In Switzerland, a federal intervention is an action undertaken by the federal government either within a canton or against a canton (in the latter case, it is termed a federal execution).
Legislation
Federal intervention is authorized under Article 52 of the Federal Constitution, which states:
This intervention is also detailed in Articles 173 paragraphs 1 to 3 (Further duties and powers), and 186 (Cooperation between the Confederation and the Cantons).
An intervention may only be decided by the Federal Assembly. However, in urgent cases, the Federal Council may order one and seek subsequent approval. This provision has never been invoked. When deciding on an intervention, Parliament typically appoints one or more civil or military commissioners tasked with mediation and authorized to request military support if necessary.
During an intervention, federalism principles are temporarily suspended, and public authority shifts from the canton to the Confederation.
Interventions within cantons
Since the adoption of the Federal Constitution of 1848, ten interventions have been ordered within cantons, half of them in the Canton of Ticino:
+DateEventCantonDetails1855PronunciamentoTicinoConflicts between radicals and conservatives1856Neuchâtel CrisisNeuchâtelRoyalist coup d'état1864Riots following the non-election of James FazyGenevaFazy was one of the founders of the Radical Party1870Conflict over the choice of the cantonal capitalTicinoDispute over the cantonal capital1871Tonhalle riotZürichDisturbances between interned members of the Armée de l'Est and Germans celebrating their victory, later joined by workers1875Miners' strike at the Gotthard tunnelUriGotthard strike1876Stabio strugglesTicinoConflicts between radicals and conservatives in Stabio1889Struggles during elections to the Grand CouncilTicinoParty conflicts during Grand Council elections1890September RevolutionTicinoOverthrow of the conservative Respini government and death of State Councillor Luigi Rossi during an uprising on 11 September by liberal-radicals dissatisfied with the delay in examining a constitutional revision proposal1932November 1932 Geneva shootingGenevaRiots between right- and left-wing extremists
Federal execution
A federal execution is an intervention by the Confederation against a canton that fails to fulfill its obligations. Preceded by a formal warning, it may involve substitution, suspension of subsidies, or—as a last resort—military intervention, which has never occurred.
+DateDescriptionCanton1850Dispatch of federal commissioners to monitor political refugeesGeneva1855Dispatch of federal commissioners to monitor political refugeesGeneva1869Enforcement of an arbitral awardUri1884Adoption by Ticino of electoral provisions illegal under federal lawTicino
See also Swiss Federal Constitution Neuchâtel Crisis Sonderbund War
References
Bibliography