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swiss vote on november 24

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Climate change

More heat pumps and less oil: how the Swiss heat their homes

Fossil fuels heat more than every second building in Switzerland.

The proportion of homes with a heat pump in Switzerland is higher than the European average. However, oil still heats more than a third of buildings.

By Luigi Jorio

Climate change

Can heat pumps solve the climate crisis? Can they also cripple the Russian economy?

By Luigi Jorio

Climate change

Why most Swiss buildings are environmentally inefficient

By Luigi Jorio

Science

Landmark ruling: Switzerland’s climate policy violates human rights

By Luigi Jorio

What is UNIFIL and how does Switzerland contribute to peacekeeping?

A Swiss military observer keeps watch over the Golan Heights in Israel

This content was published on Nov 20, 2024 UN peacekeepers face challenges amid Israel’s strikes on Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. SWI swissinfo.ch explores the roles of the UNIFIL and Switzerland in this volatile region.

Swiss prosecutors accuse Trafigura of paying €5million in bribes to Angolan official

This content was published on Nov 20, 2024 Unsealed indictment alleges Trafigura’s late founder, Claude Dauphin, masterminded a scheme to pay bribes to Angolan official.

"Untitled" (1979), by Verena Loewensberg. One of the pioneers of Concrete art, the artist has long been in the shadow of his (male) peers, more savy in self-promotion. Loewensberg's oeuvre is finally being 'rediscovered'.

From Dada to Concrete Art: when Zurich was a modernist battleground

This content was published on Nov 20, 2024 A new book about the pioneers of Concretism fills a gap in the history of the most internationally influential Swiss art movement of the 20th century.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 Political social media drama, a chalet that was a muse for a Beatles song and, of course, Swiss banks: this in today’s briefing.

Oleg Radzinsky: ‘I see nothing wrong with separatism’

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 Oleg Radzinsky, a Russian writer living in Switzerland, is a guest of On The Record. He discusses separatism in Russia and Vladimir Putin’s regime.

Corporate efforts to expand access to medicine stumble

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 Swiss firm Novartis tops the Access to Medicine Index for the first time. But the pharma industry still lags in making their medicine available to the poorest.

Bryan Cyril Thurston in his studio: the ambivalent depiction of the artist by his son also points to the potentially anachronistic nature of 1970s activist Romanticism.

Art, activism, and family legacy flow through a Swiss mountain pass

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 A new documentary about British-Swiss artist Bryan Cyril Thurston makes a nuanced case for the power of art as a form of environmentalist activism.

Recent stories for the Swiss Abroad community

Swiss Abroad

Taxes on pension payments: no problem for the Swiss Abroad

If Switzerland introduces more taxes on pension capital withdrawals, this will not affect Swiss nationals abroad. Tricks for them already exist.

By Balz Rigendinger

Swiss Abroad

Why can’t the Swiss government help projects like Edelweiss Village in Canada?

By Melanie Eichenberger

Swiss Abroad

Heard the one about the Swiss company installing laugh detectors?

By Thomas Stephens

Swiss Abroad

The Swiss Abroad in five charts

By Pauline Turuban

Swiss vote on November 24

Why cars still reign supreme in ‘rail-nation’ Switzerland

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 Some Swiss motorways are nearing saturation point. Some 50,000 hours were lost to traffic jams last year. But infrastructure is not the root of the problem, experts say.

November 24 votes: suspense remains

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 Will the Swiss government and parliament be defeated on all four issues that Swiss citizens vote upon on November 24? This scenario cannot be ruled out.

Motorway expansion vote: ‘We need to rethink the way we travel’

This content was published on Nov 14, 2024 Should Switzerland widen part of its motorway network? The two guests in our Let’s Talk debate discuss the proposal on which voters will decide on November 24.

Voters could scupper Swiss motorway extension plans

This content was published on Nov 13, 2024 Ahead of a nationwide vote on November 24, a slight majority is against plans to beef up the country’s motorway network.

Does Switzerland need bigger motorways?

This content was published on Nov 5, 2024 The Swiss are about to vote on a government plan to add lanes to six stretches of the country’s A1 motorway. The referendum will be held on November 24, 2024.

November 24 votes: are you ready?

This content was published on Oct 29, 2024 Welcome to our special newsletter devoted to federal votes in Switzerland. Find links to useful background information ahead of the votes on November 24.

