmx.indd 93 05.09.1220.07.12 08:3311:41 Parlament_Buch_20.6.12 Status: Entwurf_für Promacx The Swiss Parliament Building has dominated Bern’s skyline for veys by the renowned General Dufour. This was the geographic more than a century, and despite the passage of time, continues vision of Switzerland at a time when Hans Auer designed our Par- to attract visitors in increasing numbers. Every year, more than liament Building. one hundred thousand visitors come to discover the secrets of The architect Hans Auer dreamt of giving shape to an eternal the Federal Assembly, perhaps hoping to see members of parlia- Switzerland. With the help of the best Swiss craftsmen and artists, ment. Foreign tourists and Swiss nationals are impressed by the he carved a monumental and captivating allegory of the Swiss successful combination of original architecture, inspired by the state in granite, marble, serpentine and molasse from the differ- Florentine Renaissance, and the decidedly contemporary design ent regions of Switzerland. of the structures completed in 2008. The latest renovation to the building attempted to reflect the builder’s original vision. The sun shines through the glass roofing Crowned by Helvetia and colossal stained-glass windows on the third floor, reaching With eleven window bays on each of the three storeys, arched the heart of the building. The members of parliament can now openings, paired windows and an attic concealing the roof struc- contemplate from their work area the six monumental sculptures ture, the imposing front facade of the Parliament Building has symbolising the Swiss people that overlook the south facade.
    [Show full text]
  • GRINDELWALDGASTRONOMIE NATUR HANDWERK 100 JAHRE KULTUR Hotelier Verein Berner Oberland
    BERNER OBERLAND Sommer 2017 DAS MAGAZIN LAND UND LEUTE Berner Oberland – DAS MAGAZIN | SOMMER 2017, CHF 9.50 SOMMER 2017, Das Unspunnenfest La fête d'Unspunnen The Unspunnen-Festival Ab Ab Ab Ab Fr. 10’690.-* Fr. 12’490.-* Fr. 17’090.-* Fr. 18’890.-* Jetzt inklusive 5 Jahre Ford Protect Garantie. FOKUS * Angebote gültig nur für gewerbliche Kunden mit Handelsregistereintrag und bei teilnehmenden Ford Händlern bis auf Widerruf, spätestens bis 30.6.2017. TOURISMUS GRINDELWALDGASTRONOMIE NATUR HANDWERK 100 JAHRE KULTUR Hotelier Verein Berner Oberland RZ_Schönegg-Garage_Transit_Palette_225x305_RA_4f_KD.indd 1 27.04.17 13:11 Ab 9.7.2017 2-Stunden-Takt nach Domodossola Wanderung von der Bergstation der Triftbahn zur spektakulären Triftbrücke. Grimselwelt Alpiner Genuss DIE GRIMSELWELT IST EIN ENGAGEMENT DER KWO, KRAF TWERKE OBERHASLI AG In der Tiefe des Berges zeigen wir Ihnen, wie aus Über 200 Ausflugsziele im Berner ie Grimselwelt steht für Ferien- und Erlebniswelt, mitten in der Natur als der Kraft des Wassers Strom produziert wird. Dpure Energie-Quelle. Sie finden alles, was Ihr Herz begehrt: Historische ZIMMER · FÜHRUNGEN · BAHNEN Oberland, Oberwallis und Piemont Gebäude mit gepflegter Gastronomie, steile Bergbahnen, schwankende Hängebrücken und gut ausgebaute Wanderwege. Sei es die Überquerung jetzt bls.ch/loetschberger der Triftbrücke, eine Führung durch das Labyrinth der Kraftwerksstollen ONLINE buchen oder eine abenteuerliche Fahrt mit der Gelmerbahn – Die Grimselwelt ist BUCHBAR auf jeden Fall ein alpiner Genuss und ideal um Energie zu tanken. Weitere informationen auf www.grimselwelt.ch · [email protected] BERNER OBERLAND Sommer 2017 INHALT DAS MAGAZIN LAND UND LEUTE Berner Oberland – DAS MAGAZIN | SOMMER 2017, CHF 9.50 SOMMER 2017, Das Unspunnenfest La fête d'Unspunnen The Unspunnen-Festival Ab Ab Ab Ab Fr.
