Direct democracy the key to Swiss calm

RACIST sheep and rabid ravens picking at a map of Switzerland propelled the country and its referenda into the spotlight worldwide in recent years.

But behind these headline grabbing activities of the Swiss People’s Party with its no to the EU, no to foreigners and no to tax, lies a very old tradition of direct democracy.

The vote this weekend on continuing to allow EU citizens to work in Switzerland and include new members Bulgaria and Romania was the third time they dealt with the issue — and they are likely to vote on it several more times in the future.