Separation of Powers and KlimaSeniorinnen

Charlotte E. Blattner (author)

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Title	Separation of Powers and KlimaSeniorinnen
Contributor	Charlotte E. Blattner (author)
DOI	https://doi.org/10.59704/3f49776eda0e8e72
Landing page	https://verfassungsblog.de/separation-of-powers-and-klimaseniorinnen/
License	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Publisher	Verfassungsblog
Published on	2025-09-09
Long abstract	Especially in Switzerland, the KlimaSeniorinnen ruling has been met with sharp criticism. The rightwing Swiss People’s party (Schweizerische Volkspartei, SVP) (predictably) accused the Court of judicial overreach and demanded that Switzerland leave the Council of Europe. The ECtHR decision directly addresses separation of powers and the role of the judiciary in adjudicating human rights, specifically in the context of climate change. This post unpacks the decision and argues that concerns about ECtHR overreach are unwarranted. It shows how the judgment forms an integral part of democratic governance (particularly in Switzerland) whilst being conducive to better laws and policies.
Language	English (Original)

Especially in Switzerland, the KlimaSeniorinnen ruling has been met with sharp criticism. The rightwing Swiss People’s party (Schweizerische Volkspartei, SVP) (predictably) accused the Court of judicial overreach and demanded that Switzerland leave the Council of Europe. The ECtHR decision directly addresses separation of powers and the role of the judiciary in adjudicating human rights, specifically in the context of climate change. This post unpacks the decision and argues that concerns about ECtHR overreach are unwarranted. It shows how the judgment forms an integral part of democratic governance (particularly in Switzerland) whilst being conducive to better laws and policies.