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Democracy

Social media fragmentation: do online platforms drown democracy in noise?

Three people, seen from below, hold smartphones while standing behind a concrete barrier against a clear blue sky.

With online platforms under pressure and AI set to flood the internet with content, is it all over for the ideal of a harmonious digital public sphere?

By Domhnall O’Sullivan

A deepfake image, created by AI, portrays Kamala Harris as a communist dictator.

Democracy

US disinformation surge rings alarm bells for Swiss direct democracy

By Sara Ibrahim

Life & Aging

Why are you avoiding the news?

By Simon Bradley

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)

Life & Aging

Poll: Swiss are fed up with social media

By Jürg Tschirren

Swiss Abroad more open to sustainable economy

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 Most Swiss Abroad voters rejected the initiative on environmental responsibility on Sunday, but without inflicting the same defeat as the rest of the country.

Swiss voters reject green overhaul of economy

This content was published on Feb 9, 2025 Citizens have said a clear no to an ambitious proposal by the Young Greens to bring the country’s economy into line with “planetary boundaries”.

In the front row from left to right: Olivia Senn, Young Greens campaigner, Linus Dolder, Young Greens member Magdalena Erni, Co-President of the Young Greens, Mirjam Hostetmann, President of JUSO, react to the projected rejection of the only federal initiative on the ballot, the “environmental responsibility initiative”, on Sunday February 9, 2025.

Green vote failure: ‘Swiss voters don’t like bans’

This content was published on Feb 9, 2025 The “environmental responsibility initiative” wanted a rapid transition to a sustainable economy. Political analyst Cloé Jans explains why it failed.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Feb 9, 2025 Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected the only federal initiative on the ballot, as well as most of the cantonal proposals.

‘Swiss engineering at its best’: the steepest cable car in the world

This content was published on Feb 8, 2025 A section of the Schilthornbahn cableway is the latest example of breathtaking engineering in the Swiss Alps. But how steep is it?

A Tesla Model Y is inspected on the production line at the Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg on December 16, 2024.

Electric car sales accelerate worldwide but stall in Switzerland

This content was published on Feb 7, 2025 Sales of electric cars in Europe and Switzerland have fallen after years of growth. But there is good news for those wanting to buy an electric vehicle this year: prices are expected to sink.

This latest twist in the Swiss chapter of the Magnitsky case continues to place Switzerland at odds with rulings in the countries where funds were hidden including the US and the UK. In these countries Hermitage Capital was named as a victim of the Russian fraud scheme. Funds linked to the fraud were permanently confiscated or paid out as a settlement with authorities.

New ruling on Magnitsky case forces banks to choose between Swiss judiciary and US sanctions

This content was published on Feb 7, 2025 The latest Swiss ruling in the Magnitsky case could force banks to breach international law. Experts say Swiss banks may face sanctions in the US.

Recent stories for the Swiss Abroad community

Swiss Abroad

Spring begins in Geneva when the official horse chestnut tree says so

It’s spring in Geneva when the secretary general of the cantonal parliament sees the first leaf on the city’s official horse chestnut.

By Zeno Zoccatelli

Swiss Abroad

Solothurn, the Swiss city that goes up to 11

By Riccardo Franciolli

Luc Liebster in the cramped kitchen of the Canopia.

Swiss Abroad

Swiss chef Luc Liebster blends cultures with unique culinary creations

By Flurina Dünki

Swiss Politics

‘Parliamentarians are constantly campaigning’

By Samuel Jaberg

Guide to moving abroad

Emigration and pension benefits: how to save on taxes

This content was published on Jan 28, 2025 Taxes are due when withdrawing pension fund capital. Swiss citizens living abroad may, under certain circumstances, reclaim a portion of these taxes.

Swiss abroad health insurance – what are the options?

This content was published on Jan 6, 2025 Should you take out insurance abroad? Or with a health insurance company in Switzerland? Is that even possible? We explain.

A family of five paddling in the sea at sunset, on the beach.

Emigration: what steps should I take to leave Switzerland?

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 This article, along with a practical checklist, will guide you step by step through the emigration process – supplemented with further helpful articles and links.

Emigrating with family: what to do if a child doesn’t want to move

This content was published on Dec 17, 2024 New surroundings, new school, new friends – emigration can be a daunting prospect for children. Two experts share their tips.

