Should citizens be allowed to propose federal laws?

In Switzerland, collecting 100,000 signatures allows for the launch of a popular initiative at the federal level, but only to amend the Constitution. Laws are not subject to this process. Should this be changed? A debate between two experts.

Political scientist and historian, former National Council member (PS/ZH)

Yes. Direct democracy is highly valued by the Swiss people today, but 150 years ago, broad popular movements had to wrest these rights from the liberal elites, who refused to grant ordinary citizens any right to participate. Since then, initiatives and referendums have been part of the country’s political identity. Yet few people realize that direct democracy is far more comprehensive in the cantons than at the federal level. The legislative initiative, which exists in all cantons, is still