Olivier Pauchard

Expertise: history, religion, defence, politics. Initials: op

Specialist in federal politics. Earlier worked at the Swiss national news agency and at Radio Fribourg.

Switzerland, the promised land of coats of arms

This content was published on Dec 14, 2024 Most Swiss families have a coat of arms. This may come as a surprise abroad, where heraldry is often the preserve of nobility.

An alphorn player in traditional costume on a meadow overlooking Lake Lucerne.

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.

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 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.

The Congress of the Swiss Abroad, taking place July 11-13 in Lucerne, will mark the 100th time that Swiss citizens living abroad will meet in Switzerland.

After 100 years, the Swiss Abroad Congress remains politically significant

This content was published on Jul 10, 2024 While the Congress has evolved over the years, its core mission remains the same: to unite the Swiss Abroad and raise awareness of their specific needs.

Postage stamps celebrate the Swiss Abroad

This content was published on May 14, 2024 The Swiss Abroad community is the focus of a new series of stamps designed by Swiss youth who live around the world.

Elections 2023: Swiss parliament shifts to the right

This content was published on Oct 23, 2023 Final results for the 2023 Swiss federal elections show that the Swiss parliament will be more right-wing and less green.

Uncovering myths and truths behind Swiss witchcraft trials

This content was published on Oct 20, 2023 Records of witchcraft trials in Switzerland give an insight into who was prosecuted.

view of the city of Bern with mountains behind

Should Switzerland add a new article on religion to its Constitution?

This content was published on Oct 15, 2023 In Switzerland, questions of religion are largely handled at the cantonal level – which can lead to some gaps in legislation.

Salle du Conseil national entièrement vide

2023 Swiss federal elections – how to complete ballot papers correctly

This content was published on Aug 17, 2023 Ahead of October’s parliamentary elections, a brief refresher on the various ways of filling out your ballot paper.

Swiss to create world’s biggest digitised artwork

This content was published on May 7, 2023 Researchers in Switzerland plan to digitise the monumental “Battle of Murten” historic painting and create an immersive 3D experience for the public.

Cervelas en train de griller dans un feu

‘Cervelat is the ultimate Swiss food’

This content was published on Mar 7, 2023 Swiss gastronomy is brought together in a book for the first time.

Workshops help imams immerse themselves in Swiss reality

This content was published on Jan 22, 2023 Hansjörg Schmid, director of the Swiss Centre for Islam and Society, takes stock of the institution's first further education course for imams.

Archaeology helps debunk myths of Celtic Switzerland

This content was published on Nov 26, 2022 New digs uncover objects that give a clearer picture of how the Gauls lived.

When cultural heritage becomes collateral damage in war

This content was published on Apr 15, 2022 Dozens of churches, historical sites and museums have been damaged by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to UNESCO.

Deserted street at St Moritz in January 2021.

Epidemics change, but fear remains

This content was published on Nov 30, 2021 The coronavirus pandemic is a reminder of humanity's vulnerability. According to medical historian Alain Bosson, it has also awakened old fears.

The Lion of Lucerne: the controversial tourist attraction

This content was published on Aug 7, 2021 Two centuries on, the memorial honouring the sacrifice of the Swiss Guards remains a political flashpoint.

Covid-19 poll: Swiss morale picks up

This content was published on Jul 9, 2021 The morale of the Swiss population seems to have improved due to better management of the pandemic, a new Covid survey finds.