From emigration to arrival: How to successfully integrate abroad

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 From culture shock to new friendships: experts share their tips for successful integration and making new friends.

young woman sitting on the floor in an empty room with laptop and suitcase

What you need to know to get a job abroad

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Emigrating from Switzerland in search of work in another country? Here is some sound advice.

Files next to a globe on a desk in an office of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office in Neuchatel in the canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland, pictured on November 6, 2010.

Tax information when emigrating from Switzerland: what you need to know

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Tax liability in Switzerland does not always end at the country’s border – here’s what you should bear in mind when moving abroad.

Bank account for Swiss citizens living abroad

Five things to know about your Swiss bank account before emigrating

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Swiss Abroad frequently pay significantly higher fees at Swiss banks than their compatriots in Switzerland. You can find an overview of prices here.

Private relocation, two young ladies carry a crate into a house. packing boxes well is inmportant for Moving abroad

Moving abroad: a helpful checklist

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Planning on emigrating? This checklist including expert tips will guide you through the logistical steps.

From CV to interview: how to apply for a job abroad

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Applying for jobs in other countries means adjusting to different standards and expectations.

Swiss state pensions abroad and what you need to know

This content was published on Apr 8, 2023 How can I claim my state pension abroad? Can I still make voluntary contributions from outside Switzerland? Answers to some FAQs.

Swiss passengers queuing to check in their luggage in a Swiss airport

Culture shock: The four phases of emigration

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Moving abroad is an exciting but often challenging experience. Many emigrants experience different phases between culture shock and assimilation.

Voting from abroad: How to register for Swiss elections

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 Switzerland grants voting rights to its citizens living abroad. If you want to exercise your voting rights, you must first get on the electoral register.

Swiss Oddities

‘Swiss engineering at its best’: the steepest cable car in the world

This content was published on Feb 8, 2025 A section of the Schilthornbahn cableway is the latest example of breathtaking engineering in the Swiss Alps. But how steep is it?

An eye-opening guide to Switzerland’s ear-splitting sirens

This content was published on Feb 1, 2025 Every year, on the first Wednesday in February, the sound of 7,200 sirens fills the Alpine air, startling anyone who doesn’t know it’s a test.

Spring begins in Geneva when the official horse chestnut tree says so

This content was published on Jan 25, 2025 It’s spring in Geneva when the secretary general of the cantonal parliament sees the first leaf on the city’s official horse chestnut.

Weapons or uniforms? The cost-cutting Swiss army has chosen

This content was published on Jan 18, 2025 One casualty of the Swiss Armed Forces’ austerity measures is the dapper service uniform.

Solothurn, the Swiss city that goes up to 11

This content was published on Jan 11, 2025 Eleven is a magic number for residents of Solothurn, Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque city. But why?

Happy – and creepy – New Year in Switzerland!

This content was published on Dec 31, 2024 Billions of people around the world will be marking the New Year somehow – and the tradition-loving Swiss are no exception.

Ubersitz, the utterly unique – and deafening – Swiss custom

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 At the end of the year the villages around Meiringen pump up the volume and bizarre characters celebrate the ancient tradition of Ubersitz.

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.

How Swiss festive bad boy Schmutzli cleaned up his act

This content was published on Dec 7, 2024 Once upon a time, a mysterious dark-faced figure would enter Swiss homes on December 6, beating and (briefly) abducting children into behaving better. Schmutzli needed an image makeover.

The CHF1,000 dance of death and other unforgettable Swiss banknotes

This content was published on Nov 30, 2024 The Swiss National Bank puts a lot of thought into the design of its banknotes, some of which really grabbed the public’s imagination.

Hornussen, the Swiss national sport with a sting

This content was published on Nov 23, 2024 The Swiss sport of Hornussen invariably generates stunned reactions from people seeing it for the first time.

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.

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.

Our highlights

Coming soon: our new podcast ‘Lost Cells’

Follow us on TikTok!

Come visit us on TikTok for our behind-the-scenes footage and short videos on everything from culture to politics to Swiss traditions.

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.

Watch us on YouTube!

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.

Follow us on WhatsApp

Receive news from Switzerland and our latest stories directly in WhatsApp. Check out our new channel and make sure to hit ‘follow’.

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

Follow us on Threads

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

Follow us on Telegram

You can now also read us on Telegram. Follow this link to subscribe to our channel!

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.