    [Show full text]
  • Doing Business in Switzerland: 2014 Country Commercial Guide for U.S
    Doing Business in Switzerland: 2014 Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 2012. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES. Chapter 1: Doing Business In Switzerland Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment Chapter 3: Selling U.S. Products and Services Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment Chapter 5: Trade Regulations, Customs and Standards Chapter 6: Investment Climate Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing Chapter 8: Business Travel Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research and Trade Events 1 Chapter 1: Doing Business in Switzerland Market Overview Market Challenges Market Opportunities Market Entry Strategy Market Overview Return to top Switzerland’s population of 8 million is affluent and cosmopolitan GDP of about USD 631 billion; growth forecast of 2.2% for 2014 In 2013 total exports from the U.S. to Switzerland amounted to USD 27 billion. U.S.-Swiss trade generally stable despite financial and economic crisis; World-class infrastructure, business-friendly legal and regulatory environment Highly educated, reliable, and flexible work force Consumer and producer of high-quality, value-added industrial/consumer goods Manufacturing sector is highly automated and efficient Strong market demand for U.S. components and production systems Strong demand for high quality products with competitive prices Highest per capita IT spending in the world Multilingual/multicultural European test market and
    [Show full text]
  • Adelrich Steinach's Swiss Colonists: an Introduction
    Swiss American Historical Society Review Volume 40 Number 2 Article 3 6-2004 Adelrich Steinach's Swiss Colonists: An Introduction Urspeter Schelbert Ph.D. Walchwil, Canton Zug Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/sahs_review Part of the European History Commons, and the European Languages and Societies Commons Recommended Citation Schelbert, Urspeter Ph.D. (2004) "Adelrich Steinach's Swiss Colonists: An Introduction," Swiss American Historical Society Review: Vol. 40 : No. 2 , Article 3. Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/sahs_review/vol40/iss2/3 This Front Matter is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Swiss American Historical Society Review by an authorized editor of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Schelbert: Adelrich Steinach's Swiss Colonists: An Introduction ADELRICH STEINACH' S SWISS COLONISTS: AN INTRODUCTION Among the millions of immigrants to the United States the Swiss constitute only a small group. Their involvement in the emergence of the United States to date has been portrayed only selectively or in relatively brief encyclopedic entries. 1 But a vast number of essays and books on individual men and women, families, and settlements do exist.2 The book Geschichte und Leben der Schweizer Kolonien in den Vereinigten Staaten von Nordamerika, however, compiled in the 1880s in collaboration with the North American Griitli-Bundby the Swiss physician Adelrich Steinach residing in New York City, is an early attempt at presenting an overview of the involvement of Swiss in the history of the United States.
    [Show full text]
  • Swiss Money Secrets
    Swiss Money Secrets Robert E. Bauman JD Jamie Vrijhof-Droese Banyan Hill Publishing P.O. Box 8378 Delray Beach, FL 33482 Tel.: 866-584-4096 Email: http://banyanhill.com/contact-us Website: http://banyanhill.com ISBN: 978-0-578-40809-5 Copyright (c) 2018 Sovereign Offshore Services LLC. All international and domestic rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording or by any information storage or retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher, Banyan Hill Publishing. Protected by U.S. copyright laws, 17 U.S.C. 101 et seq., 18 U.S.C. 2319; Violations punishable by up to five year’s imprisonment and/ or $250,000 in fines. Notice: this publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold and distributed with the understanding that the authors, publisher and seller are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice or services. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional adviser should be sought. The information and recommendations contained in this brochure have been compiled from sources considered reliable. Employees, officers and directors of Banyan Hill do not receive fees or commissions for any recommendations of services or products in this publication. Investment and other recommendations carry inherent risks. As no investment recommendation can be guaranteed, Banyan Hill takes no responsibility for any loss or inconvenience if one chooses to accept them.
    [Show full text]
  • The Lifelong-Learning University
    University of Bath DOCTOR OF BUSINESS (DBA) The Lifelong-Learning University: How do Swiss Universities Experience and Respond to the Institutional Pressure of Engaging in Lifelong Learning - An exploratory multiple case study Volles, Nina Award date: 2019 Awarding institution: University of Bath Link to publication Alternative formats If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact: [email protected] General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Download date: 05. Oct. 2021 Citation for published version: Volles, N 2019, 'The Lifelong-Learning University: How do Swiss Universities Experience and Respond to the Institutional Pressure of Engaging in Lifelong Learning - An exploratory multiple case study', Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), University of Bath. Publication date: 2019 Document Version Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Link to publication Publisher Rights Creative Commons GNU GPL (Software) University of Bath General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights.
