The Peter McCormack Show #080 - Phil Lojacono - What Broken Democracies Can Learn from Switzerland
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Jun 5, 2025 Phil Lojacono, a Swiss entrepreneur and political thinker, shares insights into Switzerland's successful decentralized democracy. He discusses how localism and tax competition enhance accountability and citizen engagement. Lojacono explains why trust in government needs to be earned and how Switzerland avoids political extremism. He highlights the impact of referendums on empowering citizens, and contrasts Swiss governance with the challenges faced in the UK and US. Their unique approach demonstrates that engaging citizens can lead to a more effective political system.
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Politician Incentives Cause Issues
- Politicians often spend others' money without direct responsibility or accountability.
- This disconnect fosters persistent war, overspending, and high crime rates.
Structure Limits Political Power
- Swiss politicians have limited power and same personality types as other countries.
- System structure ensures politicians can't overreach, reducing corruption risks.
Minaret Ban Example
- A Swiss referendum banned minaret construction despite only two existing minarets.
- Politicians respect public opinion to maintain their positions, influencing their decisions.
