Op-ed: Lessons from Switzerland could help Nepal's journey with federalism

Switzerland has been practising federalism for the past 177 years. The country has continuously adapted to its institutions and practices. This long history makes Switzerland a rich source of lessons for Nepal, which is still in the early stages of its federal experiment—barely a decade since adopting a federal constitution in 2015, and with only eight years of practical implementation since the federal units elections of 2017 and 2022. Nepal, as it struggles with constitutional reform, institutional strengthening, leadership change and effective public service delivery, has much to learn from Switzerland. [ . . . ] Switzerland shows that federalism succeeds through adaptation, inclusiveness and stability, not rigidity. Nepal is only 10 years into its new constitutional journey, with real implementation time limited to eight years. Leadership remains fragile, and institutions are still consolidating. Switzerland demonstrates that stability requires continuous change: Nearly 200 constitutional amendments have kept its system relevant. Leadership rotation prevents dominance: The Swiss president changes every year, and ministers collectively run the government. Public service delivery is professionalised, not politicised. These are precisely the areas where Nepal must improve.
Read the full article here: Kathmandu Post