Friday, November 18, 2016

Several developments during the last years have intensified global worry about health and future of democracy. Strategies to fight the Islamic State as well as asylum policies, the Brexit preparations and a trend toward authoritarianism for democracies in Hungary and Poland, reinforce the perception of a divided Europe. Meantime, the election of Donald Trump has shocked the fundaments of USA political environment. One of the reasons for these negative trends might be explicated as result of "elites and institutions failing to even care enough to be in touch with the people", as President Obama stated on his last major speech in Athens.

On the other hand, Switzerland, with its direct democracy, has evolved politically into a “special case” and might be considered immune to these new threats of democracy. This unique Swiss model of direct democracy was the main topic of the discussion of alumni of the School with Ms. Christa Markwalder, head of the Swiss Parliament, at the premises of the Center for Openness and Dialogue. Mrs. Markwalder evaluated the high level of discussion and underlined as very important the educational program of the School, especially at these moments when we need a political leadership.

Meetings and exchange of views with senior decision-makers on current policy-making issues constitute an important part of the programme of the School. They are part of the ASPS wider efforts to facilitate discussion between different groups on matters of public importance as well as increase the role of the ASPS, through participants and alumni, in informing the policy-making process in various areas.