Gestion de la COVID-19 en Suisse : expertise scientifique et démocratie de consensus en temps de crise

Details

Ressource 1Download: Mavrot 2024_Chapter Premat et al. Comparing Experts Covid.pdf (174.88 [Ko])
State: Public
Version: Final published version
License: Not specified
Serval ID
serval:BIB_6F7F707E9C9A
Type
A part of a book
Publication sub-type
Chapter: chapter ou part
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Gestion de la COVID-19 en Suisse : expertise scientifique et démocratie de consensus en temps de crise
Title of the book
Comparing the place of experts during the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, In: Premat, C., De Waele, J.-M., & Perottino, M. (eds.)
Author(s)
Mavrot Céline
Publisher
Stockholm University Press
ISBN
9789176352472
Publication state
Published
Issued date
05/09/2024
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Pages
265-296
Language
french
Abstract
This contribution analyses the place of experts during the
COVID-19 crisis management in Switzerland. In this situation,
political authorities strongly emphasised that their decision
relied on the scientific expertise, to an unprecedented extend in
Switzerland. The government set up a double system of expertise:
an independent and consultative scientific task force on the one
hand, and experts from national public agencies on the other hand.
This chapter has three focuses. First, it examines the function of this
system of expertise for the political authorities (responsibility-
sharing and blame avoidance mechanisms). By displaying its col-
laboration with scientific experts, the government gains some
leeway to adopt potentially unpopular measures, and asserts the
need to stand united in the crisis. Second, the chapter analyses
the composition of these two expert panels, as well as their inde-
pendence from political authorities. It shows that while external
experts voiced public criticism against some political decisions,
the administrative experts remained subordinated to the political
hierarchy. Third, the chapter highlights the role of counter-power
that scientific expertise can temporarily play in such a situation.
The executive branch gained substantial power during the crisis,
while legislative and judicial activities were partly suspended. Thus, the chapter highlights the role of expertise in crisis situations
as well as, more generally, its function in democratic systems.
Keywords
Covid-19, Crisis management, Governance, Expertise, Blame avoidance
Create date
09/09/2024 14:31
Last modification date
10/09/2024 7:24
Usage data