Switzerland adopts wait-and-see approach to Trump Gaza plan

This content was published on Feb 6, 2025 The Swiss foreign ministry is waiting for concrete details about US President Donald Trump’s plan to take control of Gaza.

"Still a lot of evidence" of crimes "preserved" in Syria

UN investigators report evidence of crimes in Syria and call for national dialogue

This content was published on Feb 1, 2025 UN investigators in Geneva report ample evidence of crimes in Syria and urge the regime to follow through on its promise of a national dialogue.

GE: over 2000 people at pro-Palestine march

Palestinian solidarity demonstration draws 2,000 people in Geneva

This content was published on Jan 26, 2025 Some 2,200 people took to the streets in Geneva Saturday to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and to denounce Swiss policy in the Middle East.

Iran nuclear talks in Geneva before Trump's return

Geneva hosts Iran nuclear talks before return of Trump

This content was published on Jan 14, 2025 Iran and the main European powers began two days of talks in Geneva on Iran’s nuclear programme on Monday, a week ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president.

Opinion

Iran won’t compromise on nuclear issues unless forced

This content was published on Jan 12, 2025 Germany, France and the UK are meeting in Geneva to discuss the future of Iran’s nuclear programme. How can they push Iran to end it?

Swiss foreign ministry to re-examine case of Swiss Islamic State fighter

This content was published on Dec 27, 2024 The Federal Supreme Court has accepted the appeal of a Swiss former fighter for the Islamic State held in Syria.

Divisional Officer Patrick Gauchat now also responsible for Golan Heights

Swiss major-general named acting head of UN observer force in Golan Heights

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Major-General Patrick Gauchat has been appointed acting head of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.

Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests

This content was published on Dec 22, 2024 Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.

Swiss midwife responds to call for aid from Gaza

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 Drones, conflict, and new life: Swiss midwife Tamara Bonc describes what it’s like to work in the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah.

Child sitting on top of bags of flour donated to UNRWA

Switzerland and UNRWA: timeline of a rocky relationship

This content was published on Dec 19, 2024 Switzerland is considering ending its funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees – the latest chapter in the country’s turbulent history with the agency.

Parliament wants to ban Shia militia Hezbollah in Switzerland

Parliament votes to ban Shia militia Hezbollah in Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 17, 2024 Swiss lawmakers want to ban the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah in addition to the Palestinian organisation Hamas.

Syria needs more "immediate humanitarian aid

UN envoy to Syria calls for ‘immediate humanitarian aid’

This content was published on Dec 15, 2024 According to UN estimates, over a million people have been displaced since the rebel offensive aimed at ousting Bashar al-Assad.

A woman waves an Syrian opposition flag in celebration days after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in Damascus, on December 12, 2024.

Swiss justice minister discusses plight of Syrian migrants in Brussels

This content was published on Dec 13, 2024 Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans met his European counterparts in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the situation of Syrian asylum-seekers in Europe. Jans called for coordinated action by European states.

Gaza has been at the centre of conflict since the 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas

Switzerland supports UN Gaza ceasefire resolution

This content was published on Dec 12, 2024 Switzerland votes in favour of a UN resolution calling for lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of the hostage.

Hamas fighters celebrate the massacre of Israelis on 7 October 2023.

What does banning Hamas mean for neutral Switzerland?

This content was published on Dec 11, 2024 Is Swiss foreign policy harmed if the neutral country bans Hamas? No, says parliament.

What factors should be taken into account when inheriting Swiss citizenship abroad?

Should there be a limit to the passing on of Swiss citizenship? Or is the current practice too strict and it should still be possible to register after the age of 25?

Join the discussion

Feb 10, 2025

View the discussion

Watch now

Environmental responsibility initiative: the winners and losers speak

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 Opponents and supporters of the unsuccessful initiative explain the significance of the result.

Discovering ancient microorganisms inside Swiss glaciers

This content was published on Jan 29, 2025 Follow a team of scientists on the Rhône glacier as they hunt for new – and potentially beneficial – microorganisms which are increasingly being released from the melting ice.

Should the Swiss economy be forced to respect the limits of nature?

This content was published on Jan 23, 2025 On February 9, the Swiss will vote on the “environmental responsibility” initiative. The text requires the economy to respect the planet’s limits.

‘Uncertainty is the worst enemy of international trade’

This content was published on Jan 10, 2025 Against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, with whom and how should Switzerland trade? Our Let’s Talk debate tackles these issues.

