Particularities of Parliament
Shifting majorities
Several parties
are represented in Parliament, none of which holds a majority. Parliament does
not have a lasting majority nor a permanent opposition, as is the case in many
other countries. Majorities are built on the basis of the issues and depending
on which parties agree on an issue.
Two councils with equal powers
In many
countries, parliament is unicameral. In Switzerland, Parliament has two
chambers – the National Council and the Council of States - which have exactly
the same powers and responsibilities. The two chambers deal with the same
business in the same way. They must agree on all points for a bill to come into
force, and must use the same wording to adopt legislation. So approval by only one
chamber is not enough. It often takes time for the National Council and the
Council of States to reach an agreement.
Semi-professional Parliament
The members of
the Swiss parliament are not full-time politicians. Part-time politicians bring hands-on
expertise to debates due to their professional activities, and they are are
more grounded and accessible to the People. However, council members spend more
and more time on their parliamentary work, some even full-time. This gives
Switzerland a mixture of part-time and full-time politicians.
Resolution of differences
In the event
that the National Council and the Council of States are unable to reach an
agreement on an item of business, the business is sent from one chamber to the
other for a resolution of differences, where it is examined by the preliminary
consultation committees. If the National Council and the Council of States are
still not in agreement about the business after three rounds, a reconciliation
conference is held. Without agreement on the business, it is abandoned.
Three official languages
Parliament
deliberates and legislates in the Confederation’s three official languages: German,
French and Italian. During National Council sessions, simultaneous
interpretation into the two other official languages is provided for all
member statements. Multilingualism reflects the respect for minorities, which is the
basis for living together in Switzerland. Every statement is published in the
language in which it was submitted in the Official Bulletin.
Voting recommendations
Popular votes
are held regularly in Switzerland. Parliament and the Federal Council provide
voting recommendations on each proposal in an explanatory pamphlet that is sent
to eligible voters before the vote. The pamphlet is also available online.
Stability
The government
and Parliament are elected for a period of four years, and cannot be dissolved.
Parliament’s decisions are not an expression of confidence or no confidence in
the government. Parliament can send back, amend or reject draft legislation, without
the government having to step down. This gives Parliament a strong position. In
addition, Parliament is the only body at national level that is directly
legitimised by the People.
The People have the last word
In Switzerland,
it is not Parliament that has the last word, but the electorate. In addition to
the right to vote, eligible voters have two options for directly influencing
national politics:
- Referendums
- Popular initiatives