participative democracy is a double-edged sword. Much nonsense has gotten thrown out by popular votes; other issues were voted on several times until accepted. Generally, the whole process is moving at glacial speed (not necessarily a bad thing though, but in some cases it is). The focus on consensus by most politicians (as any issue could be voted on) makes it difficult for an elected majority to do silly stuff.

In two weeks, we vote on two issues. A law which allows shops near big train station and airports to open on sundays (until now a matter of canton legislation, I think). Further, we vote on a 5 year moratorium for the use of GM plants and animals in agriculture.