    [Show full text]
  • Spotlights Celebrating the Swiss
    Spotlight on the Middle Ages Celebrating the Swiss DR. JÖRN GÜNTHER · RARE BOOKS AG Manuscripts & Rare Books Basel & Stalden www.guenther-rarebooks.com [email protected] Celebrating the Foundation of the Old Confederacy On August 1st the Swiss celebrate what is called the Schweizer Bundesfeiertag - Fête nationale suisse - Festa nazionale svizzera - Fiasta naziunala svizra. It is inspired by the date of the Pacte du Grutli, the first federal charter concluded in ‘early August’ 1291 when the three Alpine Waldstätten, Schwyz, Uri, and Unterwald swore an oath of mutual military assistance. Petermann Etterlin. Kronica von der loblichen Eydtgnoschaft, Ir harkommen und sust seltzam stritten und geschichten. Basel: Michael Furter, 24 December 1507. 1st edition, 2nd issue. Several pacts of the mid-13th to mid-14th century attest to a growing collaboration between cantons. These pacts marked decisions of pragmatic alliances and initiated what became a permanent, sworn confederacy: the Old Swiss Confederacy. The Alte Eidgenossenschaft began as a loose confederacy of three independent, small states within the Holy Roman Empire. Formed from this nucleus of three oath-takers in central Switzerland, the Eidgenossenschaft soon also included the cities of Zürich and Berne. During the 16th century, the figures – or personifications – of the three Eidgenossen merged with the legend of William Tell and became known as ‘the three Tells’. The legend of the hero William Tell is recorded first in the ‘Weissenbuch’ of Sarnen (Obwalden), written by Hans Schriber (1472). Tell, who is said to have shot an apple from his son's head, also appears in the song ‘Lied von der Eidgenossenschaft’ (‘Tellenlied’ or ‘Bundeslied’, c.
    [Show full text]
  • Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation
    Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation Central of this exhibition is the famous Federal Charter of 1291, which was considered to be the founding document of the Confederation. History between Fact and Myth The Museum of the Swiss Charters shows the history of the Old Swiss Confederacy, which was character- ised by conflicts and divisions, compromise and cooperation, the life in the medieval and of course the fa- mous battles of Morgarten and Marignano. Other themes of the exhibition are the myths federals. Where comes the histories of Willhelm Tell, the “evil bailiffs” or the Oath of Rütli from? Corresponding of the Myth was the foundation of the Confederation on the Rütli. How can we proof that historical? On the tour of the exhibition you get fascinating insights and more in-depth information on various areas of Swiss history par exempel the history of the Old Swiss Confederacy, exciting moments about the myth Swiss – like Willhelm Tell, the Oath of the Rütli, and many other important moments of the Swiss History. A central aspect of the exhibition is the history of the Federal Charter of 1291, whose role in the Middle Ages and its significance for the Swiss nation state of the 19th and 20th century are explained. Group size: on request Duration: 60 minutes Cost: CHF 90.- flat charge up to 15 participants CHF 15.- for each further participant Language: German, French, Italian, English Contact Address: Swiss Knife Valley I VISITOR CENTER c/o Brunnen Schwyz Marketing AG Bahnhofstrasse 15 CH-6440 Brunnen Tel. +41 (0)41 820 60 10 [email protected] www.swissknifevalley.ch Status December 2017 / subject to modifications .
    [Show full text]
  • Read Travel Planning Guide
    GCCL TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE Romance of the Rhine & Mosel 2021 Learn how to personalize your experience on this vacation Grand Circle Cruise Line® The Leader in River Cruising Worldwide 1 Grand Circle Cruise Line ® 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210 Dear Traveler, At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. Soon, you’ll once again be discovering the places you’ve dreamed of. In the meantime, the enclosed Grand Circle Cruise Line Travel Planning Guide should help you keep those dreams vividly alive. Before you start dreaming, please let me reassure you that your health and safety is our number one priority. As such, we’re requiring that all Grand Circle Cruise Line travelers, ship crew, Program Directors, and coach drivers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. Our new, updated health and safety protocols are described inside. The journey you’ve expressed interest in, Romance of the Rhine & Mosel River Cruise, will be an excellent way to resume your discoveries. It takes you into the true heart of Europe, thanks to our groups of 38-45 travelers. Plus, our European Program Director will reveal their country’s secret treasures as only an insider can. You can also rely on the seasoned team at our regional office in Bratislava, who are ready to help 24/7 in case any unexpected circumstances arise. Throughout your explorations, you’ll meet local people and gain an intimate understanding of the regional culture. Get a glimpse of everyday German life when you join a family for a Home-Hosted Visit in Speyer, enjoying an afternoon of homemade treats and friendly conversation; and learn about the love and pride poured into Germany’s fine vintages during a behind-the-scenes tour of a winery in Bernkastel, followed by a tasting.
