How Do Decentralized Federations Fare in Times of Crisis? Insights from Switzerland

Regional & Federal Studies 26 (2), 199-220, 2015

32 Pages Posted: 20 May 2015 Last revised: 8 Jul 2016

See all articles by Philipp Trein

Philipp Trein

University of Geneva - Department of Political Science and International Relations; University of Lausanne, IEPHI

Dietmar Braun

University of Lausanne

Date Written: May 18, 2015

Abstract

This article examines federal dynamics during times of crisis in a decentralized federation, taking Switzerland as an example. Based on qualitative research, we analyse how the relationship between the federal government and the cantons evolved since the 2008/09 demand crisis. Following common wisdom, we hypothesize that due to its decentralized structure, the Swiss federal model is well equipped to deal with economic and deficit crises. Our results show that Switzerland indeed adapted without any major federal conflicts in the 2009 recession, but this was only a short period of economic downfall. The more recent deficit crisis reveals that there are coordination problems, also in decentralized federations. In Switzerland, tax competition has reached a point where many cantons cannot continue reducing taxes but need to generate revenue to consolidate budgets. This puts stress on the federal order and important reforms, such as fiscal equalization, turn into substantial federal conflicts.

Keywords: Financial and economic crisis, debt crisis, federal dynamics, Switzerland

Suggested Citation

Trein, Philipp and Braun, Dietmar, How Do Decentralized Federations Fare in Times of Crisis? Insights from Switzerland (May 18, 2015). Regional & Federal Studies 26 (2), 199-220, 2015, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2607474 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2607474

Philipp Trein (Contact Author)

University of Geneva - Department of Political Science and International Relations ( email )

40 boulevard du Pont d'Arve
Genève 4, CH-1211
Switzerland

University of Lausanne, IEPHI ( email )

Quartier Chambronne
Lausanne, Vaud CH-1015
Switzerland

Dietmar Braun

University of Lausanne ( email )

Quartier Chambronne
Lausanne, Vaud CH-1015
Switzerland

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