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Promoting Inclusive Governance through Citizen Participation: The Case of Switzerland's Local Decision-Making Processes

Promoting Inclusive Governance through Citizen Participation: The Case of Switzerland's Local Decision-Making Processes
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Author(s): Miray Özden (Tekirdağ Namık Kemal Üniversitesi, Tekirdağ, Turkey)
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 28
Source title: Policy Innovation and Maintaining Influential Local Governments
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Onur Kulaç (Pamukkale University, Turkey)and Çiğdem Akman (Süleyman Demirel University, Turkey)
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-0452-6.ch004

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Abstract

Citizen participation in local decision-making varies from formal mechanisms like public consultations and referenda to informal tools such as petitions and social media engagement. Switzerland stands out as a model of direct democracy, where popular initiatives allow citizens to propose legislation, and referenda enable them to approve or reject laws. Its decentralized governance grants local authorities autonomy, fostering strong public engagement. Participatory budgeting and digital democracy further enhance inclusivity, ensuring decisions reflect community needs. These mechanisms increase trust, accountability, and democratic legitimacy by directly involving citizens in shaping policies and public services. Switzerland's experience demonstrates that structured participation strengthens governance, providing valuable lessons for other countries. By institutionalizing citizen engagement and decentralizing decision-making, local governments can create more inclusive, transparent, and responsive democratic processes.

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