Mehr direkte Demokratie wagen

Voter turnout is falling, the parties have fewer and fewer members. Many citizens are turning their backs on politics - a key reason for this: whether climate protection or migration, taxes or the debt brake, health or pension insurance ... Politicians in Germany and Europe are constantly making fundamental decisions without citizens being able to decide for themselves. This is about to change: 42 authors - including academics, politicians and representatives of referendums in the federal states - analyse and report on direct democracy. Overall, a picture emerges that speaks in favour of opening up the Basic Law. The work of parliament and the parties remains indispensable - but citizens should also have the opportunity to intervene through referendums and plebiscites and answer specific political questions themselves. What works in Switzerland and many other European countries, in many US states and in the German federal states and municipalities could also help to combat disenchantment with politics at federal and European level and encourage more political involvement.