Is Swiss democracy 'over the top'? Since 2001, Switzerland has had a national think tank in Avenir Suisse. Initially considered the voice of the Swiss multinationals, Avenir Suisse has faced fierce opposition. Director Thomas Held talks to Swiss News about strategies of change--for Switzerland and for Avenir Suisse.

Swiss News › Nbr. 2007, April 2007

Author: Heddema, Renske

Position:: POLITICS

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POLITICS

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Is Swiss democracy 'over the top'? Since 2001, Switzerland has had a national think tank in Avenir Suisse. Initially considered the voice of the Swiss multinationals, Avenir Suisse has faced fierce opposition. Director Thomas Held talks to Swiss News about strategies of change--for Switzerland and for Avenir Suisse.

There have been moments when Thomas Held felt intimated in his work. For example, when Avenir Suisse started the investigation into Swiss agriculture in 2006, the director found himself fielding some pointed questions from five opinion leaders in agriculture. According to Avenir Suisse, the current incentive system had discouraged enterprise and innovation by farmers, so its very s...

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