More innovation! More transparency! More democracy!

Crises are easy to identify and communicate. A bigger challenge is to make visible the opportunities that engage society to bring about positive change.

Making opportunities visible

We want to do our part to drive this positive change. ESSENCE RELATIONS has thus taken on the conception and communication of the annual “opportunity barometer”, which was launched by the LARIX Foundation this year and is set to be published annually.

The opportunity barometer asks how the Swiss perceive democracy in their country, what they expect, value and are missing — and how they see themselves as citizens.

And it shows that the majority of Swiss citizens have confidence in political institutions, even if some feel their expectations are not being fully met. Nevertheless, these critical citizens are an indication of a functioning democracy. Because democratic criticism can be the driving force and stimulus for an even more democratic Switzerland. It motivates and obliges, controls and holds politicians responsible. In short: Switzerland seems to be far from being a democracy in crisis.

Switzerland wants courage!

The study also shows what Switzerland wants and where it sees potential for improvement. Overall, the Swiss do not want politics to stand still, but rather wish to see a courageous effort toward new solutions and practices.

These are results that — especially in times like these — encourage us and confirm that democracy in Switzerland is moving in the right direction.

You can download the entire study at www.chancenbarometer.com or order a print version.