Knowledge
Vernehmlassung
In Switzerland, the Vernehmlassung is the formal process in which cantons, parties and associations comment on planned legislation.
Before the federal government or cantons adopt important legislation, they gather statements in a Vernehmlassung — from cantons, political parties, associations and interested parties. This lets different interests feed into law-making early and increases acceptance of later decisions.
The Vernehmlassung is more formal and institutionalised than Mitwirkung: it addresses mainly organised actors and follows set rules and deadlines, whereas Mitwirkung involves the wider public with a low barrier.
Features of the Vernehmlassung
- Formal, legally regulated process
- Mainly at federal and cantonal level
- Addressees: cantons, parties, associations
- Fixed deadlines and rules
For low-barrier involvement of the wider public — alongside formal procedures — MyIdeas brings idea collection and voting together in one place.
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