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Democracy

How much protest should a democratic state accept?

Attention-grabbing stunts by climate activists have tested the limits of legitimate action in Switzerland and elsewhere. How should judges react?

By Domhnall O’Sullivan

Swiss Politics

Rebellious (but pragmatic) climate movements

By Alain Meyer

Climate change

Swiss climate activists continue to protest, but change ‘is not easy’

By Domhnall O’Sullivan

Science

What is your country doing to protect you from the impacts of climate change?

By Luigi Jorio

Key facts about Switzerland’s demining conference for Ukraine

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 The upcoming humanitarian mine action conference in Lausanne aims to explore viable solutions to address the threat of mines and unexploded ordnance.

Oleksandra Yevdokimova, deminer, Ukraine

‘Ukraine can be a tipping point’ for ridding the world of landmines

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 British photographer Giles Duley, who is speaking at this week’s Ukraine Mine Action Conference in Switzerland, says it’s time to end the use of landmines that kill long after wars are over.

About 23% of Ukraine's land potentially contains landmines and other explosive hazards.

Japan takes a leading role in removing Ukraine’s landmines

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, one-quarter of Ukraine has become riddled with landmines. An upcoming conference in Switzerland aims to find solutions, with Japan – one of the world’s leading countries in mine clearance assistance – playing a major role by drawing on decades of experience.

Denys Shmyhal, left, Prime Minister of Ukraines and Viola Amherd, center, President of the Swiss Confederation, shake hands next to Ignazio Cassis, right, Swiss Federal Councilor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs during the opening plenary at the Ukraine Mine Action Conference, in Lausanne, Switzerland, Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 Wage comparison, an interview with a Swiss Abroad in Lebanon and Roger Federer’s boathouse construction hits a roadblock: this in today’s briefing.

AI on trial – who is responsible when the algorithms mess up?

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 What happens when public prosecutors bring charges directly against artificial intelligence itself? A mock trial in Geneva recently found out.

Switzerland’s wealth managers bank on a future in Asia

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 Hong Kong and Singapore are the world’s rising wealth centres. How is Switzerland reacting?

Putting the fight against HIV back on the UN agenda

This content was published on Oct 15, 2024 In sub-Saharan Africa, 3,100 teenage girls and women are still infected with the virus every week. More needs to be done say UN organisations.

Recent stories for the Swiss Abroad community

Swiss Abroad

The Swiss Abroad in five charts

The number of Swiss people living abroad continues to increase, and many have more than one passport. Five charts explain their characteristics and geographic distribution.

By Pauline Turuban

Giusep, a dairy farmer on the Alpe di Ramosa.

Swiss Abroad

LA-based Swiss photographer turns lens on his Alpine village

By Claire Micallef

Swiss Abroad

Swiss popular votes – everything you need to know

Swiss Abroad

Dear Swiss Abroad, what difficulties did you encounter when your foreign spouse applied for Swiss nationality?

By Emilie Ridard

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Swiss Film Selection

SWI swissinfo.ch offers a selection of Swiss films in English chosen from the Swiss streaming platform Play Suisse.

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“Let’s Talk” is SWI swissinfo.ch’s format to discuss relevant topics with high-profile experts and political figures.

Special reports

Check out our long format stories on topics like the Swiss pharma industry, Switzerland’s struggles with dirty gold, and living in the Alps.

Switzerland: How To

How do you dispose of rubbish in Switzerland? What are the visa requirements? It’s all here.

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We’d love to hear what you think about what’s going on in the world. You can find all of our debate questions here.

Switzerland calls on Israel to halt attacks on Unifil in Lebanon

This content was published on Oct 14, 2024 Switzerland has called on the Israeli army to immediately cease all attacks on the UN observer mission Unifil in Lebanon.

Picture of Israeli soldiers next to crumpled-up UN vehicles in UNRWA compound

Guterres condemns Israel’s plan to label UNRWA a terrorist organisation

This content was published on Oct 9, 2024 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has spoken out against a law proposed by the Israeli parliament that would classify UNRWA as a terrorist organisation.

Tribute in Zurich to the victims of the Hamas attack in Israel

Vigils held in Swiss cities for October 7 attack victims

This content was published on Oct 8, 2024 Hundreds of people gathered in Zurich and Basel on Monday evening to pay tribute to victims of the October 7 attacks.

One year since October 7, seen from Geneva

This content was published on Oct 7, 2024 One year ago, Israel suffered a terrorist attack carried out by Hamas, from Gaza. The shock, suffering, and trauma were immense and Israel responded.

President Viola Amherd commemorates the victims of October 7

Swiss President remembers victims of October 7 attack

This content was published on Oct 7, 2024 One year after the attack on Israel by Hamas, Swiss President Viola Amherd remembered the victims and called for the release of all hostages.

