I just visited Switzerland not long ago (from May 20th to 23rd) and spoke with many people working on democracy at the Canton level, as well as political consultants. I think the common thread they pointed out to me is that because people feel a high degree of political engagement at the state level (and at the national level, if they choose), there is less room for populism to enter the conversation. They said it’s not that Switzerland doesn’t have populist politicians, but they tend to become more moderate over time. Populism is simply less popular when the people feel they are genuinely part of the process and don’t need a strongman to protect them from some danger.