Switzerland's Landsgemeinde: The Open-Air Democracy That Endures

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Landsgemeinde — Switzerland's ancient tradition of open-air assemblies where citizens vote by show of hands. Found today only in Appenzell Innerrhoden and Glarus, this direct democratic practice dates back to the 13th century and shaped the Swiss identity long before modern ballots. We discuss how the Landsgemeinde worked in practice: the ceremonial ring of swords, the role of the Landammann, and the exclusion of women until 1991 in Appenzell. We also examine its decline: why most cantons abandoned it in the 19th century, and why two still keep it alive. Along the way, we touch on the link between Landsgemeinde and Swiss neutrality, the myth of the Rütli oath, and the quiet power of face-to-face consensus. A story of democracy not as a system but as a lived, seasonal ritual in an Alpine meadow. #Landsgemeinde #AppenzellInnerrhoden #Glarus #DirectDemocracy #SwissDemocracy #Landammann #SwissCantons #AlpinePolitics #Rütli #SwissNeutrality #WomenSuffrage #1991 #13thCentury #OldSwissConfederacy #OpenAirAssembly #SwitzerlandHistory #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo