Stories

GRENOBLE
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS BRUNO KAUFMANN? Grenoble
Visiting the Most Democratic City in France
Germany
The People’s Candidate
The United Nations is choosing its next Secretary-General at perhaps the most precarious moment in its history. The process tells us something uncomfortable about the institution the successful candidate will inherit: the UN has...
Italy
How the Curse of the Quorum Poisoned Democracy
In the last 20 years Italians could directly decide on 31 nationwide laws. But in 27 cases, including the...
Netherlands
Dutch Citizens' Veto: Panacea for Democratic Ills?
Since last summer Dutch citizens have the formal right to demand a referendum vote on laws approved by the...
Switzerland
Total Recall, Swiss Style
The right to recall elected officials is well known in many American countries and US states, but less so in...
Ireland
After Fixing The Economy Ireland Now Looks At Its Democracy
This Friday, February 26, 4.65 million citizens of the Republic of Ireland are called to the polling stations...
Switzerland
User Manual to Modern Direct Democracy
In a country where people are called to the ballot box several times a year, citizens are sometimes...
Direct Democracy Key to Happiness in America
Democracy in America is in crisis, as the ongoing races for president demonstrate. But there is a ray of hope...
Poland
Direct Democracy Unable To Balance Polish Power Grab
Polish constitutional lawyer Anna Rytel-Warzocha on the recent political developments in her country, the...
Germany
Citizen power in Germany: ready for the next step
Germany´s More Democracy group is an example of worldwide attempts to boost citizens´ participation in...
Taiwan
The World of Modern Democracy in 2016
OUTLOOK: After a horrible 2015, the new year offers new and fascinating democratic opportunities - on all...
Switzerland
Switzerland: 2015 Initiative and Referendum Review
The long list of initiatives and referendums - a key instrument of Switzerland´s system of direct democracy...