EU referendums in context: What can we learn from the Swiss case?. (27th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heidbreder, Eva G.; Stadelmann‐Steffen, Isabelle; Thomann, Eva; Sager, Fritz
• Other Names: Hartley Jean guestEditor.; Sancino Alessandro guestEditor.; Bennister Mark guestEditor.; Resordihardjo Sandra L. guestEditor.; Trein Philip guestEditor.; Thomann Eva guestEditor.; Maggetti Martino guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Public administration. Volume 97:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 370
• Page End: 383
• Publication Date: 2018-12-27
• Subjects: Public administration -- Periodicals; Civil service -- Periodicals; 350
• DOI: 10.1111/padm.12566
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3298

Abstract

Abstract : The rising number of referendums on EU matters, such as the Brexit and the Catalonian independence votes, highlight the increasing importance of referendums as a problem‐solving mechanism in the EU. We argue that the Swiss case provides essential insights into understanding the dynamics behind referendums, which are often lacking when referendums are called for in the EU. Referendums in EU member states on EU matters differ substantially from those in the Swiss context. Nevertheless, proponents of more direct democratic decision‐making regularly cite the Swiss example. Our systematic analysis of why referendums are called, how they unfold and their effects in the EU and Switzerland reveals that the EU polity lacks the crucial conditions that embed direct democracy within the wider political and institutional system. The comparative perspective offers fundamental insights into the preconditions required for direct democracy to function and its limitations in the EU.