Picture of two young girls in Palestine.

Inside Geneva special: a year of war in the Middle East

This content was published on Oct 7, 2024 A year after the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and the violent conflict that has ensued, we look back at our coverage of the Middle East crisis.

Mourning and words of warning at memorial event in Bern synagogue

Memorial service held in Bern for October 7 attack victims

This content was published on Oct 7, 2024 Over 200 people commemorated the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel one year ago in Bern’s synagogue on Sunday evening.

Middle East: solidarity and calls for peace in Switzerland

Swiss call for peace on eve of anniversary of October 7 terrorist attack

This content was published on Oct 6, 2024 Calls for peace and solidarity with the victims of the Middle East conflict are multiplying in Switzerland.

Thousands attend pro-Palestinian rally in Basel

This content was published on Oct 6, 2024 Several thousand people gathered in Basel on Saturday afternoon for a national pro-Palestinian rally.

Switzerland warns against traveling to Lebanon and Israel

Swiss nationals warned against travelling to Lebanon and Israel

This content was published on Sep 24, 2024 The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Bern has issued a warning against traveling to Lebanon and Israel.

FDFA expresses concern after explosions in Lebanon

Swiss foreign ministry expresses concern after explosions in Lebanon

This content was published on Sep 19, 2024 The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs has expressed its deep concern following the explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday. In a post on X, it calls on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint in order to prevent a major regional escalation.

Switzerland receives UN mandate for meeting on Middle East conflict

This content was published on Sep 19, 2024 Switzerland will organise a meeting of the parties to the Geneva Conventions on the Middle East conflict within six months.

SWISS cancels flights to and from Tel Aviv

This content was published on Sep 18, 2024 Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) has cancelled flights from Zurich to Tel Aviv and back on Wednesday and Thursday.

Swiss parliamentarians want to stop UNRWA funding

This content was published on Sep 10, 2024 On Monday, one of the two chambers of parliament in Bern voted to immediately stop payments to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

Swiss government wants to ban Hamas from Switzerland for five years

This content was published on Sep 4, 2024 The Swiss government has submitted to parliament its proposal to ban Palestinian militant group Hamas from Switzerland for five years.

Should raw milk sales be banned or should consumers decide?

Swiss food regulations do not allow raw milk to be sold for direct consumption. However, a loophole allows 400 raw milk vending machines to do just that.

Join the discussion

Oct 8, 2024

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Lift off! Swiss students build next-gen reusable rockets

This content was published on Oct 10, 2024 Rocket-building used to be the sole preserve of space-faring nations like the United States or Russia. Now many other players are getting involved from private companies to young researchers, even from Switzerland.

Breaking menstruation taboos in West Africa

This content was published on Oct 7, 2024 Over 300 million girls and women worldwide menstruate every day, yet in West Africa the topic remains taboo. Some NGOs are trying to change local attitudes to periods.

Fish stocks hit by warming lakes. Climate change seems partly to blame.

Fish species are disappearing as Swiss lakes warm up

This content was published on Sep 26, 2024 As temperatures climb in Switzerland, Swiss lakes, fish species and their natural habitat are also suffering. A look at the impact on Lake Geneva.

Biodiversity initiative: Reactions to the rejection

This content was published on Sep 22, 2024 Our reporters, Zeno Zoccatelli and Christian Raaflaub, have been speaking to both the initiative committee and the group opposing the referendum.

A popular initiative demanding greater living choices for people with disabilities in Switzerland has collected enough signatures for a national vote.

A better way to live for the disabled in Switzerland?

This content was published on Sep 18, 2024 A popular initiative demanding greater living choices for people with disabilities in Switzerland has collected enough signatures for a national vote.

Computer-generated image of the planned SedrunSolar park in canton Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland.

Construction starts on first large-scale solar park in Swiss Alps

This content was published on Sep 13, 2024 The first major solar project under the federal government’s “Solar Express” scheme is being built near the mountain village of Sedrun in southeast Switzerland.

Should the Swiss invest more in biodiversity?

This content was published on Sep 9, 2024 The Swiss will be voting on a biodiversity initiative on 22 September. It seeks to give nature more space and resources but is considered too extreme by its opponents.

Biodiversity initiative: ‘We don’t want parts of the country sealed off’

This content was published on Sep 9, 2024 Better protection for nature or more headaches for farmers? Two politicians discuss the biodiversity initiative in our ‘Let’s Talk’ series.

Storms in Swiss mountain areas keep visitors at bay

Mountain storms put damper on Switzerland’s summer visitor figures

This content was published on Sep 2, 2024 Storms in Swiss mountain areas keep summer visitors at bay.

A CHF100 banknote lying in a cardboard coffin next to a lit candle

How a Swiss banknote’s life comes to an end

This content was published on Aug 28, 2024 A banknote’s life is not eternal. What happens when it’s time to retire?

Public asked how to recover dumped munitions in Swiss lakes

This content was published on Aug 15, 2024 Authorities have launched a public competition for the best ideas for safely removing old ammunition from Swiss lakes

Genetically engineered barley, using the CRISPR/Cas method.

Genetically engineered barley grown in a secured field in Zurich

This content was published on Aug 9, 2024 Swiss scientists use the new CRISPR method of genetic engineering to try to boost crop yield.

To induce death, individuals climb into the pod-looking chamber and press a button inside that releases nitrogen into the chamber. The individual dies as a result of nitrogen hypoxia, a method which the makers claim is not painful.

Assisted suicide for CHF18 ($20)?

This content was published on Jul 27, 2024 This would be an “egalitarian” death, says Fiona Stewart, a founding member of the organisation The Last Resort.

Swiss On shoes share the spotlight at Paris Olympics

This content was published on Jul 26, 2024 At the Paris Olympics, some of the best athletes will be wearing products made by the Swiss sportswear brand, On.

‘Security here, freedom there’ – insights from a US trucker festival in Switzerland

This content was published on Jul 25, 2024 Many attendees at the International Trucker & Country Festival in Interlaken yearn for the freedom associated with the US. An academic in a cowboy hat explains why.

External Content

Reuters International

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 02:46

Discrimination still haunts Japan’s Nobel-winning A-bomb survivors

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 02:34

From Buenos Aires to Britain fans mourn One Direction’s Liam Payne

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 01:24

EU, NATO pledge Zelenskiy support but reticent on Ukraine ‘victory plan’

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 01:20

Russia takes control of village in eastern Ukraine, RIA reports

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 01:05

UK’s new foreign minister travels to China seeking ‘pragmatic’ ties

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 00:56

France’s Macron lambasts ministers, media over alleged Israel cabinet comment leaks

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 00:39

Sinwar’s death came at the end of months of searching by Israel

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 00:37

Hamas leader Sinwar killed by Israeli troops in Gaza, Netanyahu says war will go on

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 00:20

Biden administration eases restrictions on space-related exports to allies

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 00:19

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un says South Korea is a foreign, hostile country, KCNA says

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 00:13

EU leaders set course for tougher policy to send back irregular migrants

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 00:07

Exclusive-Global coral bleaching event expands, now the largest on record

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 23:54

Olympics-Russian minister calls for dialogue with IOC

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 23:29

One Direction bandmates ‘completely devastated’ by Liam Payne’s death

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 23:28

Biden, Harris say Hamas leader’s death can help end Gaza war

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 23:26

Analysis-After Sinwar death, Biden faces big obstacles to Gaza peace

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 23:24

Explainer-What we know about One Direction singer Liam Payne’s last hours

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 23:20

Biden in Germany for talks on Ukraine, Middle East

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 23:09

Yahya Sinwar: The Hamas leader committed to eradicating Israel is dead

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 22:44

Israeli military confirms Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is dead

Bloomberg Business

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 – 02:32

Bonds Sell Off as Traders Reprice Fed Rate Cuts: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 22:13

Wall Street Dials Back Fed-Cut Bets on Solid Data: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 17:57

European Shares Extend Gains as ECB Cuts Rates; Nestle Advances

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 13:32

Partners Said to Weigh Options for Conveyor-Belts Maker Ammega

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 13:23

Nestle’s New CEO Kicks Off Overhaul to Reverse Sagging Growth

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 08:54

Swiss Watch Exports Plunge as Chinese Demand Dries Up

This content was published on Oct 17, 2024 – 05:12

Hong Kong Regains Title as World’s Freest Economy From Singapore, Researcher Says

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 – 22:04

Stock Rotation Lifts Small Caps to Three-Year High: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 – 19:23

Swiss Government Proposes Sales Tax Rise to Finance Pensions

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 – 18:11

Switzerland Won’t Implement the EU’s Russia Sanctions on Subsidiaries

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 – 17:05

Lafarge to Face Trial Over Terrorism Funding Accusations

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 – 11:23

Holcim Considers Dual Listing of $30 Billion US Business

This content was published on Oct 15, 2024 – 22:02

Stocks Halt Rally as Nvidia, ASML Getting Crushed: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 15, 2024 – 14:19

