I've just returned from a radio discussion on whether Latvia should discourage popular initiatives and referenda. After all, we've had 5 in 5 years (not counting 3 elections). I think that this democratic activity has been good for Latvia.
Look at what the Swiss have just done - they've rejected 6 weeks of paid vacations via referendum. I'm almost sure that Latvia as a society - after having extensively debated the matter - would have done the same. It would be so disappointing if we lost the tradition of making the decisions directly, not always through our parliamentary representatives.
Eventually it seems that it all comes down to trust. Do we trust ourselves? Do we trust other citizens? If not, how else are we supposed to build that trust if not through common action, sometimes heated and emotionally unpleasant, but civil and respectful discussions? That's what is good about referenda. Even the last one on two state languages. It put our society through a tremendous stress-test, but we come out stronger and more aware as a result. We should believe in ourselves, in our society.
I do understand that it takes time. Even a game is no more possible, if the trust has been lost. But in case of Latvia the mutual trust was not there in the first place - so we cannot get it worse, we can only move forwards. And frequent referenda (with constitutional safeguards attached) is not a bad way to build the foundations for stronger, more inclusive, more participative democracy.
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