Will Swiss voters accept standardised financing of healthcare?

This content was published on Oct 24, 2024 On November 24, Swiss voters will decide whether to accept uniform funding for healthcare. An explainer.

Voters to decide on major Swiss motorway expansion

This content was published on Oct 22, 2024 A referendum has been launched against the six-lane extension of the A1 motorway. Swiss voters will have their say on November 24.

Voters to decide if Swiss landlords need extra rights

This content was published on Oct 23, 2024 A national tenants’ association opposes two modifications to tenancy law and launched a double referendum. Voters will decide on November 24.

Swiss popular votes – everything you need to know

Subscribe to our special newsletter to get all the latest information you need on Swiss popular votes.

Swiss Abroad more favourable towards motorway expansion

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 As a rule, the disapora are more environmentally conscious in their voting behaviour but not this time.

What’s a referendum?

This content was published on Apr 15, 2015 A referendum is a nationwide vote called to challenge a piece of legislation already approved by parliament. If a group opposed to the new law manages to collect at least 50,000 signatures within 100 days of the official publication of the proposed legislation, it is again put to a nationwide vote. Such a vote is…

In search of the ‘authentic’ Swiss musical instrument

This content was published on Nov 16, 2024 The alphorn is the most emblematic instrument in Swiss folklore, but not necessarily the most authentic.

Heard the one about the Swiss company installing laugh detectors?

This content was published on Nov 9, 2024 A Swiss insurer is testing the frequency of laughter in an office to improve job satisfaction. Workers who don’t laugh enough are sent an email with a funny video.

Gold-digging: why some Swiss bury their wealth in the garden

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 The Swiss sometimes keep their gold in surprising places.

When a Roman emperor risks falling from his pedestal

This content was published on Oct 26, 2024 Almost 85 years after its discovery, the identity of the golden bust from Avenches remains a mystery.

The surprising boom of Switzerland’s least-loved coin

This content was published on Oct 19, 2024 Switzerland’s five-centime/Rappen coin is one of the least popular coins in Swiss wallets, so why is the number in circulation shooting up?

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.

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.

The Ticino palm falls victim to its atypical reproduction

This content was published on Sep 28, 2024 It has given southern Switzerland a tropical feel but the authorities have banned its sale.

A Swiss Ig Nobel laureate talks about side effects and placebo effects

This content was published on Sep 21, 2024 SWI swissinfo.ch speaks to the Swiss laureate of the 2024 Ig Nobel prize for medicine, who explains how his “winning” study is far from irrelevant.

‘That mummy is my great-grandfather’

This content was published on Sep 14, 2024 Former Swiss diplomat Claudio Mazzucchelli tells the incredible story of the discovery in Egypt of the mummy of his illustrious great-grandfather.

Feline felons: what to do with Switzerland’s killer cats?

This content was published on Sep 7, 2024 Cats kill millions of animals every year in Switzerland, but most politicians are reluctant to do anything about it. Would a “cat moratorium” make a difference?

Our highlights

Swiss popular votes – everything you need to know

Subscribe to our special newsletter to get all the latest information you need on Swiss popular votes.

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Visit our YouTube channel for informative and entertaining videos on a range of topics, including science, politics and Swiss people living abroad.

Listen to science stories with our podcast: The Swiss Connection

Explore Science stories and research from Swiss universities, research institutions and businesses. Please listen and follow the Swiss Connection Podcast.

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Download the SWIplus app and stay informed

Do you want to stay informed abroad? Now our app SWIplus offers even more Switzerland: with news, stories and our briefing!

Newsletters

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We’re now live on Threads too. Tap this link to follow our new account and get updates on all our stories from Switzerland.

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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.

Let’s talk

“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.

Join the conversation

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.

Lazzarini: no alternative to UNRWA in Gaza

This content was published on Nov 18, 2024 The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.

Geneva Conventions conference on Middle East scheduled for March 2025

This content was published on Nov 14, 2024 The conference on the Middle East of the 196 States party to the Geneva Conventions, organised by Switzerland, will take place in Geneva in March.

SWISS extends flight ban to Tel Aviv

This content was published on Nov 11, 2024 The Lufthansa Group, which includes Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has once again extended its flight ban to Israel.

Swiss foreign ministry memo on UNRWA funding raises alarm

This content was published on Nov 11, 2024 According to a Swiss foreign ministry internal memo, cutting off UNRWA supplies to Gaza could be a violation of the Genocide Convention.