Private Equity Pushes to Keep Dividends Even When Profits Slump

This content was published on Oct 15, 2024 – 11:00

UBS Hedge Fund Rides $4 Billion Bet on Merger-Arb Trade Revival

This content was published on Oct 15, 2024 – 10:19

UBS Must Revise Post-Takeover Emergency Plans, Finma Says

This content was published on Oct 14, 2024 – 22:02

Stocks Rise as Earnings Set to Kick Into High Gear: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Oct 14, 2024 – 06:00

SNB Will Make Two More Cuts to Bring Rate to 0.5%, Survey Shows

This content was published on Oct 13, 2024 – 15:32

Catastrophe-Bond Funds See Risk Premiums Rising After Milton

This content was published on Oct 11, 2024 – 22:05

Stocks Gain as Wall Street Banks Hit Two-Year High: Markets Wrap

The "Broken Chair" sculpture after was restored for the delight of tourists on the Place des Nations in front of the European headquarters of the United Nations, in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday 08 august 2024. The "Broken Chair" sculpture, by Swiss artist Daniel Berset, is a symbol for victims of the anti-person mines created in 1997 for Handicap International. (KEYSTONE/Martial Trezzini)

Key facts and figures on International Geneva

This content was published on Oct 15, 2024 In the last decade, the number of multinationals in Geneva has doubled, while the number of NGOs has also increased considerably.

What the US presidential elections mean for Geneva

This content was published on Oct 15, 2024 The US elections are around the corner. Will they actually change anything for Geneva and its institutions?

The Swiss Abroad in five charts

This content was published on Oct 14, 2024 The number of Swiss people living abroad continues to increase, and many have more than one passport. Five charts explain their characteristics and geographic distribution.

The Japanese ‘watch doctor’ who restores historic Swiss timepieces

This content was published on Oct 13, 2024 Masaki Kanazawa has forged a remarkable career in Western Switzerland’s ‘Watch Valley’.

Swiss drone-assisted wheelchair showcases AI’s promise and problems

This content was published on Oct 11, 2024 A wheelchair guided by AI and drones is being developed by Swiss-based researchers to enable people with disabilities to lead more independent lives. But many obstacles remain.

Groundbreaking solar railway project gets back on track

This content was published on Oct 11, 2024 Swiss authorities have given the greenlight to a three-year pilot project to install removable solar panels on a railway track in western Switzerland.

Climbing the iconic Eiger mountain in Switzerland

This content was published on Oct 4, 2024 The Eiger, situated in the Bernese Oberland, is one of the most famous mountains in the Swiss Alps. This spectacular video takes you on a climb to the top.

The pieces in the "Mechanical Marvels" exhibition at the Maison de la Mécanique d'Art in Geneva illustrate the art of the automatier in a simple and playful way.

Sainte-Croix: the Swiss village that keeps the tradition of automata alive

This content was published on Oct 5, 2024 The “Mechanical Marvels” exhibition at the Maison de la Mécanique d’Art in Geneva showcases automata and the work of mechanical artists from the Swiss village of Sainte-Croix.

Young person holding a cigarette in their hand.

New Swiss tobacco law: are minors sufficiently protected?

This content was published on Oct 3, 2024 Are minors in Switzerland sufficiently protected from the risks of tobacco consumption? Join the multilingual debate on “dialogue”!

The Swiss metal detectorist who helped find a Roman military camp

This content was published on Oct 2, 2024 Self-taught archaeologist Romano Agola talks about life as a detectorist and the “treasure hunter” phenomenon in Switzerland.

Object of a collection, terracotta sculpture of the «Tumbas de Tiro» tradition

Artefacts held in Swiss private collection return to Latin America

This content was published on Oct 1, 2024 Private individuals increasingly choose to return cultural artefacts to their countries of origin. Here’s a notable case from Switzerland.

LA-based Swiss photographer turns lens on his Alpine village

This content was published on Oct 1, 2024 For 30 years, Verner Soler, a Swiss photographer who lives in Los Angeles, has travelled back to Vrin in southeastern Switzerland to capture everyday life in the small mountain village where he grew up.

Swiss students drive rocket research forward

This content was published on Sep 27, 2024 Swiss students are propelling the future of space travel with innovative reusable rocket technology, putting Switzerland on the map in the global space race.

In Focus

Why melting glaciers affect us all

Alpine glaciers could disappear by the end of the century. The consequences will be felt not only in the Swiss Alps but throughout Europe.

Sister republics: Switzerland and the US

The US and Switzerland were known as “sister republics”. Explore the links that still bind these two very dissimilar countries.

Swiss federal votes on September 22, 2024

Biodiversity and pensions are on the agenda for the federal votes on September 22.

Taiwan: a model democracy

Taiwan has developed into an exemplary democracy. This can be seen in schools as well as in election campaigns – despite or because of its precarious status.