Militia spirit, federalism and direct democracy are one and the same

The militia system is criticized far and wide. However, its critics miss its own logic, which, along with federalism and direct democracy, contributes to the institutional construction of Switzerland, and thus to the country's identity.

Abroad, the term «militia» has a rather bad press. It is often used to designate a kind of parallel police force in the pay of the government, as in France during the Occupation, or of a modern «condottiere», a profession very much in vogue in various parts of the world. In Switzerland, on the other hand, it is adorned with many virtues, becoming an almost immanent characteristic of the Swiss citizen. A militia soldier in uniform, he joins a militia parliament if he wants to get involved in politics.

The «militiaman» or «militiawoman» thus emerges as a symbol of authentic citizenship. Heir to the citizen