Swiss foreign minister rebuffs Israel’s UNRWA decision

This content was published on Oct 30, 2024 Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis hopes that Israel will not implement its parliamentary decision to ban UNRWA.

Cassis calls for ceasefire in the Middle East

Swiss foreign minister calls for Middle East ceasefire

This content was published on Oct 29, 2024 At the UN Security Council in New York, Ignazio Cassis called for an end to the spiral of violence.

Switzerland concerned about implications of Israel’s laws against UNRWA

This content was published on Oct 29, 2024 The Israeli parliament voted in favour of a bill banning the activities of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in Israel.

SWISS extends suspension of flights to Tel Aviv

This content was published on Oct 28, 2024 Lufthansa subsidiary Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is still not flying to the Israeli coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv.

Council of States committee postpones decision on payments to UNRWA

UNRWA funding remains hot topic in Swiss parliament

This content was published on Oct 26, 2024 A Swiss parliamentary committee has postponed a decision on whether Switzerland should stop funding the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA.

Smoke billows after an Israeli air strike on Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, 16 October 2024. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, more than 2,350 people have been killed and over 10,906 have been injured in Lebanon since the start of hostilities. The Israeli Army said that the strikes early on 16 October targeted Hezbollah facilities in Beirut's southern suburb

Swiss expat describes the ‘total uncertainty’ of life in Lebanon

This content was published on Oct 25, 2024 A Swiss woman in Lebanon describes life amid the tense ongoing situation and fighting between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.

Swiss cancels flights to Beirut until at least January 18

SWISS cancels flights to Beirut until January

This content was published on Oct 23, 2024 Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has announced it will suspend flights to Beirut until at least January 18, 2025.

National Council committee wants to extend Hamas ban to include Hezbollah

Swiss parliamentary committee pushes to extend Hamas ban to include Hezbollah

This content was published on Oct 23, 2024 A committee of the Swiss House of Representatives has voted in favour of banning the Lebanon-based militia Hezbollah.

ICRC president: humanitarian law is violated ‘every day around the world’

This content was published on Oct 23, 2024 The Geneva Conventions celebrate their 75th anniversary against a backdrop of multiple armed conflicts.

SWISS extends cancellation of Tel Aviv flights

This content was published on Oct 21, 2024 Lufthansa, the parent company of SWISS, said it will continue to suspend all flights to and from Israel due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Almost 3,000 people demonstrate for Palestine in Geneva

This content was published on Oct 20, 2024 Almost 3,000 people took part in a solidarity rally for Palestine in Geneva on Saturday. The rally was organised by the BDS movement (Boycott – Divestment – Sanctions).

How can we avoid AI being monopolised by powerful countries and companies?

AI has the potential to solve many of the world’s problems. But the wealthiest countries and tech firms may seek to hoard these benefits.

Join the discussion

Nov 7, 2024

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Motorway expansion vote: ‘We need to rethink the way we travel’

Does Switzerland need bigger motorways?

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.

External Content

Reuters International

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 17:35

European nations denounce Russian hybrid attacks, cable cut probes launched

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 21:27

Tesla plant protesters hold out in trees as German police clear camp

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 16:46

Italy, Japan, Britain discuss broadening GCAP jet fighter project to other countries