    [Show full text]
  • Downloaded from Manchesterhive.Com at 09/29/2021 12:32:16AM Via Free Access Pensions in Switzerland 147 Fashion
    6 Pensions in Switzerland: practices, conflicts, and impact in the sixteenth century Philippe Rogger The development of Swiss power politics around 1500 was remark- able, albeit short-lived. During the Burgundian Wars (1474–1477), Swiss cantons under Bernese leadership skilfully exploited the anti-Burgundian constellation on the European stage to expand their sphere of influence westwards, while in the Milanese Wars (1494–1516) they extended their territory to the south, into Lom- bardy.1 Victory over Burgundy in the Battles of Murten (1476), Grandson (1476), and Nancy (1477) and over the French in the Pavia Campaign (1512) and at Novara (1513) established the Old Swiss Confederacy as a military power. Its great power politics came to an abrupt end in 1515, however, as the Confederacy was defeated by the young French King François I in the Battle of Marignano.2 In the period spanning roughly thirty years between the Burgundian and Milanese Wars, the loose alliance of petty states and microstates in the heart of Europe proved unable to cope with the political, military, and financial demands of great-power politics in a sustainable 1 Bernhard Stettler, Die Eidgenossenschaft im 15. Jahrhundert (Menziken: Markus Widmer-Dean, 2004), pp. 233–256; Walter Schaufelberger, ‘Spätmit- telalter’, Handbuch der Schweizer Geschichte, vol. 1 (Zurich: Berichthaus, 1972), pp. 239–388 (pp. 336–358). 2 Walter Schaufelberger, Marignano: Strukturelle Grenzen eidgenössischer Militärmacht zwischen Mittelalter und Neuzeit, Schriftenreihe der Gesell- schaft für militärhistorische Studienreisen, 11 (Frauenfeld: Huber, 1993); Regula Schmid, ‘Gemein Eitgnossen hattend nie vil gewunnen, über den Gothart zu reisen: Ziele und Zwänge des eidgenössischen Ausgriffs in die Lombardei vor 1516’, in Marignano 1515: la svolta, Atti del congresso internazionale, Milano, 13 settembre 2014, ed.
    [Show full text]
  • Switzerland's Political System
    Switzerland’s Political System 2nd updated and enlarged edition Miroslav Vurma 1. Introduction 2. Brief history of Switzerland 3. Swiss federal system 3.1 Federal Council 3.2 Swiss Parliament 3.3 Supreme judicial authorities 4. Division of powers between the federation, cantons and communes 5. Swiss Armed Forces 6. Political parties 7. Initiative and the referendum 8. Participation in direct democracy 8.1 Political exclusion of foreigners 8.2 Brief comparison with Europe 9. Conclusion 10. References 1. Introduction Switzerland is a small alpine state in the west of Europe and it seems today to be one of the most privileged countries in the world. In its history, Switzerland has survived successfully and remained independent when its neighbors were engaged in destructive confl icts. Nowadays, the country, with more than 8.4 million permanent residents1, enjoys one of the highest living standards among industrialized countries and the political stability of Switzerland is impressive. This article describes how it is possible that a country with four languages, two religions and diff erent ethnic groups could achieve such a high level of political culture. However, it would be completely inaccurate to think of Switzerland as a country without historical, political or social unrest and armed confrontations. In Switzerland, direct democracy, as 1 Federal Statistical Offi ce: Population (2017) ― 120 ― Switzerland’s Political System 2nd updated and enlarged edition（Miroslav Vurma） a component to indirect democracy, was established in early 19th century and has been developed further since then. The right of citizens to be directly involved in political decision-making is the central part of the Swiss modern direct democracy.
    [Show full text]