The National Conferences on Federalism

8 November 2022

The National Conferences on Federalism (Die Nationalen Föderalismuskonferenzen) were created by the government (Bundesrat), the Council of States (Ständerat) and the 26 cantons.

Since then, six conferences have taken place: 2005 in Fribourg, 2008 in Baden (Canton of Aargau), 2011 in Mendrisio (Canton of Ticino), 2014 in Solothurn, 2017 in Montreux (Canton of Vaud) and 2021 in Basel.

The conferences had the following themes: Federalism facing new challenges (Fribourg), Swiss federalism under pressure (Baden), Federalism and new territorial challenges (Mendrisio), What does Federalism contribute to cohesion and solidarity (Solothurn), Will Switzerland still be federalist in 50 years? (Montreux), Federalism and dynamics (Basel).

The Basel 2021 Declaration begins with the words:

The 2017 Montreux Declaration underlined the understanding and foundation of Federalism for the Swiss state. The Basel 2021 Declaration confirms this understanding and emphasises that Federalism constantly evolves.

(See conference overview at: www.foederalismus2021.bs.ch).

The Montreux Declaration 2017: Federalism: the strength of Switzerland

The Swiss Confederation is a federal state where each state level exercises its powers entirely and sovereignly.

This division of responsibilities ensures a balance of political power and protects citizens from excessive state interference.

Switzerland respects the principle of subsidiarity and the means specific to each institutional level. Federalism is synonymous with citizen involvement and efficiency in carrying out tasks.

The autonomy of the cantons, which is anchored in the political structures of Switzerland, promotes innovation and strengthens the country’s competitiveness.

Federalism also makes it possible to experience diversity together and to protect minorities, regardless of whether the differences are based on language, culture, religion or special geographical-topographical conditions.

Without its federal organisation, Switzerland, with its 8.4 million inhabitants, would not have such a rich economic, social and cultural diversity. This diversity makes Switzerland attractive and is responsible for its high quality of life.

These federalist structures, combined with direct democracy, exist nowhere else in the world. They are the basis of our country’s prosperity and (cultural) richness and contribute to understanding and internal cohesion.

Federalism is an integral part of Swiss identity and deserves our full attention, increasing the understanding of and foundations for Federalism.

However, the functioning of the institutions, the specific features, and the benefits of Federalism are little known, if at all.

The signatories of this declaration reaffirm their commitment to the Federalism that has made Switzerland what it is today. They are aware of the importance of promoting Federalism and wish to participate in the public debate to clarify the background and benefits of this system.

(Source and further information: www.www.federalisme2017.ch).