Could the Citizens' Initiative be the first step towards Swiss-style participatory democracy in the European Union? A report from Zurich.

Reporter: Direct democracy a la Switzerland

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/15415247/M003-0112-EN.srt

The principle of direct democracy  is laid down in the Swiss constitution.

Could the Citizens' Initiative, proposed by  the Lisbon Treaty, take things as far?

What can the EU  learn from this tradition?

EuroparlTV analyses the situation  in this report from Zurich.

We're calling for a moratorium on  accession negotiations with the EU.

Here, direct democracy  has a long tradition.

Banker Hans-Peter Portmann  from the Zurich Cantonal Council

has been gathering signatures  since December.

Launching a referendum  requires 100,000 signatures.

No question of giving up  this principle of popular consultation.

We should be able to voice our opinions  or, at least, make suggestions.

These things need to be discussed  and put to a public vote.

Since 1991 no less than 180 issues  have been put to the vote.

Perseverance is needed,  as the response isn't always unanimous.

So that happens as well?  - Of course. That goes without saying.

Referenda transfer  the decision-making power to the people,

and can alter  the balance of political power.

For us, it's the right system.  -A system with limitations.

In 2010, initiatives to ban minarets  and to deport foreign criminals

to their country of origin,  caused a stir.

Switzerland's image abroad  took a big hit.

Andreas Gross has been a specialist  in citizens' initiatives for over 20 years.

The controversial referenda of 2010  shouldn't challenge the system,

The Swiss constitution doesn't  properly define

the correlation between human rights  and direct democracy.

We are now becoming aware  that this needs improving.

The majority cannot decide  on the fundamental rights of minorities.

So is the Swiss model  an example for the European Union?

Citizens are forced to take  an interest in political issues.

The European Citizens' Initiative  is still a long way from the Swiss model.

EU citizens can only suggest that  the Commission study a specific issue.

For Hungarian MEP  György Schöpflin, it's a start.

It's an educational task,  because most Europeans

It is horribly complex,  it's freely given.

The Europeans have at least learnt  one thing from the Swiss:

How difficult it is  to adopt the Swiss system.

The Swiss system grew entirely  out of Swiss conditions

It's very difficult to adapt that  to other national traditions

given that most European states  are run top-down

with the involvement of citizens  coming slowly over the years.

In Zurich, however, experience shows  that European referenda

The EU has a lot of political power,  but very little legitimacy.

It is too far removed from its citizens.

What the EU lacks is exactly what  direct democracy can offer:

less distance, more transparency  and a sense of identity.

but the signature hunt  continues via newspapers and the net.

He has until 23 May 2012 to collect  the required 100,000 signatures.