A lever for a more direct democracy
The main strength of the Citizens’ Initiative Referendum lies in its ability to break down the barriers between those who govern and those who are governed. By giving people the possibility to propose and vote on reforms, it makes it possible to bypass traditional institutional blockages. On substance, sources highlight that this tool could encourage the emergence of policies aligned with citizens’ concerns, particularly regarding social justice, social rights, or ecological urgency.
The example of Switzerland, where the CIR has long been established, or that of California, shows that citizen involvement can lead to major reforms, such as environmental protection, even in the face of conventional political opposition.
The risk of immediacy: the trap of populist passions
However, a critical perspective requires looking beyond the democratic ideal. Moving from a representative democracy to a more direct one involves areas of uncertainty. One of the major risks is allowing populist passions or immediate emotions to dictate profound changes without the necessary distance.
Unlike parliamentary legislative work which, despite its flaws, imposes time for debate, back‑and‑forth, and legal expertise, direct voting can sometimes lack this phase of maturation. In a context of growing polarization, the CIR could become the tool of a temporary majority, imposing ideas without thorough reflection on their long‑term consequences for society as a whole.
For a cooperative approach to the CIR
For the CIR to be a genuine step forward, it must not be a simple emotional reaction but part of a true participatory democratic process. This requires:
- Rigorous education and information: explaining complex issues before each vote to ensure an informed choice.
- Legal solidity: relying on constitutional law experts to ensure that proposals do not destabilize the rule of law.
- Deliberation before decision: creating spaces for dialogue so that the CIR does not become merely a confrontation between opposing blocs.
In conclusion, while the CIR is a powerful tool for building a more representative system, its implementation must be approached with care. The challenge is to combine the strength of citizen initiative with the wisdom of collective deliberation, so that the power to “make the law” remains an act of shared construction rather than an instrument of division.
Francis JEANDRA
