In September, revelations of signature forgery by commercial collectors sparked a debate about the integrity of Swiss democracy. While initially dismissed as an operational error, the term “signature fraud” gained significance, ultimately being named Word of the Year for 2024. This issue highlights the undemocratic nature of profit-driven signature collection and challenges Switzerland’s self-image as a democratic stronghold. The jury also recognized terms reflecting diversity and climate concerns, emphasizing ongoing societal issues.
Signature Fraud: A Wake-Up Call for Swiss Democracy
In September, it was revealed that commercial signature collectors had engaged in forgery, altering names and signatures on initiative collection sheets. While media outlets buzzed with excitement over the scandal, the general public remained relatively unfazed, viewing it as just an operational mishap. Even the Word of the Year jury initially showed limited enthusiasm for the term “signature fraud.”
However, as the discussions progressed, the urgency of the term became increasingly apparent. Author Max Küng and slam poet Moët Liechti, both members of this year’s jury, noted that the term gained significance during their deliberations. Ultimately, “signature fraud” was selected as the Word of the Year for 2024.
Challenging the Foundations of Democracy
The implications of signature fraud raise troubling questions about the integrity of Swiss democracy. The practice of profiting from signature collection appears fundamentally undemocratic. By signing a collection sheet, citizens actively contribute to Switzerland’s political dialogue. The prospect that initiatives could have emerged through fraudulent means is alarming.
This issue compels us to reconsider whether Switzerland truly represents the stronghold of democracy we take pride in. In a broader context, the jury also highlighted other significant terms. “Diverse” captured the essence of multiplicity and was chosen as the second most significant word, reflecting the extensive discussions around diversity. In the Italian-speaking regions, “non-binary” took the top spot, emphasizing that the conversation around diversity extends beyond gender identity to encompass a wider societal understanding.
Additionally, the jury debated the term “debris flow,” which gained prominence due to recent landslides, including notable events in Brienz (GR) and other Alpine areas. While three words are typically selected each year, it is impossible to encapsulate every relevant term, leaving out significant discussions such as “climate seniors” and the ongoing “Middle East conflict.” The jury did address this last topic by selecting “Cessez-le-feu” (ceasefire) as the French Word of the Year.
At first glance, the selected German Words of the Year may appear unremarkable; they are not trendy buzzwords or tied to fleeting events. Instead, they reflect broader themes and enduring challenges: threats to democracy, the importance of diversity, and the pressing issue of climate change—all of which resonate deeply with our society today.
Moreover, “signature fraud” serves as a time capsule encapsulating the essence of 2024, highlighting issues that are distinctly Swiss in nature. The dialectal roots of “fraud” and the Helvetic significance of “debris flow” fulfill the criteria for words that resonate with Swiss identity.