Akansoy: "Collective Wisdom Will Continue to Form the Backbone of Negotiation Processes"

Akansoy highlighted that one of the most striking features of the Swiss model is its "spirit of solidarity" and the "synergy" born from collective action. He noted that Switzerland’s federal system fosters social cohesion and inclusivity by ensuring open channels of direct democracy, allowing four linguistic communities—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—to maintain a shared standard of living across different cantons.

Direct Democracy and Cantonal Autonomy

The CTP official pointed out that Switzerland's federal structure grants each canton its own executive and legislative bodies, enabling flexible solutions to local needs. He emphasized that leaving key matters such as education and internal security to the discretion of individual cantons serves the principle of "unity in diversity."

“In Switzerland, the necessity of negotiating every issue may initially seem like a time-consuming process, but the will to coexist helps overcome this challenge," Akansoy said, adding that direct democracy tools such as referendums and public initiatives allow citizens to actively participate in decision-making.

Collective Benefit and Political Culture

Akansoy noted that Swiss politics operates in a semi-professional structure, where politicians maintain their primary professions while remaining closely connected to the public. He stressed that a culture of governance centered on collective benefit, rather than individual ambition, fosters a political atmosphere that prioritizes societal well-being.

A New Perspective for Cyprus

The program in Switzerland was attended by representatives from eight political parties in Cyprus, as well as experienced figures from negotiation processes. Organized by the "Cyprus Dialogue Forum" with support from the Swiss Foreign Ministry and the EU, the event provided an opportunity to reassess federal models, question societal expectations, and strengthen dialogue channels.

Akansoy reaffirmed CTP’s commitment to seeking a resolution to the Cyprus issue based on the lessons learned from Switzerland. "Solidarity, consensus, and collective wisdom will continue to form the backbone of negotiation processes," he concluded.