Democracy is at the heart of Switzerland's political identity. The country is recognised around the world for its political stability, federalist structure, and integration of cultural diversity in the political process, while its federal government has a constitutional and legal mandate to contribute to democracy promotion. In response to democratic backsliding around the world, the Federal Council established democracy promotion as one of four thematic priorities in the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–2027. On 7 May, the FDFA published the new Guidelines on Democracy in order to implement this priority.

One of the aims of the guidelines is to implement concrete measures to promote and protect democracy in cooperation with interested countries. This means not only protecting existing democratic structures, but also strengthening democratic institutions and processes in countries where democracy is still in its infancy or faces challenges.

The guidelines focus on diplomatic instruments for democracy promotion at the bilateral and multilateral levels, and on reinforcing the required institutional and societal framework conditions. These include, for example, the protection of freedom of expression, the promotion of free elections, and the strengthening of transparency and the rule of law.

The State Secretariat's Peace and Human Rights Division and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation will have primary responsibility for implementing the new guidelines at the FDFA. The Directorate of International Law will ensure Switzerland's obligations under international law are respected, particularly with regard to human rights and the rule of law. The cantons and Parliament will also be involved in implementing the guidelines.

Guidelines on Democracy 2025–28
Article: Strengthening democracy in the face of autocratic tendencies worldwide

Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication Bundeshaus West 3003 Bern +41 58 460 55 55 kommunikation@eda.admin.ch