Dare to embrace more Helvetism: What Germany could learn from Switzerland
A brief plea from a Swiss citizen with German roots
Germany is a relatively young parliamentary democracy. Switzerland looks back on a long democratic tradition, with a system that functions differently in many ways, yet remains consistently stable. Perhaps it's time for Germany to embrace a bit more of the Swiss approach: a politics that prioritizes issues over party constraints, objectivity over culture wars, and citizen engagement over ideological infighting.
By Moe Pauli
Germany is a relatively young parliamentary democracy. Switzerland looks back on a long democratic tradition, with a system that functions differently in many ways, yet remains consistently stable. Perhaps it's time for Germany to embrace a bit more of the Swiss approach: a politics that prioritizes issues over party constraints, objectivity over culture wars, and citizen engagement over ideological infighting.
By Moe Pauli
Politics for substance, not party politics
One of the most striking characteristics of Swiss politics is that issues often take precedence over party constraints. Party discipline does not exist here in the form known in Germany: Members of the National Council and the Council of States frequently vote according to personal conviction and expertise, not just according to party orders. This fosters open debate and allows for pragmatic decisions that are accepted across ideological divides. And this also has an impact on everyday political life: Even completely different political players can maintain personal relationships, very much in the spirit of direct political debate, without everything degenerating into a culture war. It is normal for politicians from the far right and far left to go for drinks together and cultivate friendships.
Direct democracy as an enhancer of citizen participation
In Switzerland, referendums and initiatives are a central component of the system. Citizens can decide directly on laws and constitutional amendments. They don't just vote every few years. Several times a year, nationwide referendums are held in which eligible voters decide on specific proposals. This fosters a broad political awareness that is often lacking in Germany: Political decisions are not solely the domain of parliaments or the federal government, but belong in the hands of the citizens on a regular basis. This brings responsibility, sometimes controversial outcomes, but always stronger civic support.
No concentration of power: The Federal Council instead of a powerful individual
While Germany operates with a powerful Chancellor at its helm, Switzerland shares executive responsibility collegially among its seven-member Federal Council. This council is elected collectively, rotates its presidency, and makes decisions jointly. This prevents the concentration of power and promotes, indeed compels, a willingness to compromise. A leadership culture that is often difficult to achieve in Germany.
Citizen engagement and regulation: Realism instead of over-regulation
Switzerland regulates, but it does not impose unnecessary restrictions. Take mobility, for example: Driving bans for combustion engine vehicles are not imposed by ideological decree, but only when the necessary infrastructure is in place and the people so desire. A pragmatic, not dogmatic, approach. In migration and integration policy, clear conditions apply to residency and employment rights, creating a rule-based and transparent framework. The key principle is the principle of shared responsibility.
Economy and Stability: From the Luxury Market to Liberalism
The Swiss economy demonstrates how stable realism works: Liberal-oriented parties incorporate market-oriented perspectives into their decisions without becoming dogmatic. However, a surprising factor emerges in times of crisis: Luxury goods, such as high-end watches like a Rolex, can actually be a stabilizing factor in the economy because they are in demand, especially among wealthy buyers, even during economically challenging times. Luxury is often crisis-proof.
Administration and Infrastructure: Efficiency Meets Service Orientation
Clear guidelines, understandable processes, and digital options like online tax returns: This makes administration appear less bureaucratic because it is geared towards clarity and usability. A tangible example is public transportation: The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are often considered punctual and reliable; They operate less under pressure to meet ratings and more with a service-oriented approach, in contrast to some experiences with Deutsche Bahn.
Media and Information Culture: Basic Information Without Extensive Value Judgment
In Switzerland, public service broadcasting plays a vital role. SRF (Swiss Radio and Television) and other SRG (Swiss Broadcasting Corporation) services continue to provide a fundamental information base, which many perceive as relatively neutral, objective, and service-oriented. Discussions about redefining or adapting public service broadcasting (as in the recent SRG initiative) were not primarily about neutrality itself, but rather about the scope and structure of programming--that is, the quantity of content. Of course, there are also different media outlets and debates about perspectives, but the common information base is broad and less polarized than in many other countries.
Neutrality: A Foreign Policy Stance with Advantages and Disadvantages
Switzerland has long pursued a policy of neutrality as a foreign policy instrument, albeit sometimes with exceptions. This means: refraining from intervening in wars and entering into military alliances whenever possible, in order to preserve the country's independence and security. This stance is occasionally viewed critically internationally, especially regarding sanctions.or global conflicts. But it shows how a country can clearly separate purpose and political strategy and make decisions not purely ideologically, but with a view to long-term stability.
Social Cohesion Despite Diversity
With four national languages, strong cantonal identities, and regional differences, Switzerland remains remarkably stable. Direct democracy, federalism, and political participation unite diversity instead of dividing it. The motto: "More life, less talk."
Conclusion: Dare to embrace more Swissness - with a sense of proportion
Of course, Switzerland is not a perfect model, and some things cannot be directly transferred to Germany. But there are clear elements from which Germany could benefit:
More engagement with policy issues instead of party constraints
More direct citizen participation
Less concentration of power, more collegiality in political leadership bodies
A pragmatic, reality-oriented approach to regulation and administration
A factual, widely accepted information base
Embracing more Swissness doesn't mean transforming Germany one-to-one, but rather being open to political mechanisms that ease political discourse, strengthen citizen-oriented decision-making, and promote social cohesion.
