The
Swiss people have just recently backed their government's actions
related to security concerns, according to Reuter's newspaper. In a
manner similar to many other countries, the government had proposed
to effect more surveillance to overcome possible militant or
terrorist attacks. This included the possible use of drones and
manners of hacking computer systems.
However some opponents of
the law, especially within the young people's wing of the Social
Democratic Party obtained enough signatures (50,000) to force the
issue to a referendum of the people. They thought the measures were
too severe.
But , the people
voted to support the provisions. Switzerland had not yet suffered the
terrorist-type attacks seen so often elsewhere in Europe. Other
countries, such as France and Poland have expanded “spy agency”
powers following Islamist attacks there, emphasizing security over
privacy. “Newer, better tools” are needed to reduce possibilities
of such attacks in Switzerland also, suggested a professor of public
policy at the University of St. Gallen.
On the same ballot were
an initiative aiming to require businesses to use resources more
efficiently, and one boosting retirement pension payments by ten
percent. They also were both defeated.
The Swiss certainly do
employ aspects of democracy to effective limits. As a result they
have become one of the world's most socially and economically
effective jurisdictions.
If only we in Canada
could use Direct Democracy to keep our politicians in check!