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 16:36

Zelenskiy urges Germany to support Ukraine’s longer-range strike capabilities

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 21:35

Jailing of 45 Hong Kong democrats in national security trial draws criticism

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 16:21

Last Israelis in bombed out Metula hope for Lebanon ceasefire to rebuild lives

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 18:14

Thousands of British farmers protest against ‘tractor tax’ on inheritance

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 20:48

As truce talks progress, Lebanon’s army cornered by politics, funding

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 18:02

US won’t change nuclear posture after Russia lowers threshold, White House says

This content was published on Nov 20, 2024 – 02:09

Ukraine hits Russia with US ATACMS missiles for first time on war’s 1,000th day

This content was published on Nov 20, 2024 – 01:20

Putin issues warning to United States with new nuclear doctrine

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 16:07

Hamas-led force targets gangs looting Gaza aid convoys

This content was published on Nov 20, 2024 – 06:47

Xi asks Germany’s Scholz to help resolve issue of EU tariffs on Chinese EVs

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 15:34

Italy recovers Etruscan artefacts dug up by ‘amateurish’ tomb raiders

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 16:18

Ukraine passes 2025 budget with record defence spending

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 15:26

Russia starts making nuclear-resistant mobile bomb shelters

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 15:08

Italian lawmakers urge government to scale back crypto, web tax plans

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 15:01

Explainer-France’s Barnier likely to ram through budget bill as talks stall

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 18:49

End to Israel-Hezbollah war ‘within our grasp’, US envoy says

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 22:48

Pressure grows on Germany’s Scholz over bid for second term

Bloomberg Business

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 22:08

Stocks Shake Off War Angst Before Nvidia’s Results: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 18:54

Glencore Strikes Deal to Test Copper Leaching at Chile Mine

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 14:20

Trafigura Paid Bribes Via ‘Mr. Non-Compliant,’ Swiss Prosecutors Say

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 11:51

Nestle CEO to Separate Water Brands Into Standalone Business

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 09:05

Jupiter Hires Three GAM Fund Managers in European Equities Push

This content was published on Nov 19, 2024 – 08:55

Swiss Watch Exports Fall Again Amid Plummeting Demand in China

This content was published on Nov 18, 2024 – 22:01

Nasdaq 100 Halts Five-Day Slide as Treasuries Gain: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Nov 18, 2024 – 19:01

UBS Seeks Expanded US Banking License in Growth Push

This content was published on Nov 18, 2024 – 16:29

Botin’s Costly Credit Suisse Hiring Spree Is Reshaping Santander

This content was published on Nov 18, 2024 – 10:00

Shadow Banks to Face Reins on Leverage Following Watchdog Probe

This content was published on Nov 16, 2024 – 17:54

Xi Seizes Role as Global Defender of Free Trade Against Trump

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 – 22:39

US Stocks Erase More Than Half Post-Election Gains: Market Wrap

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 – 17:42

LVMH to Ramp Up Zenith Brand’s Production of Watch Movements

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 – 10:07

Swiss Growth Cools as Industry Weakness Weighs on Economy

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 – 02:45

The Five Under-the-Radar Travel Destinations the UN Says You Should Visit

This content was published on Nov 14, 2024 – 23:12

Stocks Get Hit as Powell’s Remarks Curb Fed Wagers: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Nov 14, 2024 – 09:25

UK Nears Free Trade Agreement With Gulf Countries Including Saudi Arabia

This content was published on Nov 14, 2024 – 04:52

UBS Fills Top Investment Bank Roles in Leveraged Finance, Health

This content was published on Nov 13, 2024 – 22:55

S&P 500 Struggles to Extend Post-Election Advance: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Nov 13, 2024 – 14:48

Blast at Givaudan US Plant Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured

How the Swiss help Madagascar’s cacao farmers confront climate change

This content was published on Nov 18, 2024 Madagascar is a key front line in the battle against climate change. It’s crucial for the future of Swiss chocolate, and the industry knows it.

Socar has around 200 Socar petrol stations dotted throughout Switzerland.

Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland

This content was published on Nov 17, 2024 Socar, Azerbaijan’s state energy company, is a key source of public funding for the country. It also relies heavily on business in Switzerland, where it has not escaped scrutiny.

Why cars still reign supreme in ‘rail-nation’ Switzerland

The mysterious Swiss fixer behind the operations of Azerbaijan’s presidential family

This content was published on Nov 16, 2024 A Swiss-French businessman has played a central role in setting up shadow companies for Azerbaijan’s ruling elite. We tried to track him down in Switzerland.

Brienz locals at a presentation which presented information on where movements in the upper part of the scree slope are threatening the small Graubünden village.

Geologist explains why Swiss mountain village faces another huge landslide

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 The chief geologist monitoring the Swiss mountain village of Brienz outlines the current landslide dangers and possible solutions.

Global firearm count surpasses one billion

This content was published on Nov 14, 2024 As armed conflicts intensify worldwide, the global arms trade is surging. Small-calibre weapons are increasingly funnelled into criminal networks.

Israel, diaspora, Gaza: Swiss film festival exposes the fault lines of Jewish identity

This content was published on Nov 9, 2024 Michel Rappaport, director of the Yesh! Jewish Film Festival in Zurich, talks about the soul-searching within the Jewish diaspora in the aftermath of the October 7 terrorist attacks.

