In a report monitoring the implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Switzerland, the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities commended the advanced development of direct democracy, whilst calling for a review of the militia system to make local offices more accessible to citizens.
When presenting the report on 29 October 2026, during the 51st session of the Congress, the co-rapporteur, Jani Kokko (Finland, SOC/G/PD), praised the very high degree of autonomy enjoyed by local authorities, particularly in financial and fiscal matters, and their compliance with the provisions of the Charter.
They highlighted the development of direct local democracy, a key feature of Swiss governance, as well as the effectiveness of judicial protection for the principles of local self-government before the cantonal and federal courts.
However, the rapporteurs also expressed concern regarding the militia system, which risks deterring certain categories of citizens from standing for election; the fragmentation of the municipal landscape despite the ongoing merger reforms; and the absence of a framework reflecting Bern's specific responsibilities as the de facto federal capital. They also noted that the cantons remain excluded from the scope of the Charter.
Consequently, the Congress recommends that Switzerland undertake a review of the militia system with a view to making it more accessible, continue to provide financial and institutional incentives for municipal mergers, consider specific provisions for Bern, and also initiate a dialogue on extending the Charter to the cantons.
This report follows the third monitoring visit to Switzerland since the country ratified the European Charter of Local Self-Government in 2005. Countries that have ratified the Charter are bound by its provisions. The Charter requires compliance with a minimum set of rights, which form the European basis for local self-government. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities ensures compliance with these principles through its monitoring activities.
