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).
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.
Since the adoption of the Federal Constitution of 1848, ten interventions have been ordered within cantons, half of them in the Canton of Ticino:
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, orâÂÂas a last resortâÂÂmilitary intervention, which has never occurred.