Economic democracy success may have wide effects

[INIREF*I&R ~ GB]

Direct Democracy Campaign logo

Campaign for direct democracy in Britain
Citizens' Initiative and Referendum I&R ~ GB
<http://www.iniref.org>
*

Abzocker Initiative: Potential international effects*

The "Citizens' Initiative" to limit pay of top mangers and board
members was launched in 2006. The required number, many
thousands, of endorsements was collected and so a binding
citizens' ballot on the proposal was programmed. Years went by
as politicians, parliament (both chambers) and representatives
of large commercial concerns argued, fought and bargained.
Alternative government proposals, which could be put to the
people along with the original "Abzocker" initiative were
painstakingly worked out. Finally this March the "Abzocker"
proposal was put before the Swiss people in a federal,
countrywide ballot. It was approved in all cantons (regions).
Overall, almost 70 percent of citizens voted in favour.

The six year long incubation period of this "Volksabstimmung"
did not take place in a vacuum, under a Swiss cheese "bell".
Within Switzerland, the initiative process of direct democracy
is nurtured in a political culture more advanced than what is
known in countries which lack opportunites for citizens to take
part in public governance. The press, national and regional,
covers and creates wide and deep debate. Television features the
most important initiatives, internet fora come into play.
"Ordinary" people debate the issues in trains and pubs.
Government "behind closed doors" known from other so called
advanced democracies such as the UK or France seems less
endemic. Beyond Swiss borders, global media and press become
aware of popular proposals at an early stage.

Then, in 2008, the global finance debacle pushed the world into
a dangerous and expensive crisis which has not yet ended. Public
awareness about big banks and national finances grew rapidly.
Anger against those who have enriched themselves unfairly or
dishonestly, while millions of people have been financially
ruined, grew strongly.

It may be that recent (2013) proposals of the European
Commission to restrict finance worker bonuses came about with
the fiery and clearly justified Abzocker initiative in mind. In
many countries citizens are asking why their government has so
far failed to bring in effective regulation of banking practice
and absurdly high executive pay. While the Abzocker law cannot
do all that needs to be done in this commercial minefield, it
does provides a powerful, working example, of empowered citizens
taking steps to govern the world of economics by direct democracy.

Peoples of European countries and beyond may note: Political
parties and governments have often proved incapable of effective
action especially when their own interests and support systems
are dependent on powerful entities such as banks and massive,
globalised concerns. To care for humanity, justice and public
well-being it may be necessary for people and electorates to
intervene directly in particular political issues. The "tools"
of direct democracy such as the citizens' law-proposal and the
binding veto-referendum are well-tried, effective ways to steer
government in the periods between the general election of
representatives.

Key words: Abzocker initiative, Minder initiative, Referendum,
Volksabstimmung

[Andy Wainwright]

Seriously, I think the Victorian economic model has reached it's limits
in terms of usefulness. The issue is that fundemental assumptions about
the nature of competition are incorrect. Competition is either win-win -
fair play, or lose-lose - cheating.