Documentary portrays Swiss teenagers forced to return to parents’ homeland

This content was published on Nov 3, 2024 The documentary ‘My Spanish Friends’ tells the stories of teenagers from Biel/Bienne who have moved to Galicia, their Spanish parents’ homeland but unfamiliar territory to the youngsters.

Gold-digging: why some Swiss bury their wealth in the garden

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 The Swiss sometimes keep their gold in surprising places.

When a Roman emperor risks falling from his pedestal

This content was published on Oct 26, 2024 Almost 85 years after its discovery, the identity of the golden bust from Avenches remains a mystery.

Global rankings: where Switzerland gets good marks – and where it could do better

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 Whether it is quality of life, universities or globalisation, Switzerland regularly excels in international rankings. SWI swissinfo.ch digs into the results of recent global surveys.

The surprising boom of Switzerland’s least-loved coin

This content was published on Oct 19, 2024 Switzerland’s five-centime/Rappen coin is one of the least popular coins in Swiss wallets, so why is the number in circulation shooting up?

Rebels in the snow: a history of Swiss snowboarding

This content was published on Oct 18, 2024 A journey through 40 years of Swiss snowboarding culture, with the pioneers, punks and pop stars who triggered a revolution in winter sports.

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.

Swiss federal votes on June 9

Two initiatives aimed at stemming healthcare costs took centre stage when voters went to the polls on June 9.

illustration depicting federal voting in Switzerland.

Federal votes on March 3, 2024

Pension reform is once again at the heart of Swiss politics. On March 3, voters will decide on two people’s initiatives from opposing camps.

The key ingredients of the Swiss financial sector

Switzerland’s fabled financial sector is made up of several crucial elements.

illustration: sport washing the world cup

Sportswashing the World Cup from Geneva

This three-part investigation shows the lengths to which Qatar went to whitewash its reputation and the role Geneva played in this marketing stunt.

The ethics of artificial intelligence

The challenges are immense for Switzerland, which is one of the leading developers of artificial intelligence (AI).

Important members of the Swiss-Kosovan diaspora

Kosovo in Switzerland, Switzerland in Kosovo

The two small mountain countries are linked by a dense network of relationships: political, economic, historical, but above all human.

Swiss solutions for storing the energy of tomorrow

The global challenge is not only to produce more energy from renewable sources, but also to store it efficiently and sustainably.

A global stress test for freedom of expression

One of democracy’s fundamental pillars is under attack, and under scrutiny, across the world.

What was on the agenda for voters on June 18, 2023

Tax rules for multinationals, carbon neutrality, Covid prevention measures: it was a clear “yes” to all three issues on the ballot on June 18.

cartoon of hikers walking across a tree log

Why people in Switzerland trust the state

Stable country, stable money, stable lifestyles: in comparison, many things run smoothly in Switzerland. One factor is the high level of trust.

The changing face of International Geneva

International Geneva is an important hub for multilateralism. But it is facing some unprecedented challenges.

Woman sitting looking over the Aletsch glacier

Most Swiss doubt politicians’ ability to deal with climate change

This content was published on Nov 18, 2024 Two-thirds of Swiss believe global warming is a serious problem. However, only about a third thinks Swiss politicians can take sufficient measures on the issue.

Few people are sitting on the benches in a catholic church.

Poll finds over half of Swiss residents don’t believe in God

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 More than half of people in Switzerland who took part in a recent survey say they do not believe in God.

Hard drugs: does prohibition sometimes do more harm than good?

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 How can the growing consumption of crack cocaine in Switzerland be tackled? And what support can be provided to addicts? Join in the discussion!

Broken picture frame with an image of a woman with a child. - Picture frame, child, woman, shattered.

Fighting paedophile crime: What is the right balance between prevention and punishment?

This content was published on Oct 25, 2024 To fight paedophilia-related crimes, vigilante justice can take on a radical form. Fair or foul?

A customer sits behind his full shopping trolley and looks at his mobile phone

Cost-of-living crisis: only a minority of Swiss say they feel the pinch

This content was published on Oct 24, 2024 Around one-third of Swiss residents and the Swiss Abroad say their financial situation is a strain, while four out of five believe the wealth gap in Switzerland is too wide, a new survey shows.

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”!

Hunting: where two visions of nature clash

This content was published on Sep 19, 2024 It’s the hunting season again in Switzerland. Hunting is a well-established tradition in rural and mountain regions in Switzerland, but it also sparks criticism.

