The big dilemma: giving voting rights to foreigners
How can Switzerland call itself a model democracy when it does not give voting rights to the 1.7 million foreigners living on its soil, who represent about one quarter of the population?
- Deutsch Ausländerstimmrecht, das grosse Dilemma der direkten Demokratie (original)
- Español El gran dilema de la democracia directa
- 中文 让外国人参政 直接民主的两难命题
- عربي حقّ الأجانب في التصويت.. مُعضلة الديمقراطية المُباشرة
- Français Le droit de vote des étrangers, dilemme de la démocratie directe
- Italiano Il grande dilemma della democrazia diretta
This was one of the key questions asked at the Eighth Aarau Democracy Days conference on March 17-18, which focused on voting rights for foreigners.
Here are some of the most interesting comments made during the panel discussions:
“The Swiss abroad are the citizens of two states who show that political engagement is possible in two societies.”
Walter Leimgruber, professor at Basel University and president of the Federal Migration Commission
End of insertion“I’m personally offended when my school friends or the people who I play football with or go for a drink with are unable to vote.”
Cédric Wermuth, a centre-left Social Democratic parliamentarian from canton Aargau
End of insertion“It was one of the best days in my life when I went to Trogen and said ‘now I can also vote’.”
Jens Weber, member of the Appenzell Outer-Rhodes parliament, who has both Swiss and American nationality
End of insertion“Because of the right to European citizenship, foreigners can vote where we live. It has never been an issue for debate but a reality since 1992.”
Jens Weber, member of the Appenzell Outer-Rhodes parliament, who has both Swiss and American nationality
End of insertion“I’ve got nothing against foreigners. I support a child in South Africa financially. But Swiss citizenship should not come free of charge. It is only possible via naturalisation.”
Thomas Burgherr, a conservative right Swiss People’s Party parliamentarian from canton Aargau
End of insertion“The lack of political rights for foreigners is one of the most difficult dilemmas for direct democracy. It took a vote by the majority of Swiss citizens and cantons to introduce the right for women to vote.”
Andreas Auer, former professor of constitutional law at Zurich and Geneva universities
End of insertion“The communes could introduce political rights for foreigners given the autonomy of the communes.”
Titus Meier, a member of the centre-right Radical Party at Aargau’s cantonal parliament
End of insertion
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