April 24, 2026
Moe Pauli, 31 (born 1994), works in the medical technology sector. Politically interested and pragmatic, he has been continuously expanding his general knowledge since a young age. In his free time, he is a self-taught restorer of classic cars, from the first screw to the finished vehicle.
LINK TO THE NEW BOOK
One of the most striking characteristics of Swiss politics is that issues often take precedence over party constraints. Party discipline does not exist here in the form known in Germany: Members of the National Council and the Council of States frequently vote according to personal conviction and expertise, not just according to party orders. This fosters open debate and allows for pragmatic decisions that are accepted across ideological divides. And this also has an impact on everyday political life: Even completely different political players can maintain personal relationships, very much in the spirit of direct political debate, without everything degenerating into a culture war. It is normal for politicians from the far right and far left to go for drinks together and cultivate friendships.
Direct democracy as an enhancer of citizen participation
In Switzerland, referendums and initiatives are a central component of the system. Citizens can decide directly on laws and constitutional amendments. They don't just vote every few years. Several times a year, nationwide referendums are held in which eligible voters decide on specific proposals. This fosters a broad political awareness that is often lacking in Germany: Political decisions are not solely the domain of parliaments or the federal government, but belong in the hands of the citizens on a regular basis. This brings responsibility, sometimes controversial outcomes, but always stronger civic support.
No concentration of power: The Federal Council instead of a powerful individual
While Germany operates with a powerful Chancellor at its helm, Switzerland shares executive responsibility collegially among its seven-member Federal Council. This council is elected collectively, rotates its presidency, and makes decisions jointly. This prevents the concentration of power and promotes, indeed compels, a willingness to compromise. A leadership culture that is often difficult to achieve in Germany.
Citizen engagement and regulation: Realism instead of over-regulation
Switzerland regulates, but it does not impose unnecessary restrictions. Take mobility, for example: Driving bans for combustion engine vehicles are not imposed by ideological decree, but only when the necessary infrastructure is in place and the people so desire. A pragmatic, not dogmatic, approach. In migration and integration policy, clear conditions apply to residency and employment rights, creating a rule-based and transparent framework. The key principle is the principle of shared responsibility.
Economy and Stability: From the Luxury Market to Liberalism
The Swiss economy demonstrates how stable realism works: Liberal-oriented parties incorporate market-oriented perspectives into their decisions without becoming dogmatic. However, a surprising factor emerges in times of crisis: Luxury goods, such as high-end watches like a Rolex, can actually be a stabilizing factor in the economy because they are in demand, especially among wealthy buyers, even during economically challenging times. Luxury is often crisis-proof.
Administration and Infrastructure: Efficiency Meets Service Orientation
Clear guidelines, understandable processes, and digital options like online tax returns: This makes administration appear less bureaucratic because it is geared towards clarity and usability. A tangible example is public transportation: The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are often considered punctual and reliable; They operate less under pressure to meet ratings and more with a service-oriented approach, in contrast to some experiences with Deutsche Bahn.
Media and Information Culture: Basic Information Without Extensive Value Judgment
In Switzerland, public service broadcasting plays a vital role. SRF (Swiss Radio and Television) and other SRG (Swiss Broadcasting Corporation) services continue to provide a fundamental information base, which many perceive as relatively neutral, objective, and service-oriented. Discussions about redefining or adapting public service broadcasting (as in the recent SRG initiative) were not primarily about neutrality itself, but rather about the scope and structure of programming--that is, the quantity of content. Of course, there are also different media outlets and debates about perspectives, but the common information base is broad and less polarized than in many other countries.
Neutrality: A Foreign Policy Stance with Advantages and Disadvantages
Switzerland has long pursued a policy of neutrality as a foreign policy instrument, albeit sometimes with exceptions. This means: refraining from intervening in wars and entering into military alliances whenever possible, in order to preserve the country's independence and security. This stance is occasionally viewed critically internationally, especially regarding sanctions.or global conflicts. But it shows how a country can clearly separate purpose and political strategy and make decisions not purely ideologically, but with a view to long-term stability.
Social Cohesion Despite Diversity
With four national languages, strong cantonal identities, and regional differences, Switzerland remains remarkably stable. Direct democracy, federalism, and political participation unite diversity instead of dividing it. The motto: "More life, less talk."
Conclusion: Dare to embrace more Swissness - with a sense of proportion
Of course, Switzerland is not a perfect model, and some things cannot be directly transferred to Germany. But there are clear elements from which Germany could benefit:
More engagement with policy issues instead of party constraints
More direct citizen participation
Less concentration of power, more collegiality in political leadership bodies
A pragmatic, reality-oriented approach to regulation and administration
A factual, widely accepted information base
Embracing more Swissness doesn't mean transforming Germany one-to-one, but rather being open to political mechanisms that ease political discourse, strengthen citizen-oriented decision-making, and promote social cohesion.
April 24, 2026
Moe Pauli, 31 (born 1994), works in the medical technology sector. Politically interested and pragmatic, he has been continuously expanding his general knowledge since a young age. In his free time, he is a self-taught restorer of classic cars, from the first screw to the finished vehicle.
LINK TO THE NEW BOOK
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