A smartphone with the APP of social networks Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Mastodon and X is pictured in Lausanne, Switzerland, Tuesday, September 12, 2023.(KEYSTONE/Laurent Gillieron)

Poll: Swiss are fed up with social media

This content was published on Sep 12, 2024 According to the latest figures, social media is being used less. One of the reasons: the platforms are no longer truly social.

Das Bundeshaus in Bern, aufgenommen bei starkem Wind

Poll: Switzerland is rather sceptical about the future

This content was published on Sep 5, 2024 Overall, people in Switzerland and the Swiss Abroad are doing well. But they are more pessimistic about the future than they were a year ago.

Poll: Swiss Abroad pensioners are enthusiastic while workers struggle

This content was published on Sep 5, 2024 Swiss pensioners abroad are generally happy with their lives but Swiss nationals who live and work overseas are less satisfied than the average citizen.

A man takes a prototype of the new insurance certificate of the AHV-IV (AHV: Federal old-age and bereaved people insurance/IV: Disabled people insurance) out of his wallet

‘Dialogue’: should the 2022 vote on the Swiss pension system be re-run?

This content was published on Aug 15, 2024 After news of miscalculated financial forecasts on the pension system, left-wingers want a re-run of a 2022 vote. What’s your opinion? Join the discussion on “dialogue”!

Waiter dressed in black in a restaurant in Zurich,

The ‘dialogue’ community wants to know: do we need a four-day work week?

This content was published on Aug 9, 2024 Should Switzerland introduce a four-day work week? Learn more about the topic with a selection of multimedia content and join the discussion.

People watch the fireworks during the Swiss National Day celebrations in Nyon on Monday 1 August 2022.

Swiss National Day: should fireworks for private individuals be banned?

This content was published on Aug 1, 2024 Many Swiss celebrate Swiss National Day on August 1 with fireworks. But the topic is controversial.

A nurse holding the hand of an elderly woman in a nursing home.

Assisted suicide: death with dignity or ethical dilemma?

This content was published on Jul 29, 2024 Assisted suicide is considered a controversial and personal topic. Does it mean death with dignity, or does it inevitably lead to an ethical dilemma?

Dr. Fernando Taveras, a psychiatrist and Hispanic mental healthcare expert with SOMOS Community Care Clinic, holds a model of a brain as he stands for a portrait in New York on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Mental health experts, community clinics and politicians are working to create new programs to break down barriers that Latinos might face to getting therapy or treatment.

Is Switzerland in a mental health crisis?

This content was published on Jul 19, 2024 Mental health has shifted more into focus in Switzerland, and the latest figures confirm an increase in mental illness.

Participating in democracy, a challenge for the Swiss Abroad

This content was published on Jul 12, 2024 Should the Swiss Abroad have more political influence in Switzerland? Join the discussion on “dialogue”.

Tourists wait with their cars for free parking spaces at the church car park, on Sunday, 19 May 2024 in Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland. The holiday resort of Lauterbrunnen wants to introduce an entrance fee for day tourists travelling by car. Like many other tourist resorts around the world, the municipality in the Bernese Oberland struggles with large streams of tourists.

Mass tourism in Switzerland: beneficial or detrimental?

This content was published on Jul 5, 2024 While some see tourism in Switzerland as a welcome boost, others are concerned about too many tourists in certain regions.

Primary school class 1c pictured during a double science and reading lesson at the schoolhouse Vinci, Public School Suhr, Canton of Aargau, Switzerland, on June 25, 2018. The Public School Suhr consists of kindergartens, primary schools and senior classes. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler)

Inclusive schools: beneficial for all?

This content was published on Jun 28, 2024 Inclusive schools, where children with disabilities are enrolled in regular schools, have been an issue of debate in Switzerland for several years.

People are walking, mountains in the background.

How are you? What is on your mind? Take part in our big survey

This content was published on May 24, 2024 We would like to know what concerns you in your everyday life and your thoughts on major issues of the time.

Demonstranten halten Transparente an der Kundgebung Basel Nazifrei in Basel, am Samstag, 28. November 2020.

Political rifts are less deep in Switzerland than elsewhere

This content was published on May 23, 2024 In Switzerland the emotional rifts in politics have not widened, a new study by the University of Basel shows.