Opinion | Swiss lessons for Nepal’s federal journey
Summary
Switzerland’s centuries-old federal system offers crucial lessons for Nepal’s young federalism as it navigates constitutional reform, institutional strengthening, and effective governance.
Key Points
- Switzerland's federalism, practiced for 177 years, shows the importance of continuous constitutional adaptation for stability and development.
- Nepal adopted federalism in 2015 and struggles with constitutional reform, political stability, and effective public service delivery.
- Key federal principles from Switzerland relevant for Nepal include subsidiarity, cantonal autonomy, direct democracy, fiscal equalisation, and consensus governance.
- Nepal should embrace adaptation, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility in federalism rather than strictly copying the Swiss model.