Photo of two women sitting at a desk in an office looking at their laptops

How we work: the impact of our investigations

This content was published on Dec 28, 2024 How do SWI swissinfo.ch journalists conduct their investigations, and what impact do they have?

‘Parliamentarians are constantly campaigning’

This content was published on Dec 4, 2024 One year after Swiss national elections, are parliamentarians still in tune with the people and are they defending the interests of the Swiss Abroad?

The 10 Million initiative: putting a cap on immigration.

Putting the brakes on immigration in Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 2, 2024 The right-wing Swiss People’s Party has launched an initiative to stop the Swiss population exceeding 10 million people.

The rocky relationship between Switzerland and the European Union

This content was published on Nov 26, 2024 The Swiss president, Viola Amherd, would like to seal a deal by the end of the year to update relations with the European Union.

How the poorest country in Europe is integrating 120,000 Ukrainian refugees

This content was published on Nov 25, 2024 No country has taken in as many Ukrainian refugees relative to its population as the Republic of Moldova.

Reactions to ‘no’ vote on Swiss motorway expansion project

This content was published on Nov 24, 2024 On Sunday, a majority of Swiss voters (52.7%) rejected a CHF5 billion government plan to extend key stretches of the motorway network.

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.

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.

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.

External Content

Bloomberg Business

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 – 14:27

Dollar, Gold Rise After Trump’s Latest Trade Salvo: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Feb 9, 2025 – 22:08

Inflation Is Proving Sticky as Fed Chair Powell Heads to the Hill

This content was published on Feb 9, 2025 – 16:16

Swiss Voters Reject Emission Curbs Over Economic Concerns

This content was published on Feb 7, 2025 – 22:19

Stocks Slide as Tariff Angst Adds to Price Worries: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Feb 6, 2025 – 22:21

Stocks Up Before Jobs as Amazon Hit in Late Hours: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Feb 6, 2025 – 15:54

Philip Morris Hits Record After Beating Estimates on Zyn Demand

This content was published on Feb 5, 2025 – 22:16

Stock Traders Look Past AI Jitters as Bonds Climb: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Feb 5, 2025 – 22:09

Audrey Hepburn’s Swiss Retreat La Paisible Lists for $21 Million

This content was published on Feb 5, 2025 – 13:03

Switzerland’s Finma Pushes Back Against Calls to Protect UBS

This content was published on Feb 4, 2025 – 22:51

Tech Hit in Late Hours as Alphabet, AMD Tumble: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Feb 4, 2025 – 11:23

UBS Says Swiss Capital Rule Would Mean Higher Profit Retention

This content was published on Feb 4, 2025 – 11:15

UBS Buyback Plans Fail to Cheer Investors Awaiting Capital Rule

This content was published on Feb 4, 2025 – 10:18

UBS Has Cut 10,000 Jobs Since Credit Suisse Takeover in 2023

This content was published on Feb 4, 2025 – 09:45

UBS CEO Warns Markets Don’t Price In Inflation From Tariffs

This content was published on Feb 4, 2025 – 08:26

Chinese Tariffs on US LNG Set to Reroute Global Trade Flows

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 – 22:47

S&P 500 Cuts Most of Its Losses on Tariff Hopes: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 – 17:55

European Shares Pare Drop as Mexican Tariffs Delayed for a Month

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 – 15:31

Julius Baer CEO’s First Strategy Moves Marred by Benko Hangover

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 – 13:56

Safra Sarasin Is Said to Explore Deal for Denmark’s Saxo Bank

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 – 09:50

Julius Baer Plunges as Bank Announces Cuts But No Strategy Plan

Switzerland is closing down aid projects in Zambia

Foreign aid cuts: where does Switzerland stand?

This content was published on Feb 7, 2025 Cuts in international aid funding has become a global trend. Where is Switzerland positioned on development finance?

After the first ‘Sarco pod’ death, will Switzerland introduce stricter rules for assisted suicide?

This content was published on Feb 6, 2025 The first death to come about using the Sarco capsule has reignited debate on whether assisted dying should be more tightly regulated in Switzerland.

Interior cabin view of the modern Dassault Falcon 2000S business jet at the Paris Air Show.

As private jet flights soar in Switzerland, so do their CO2 emissions

This content was published on Feb 5, 2025 Private jet flights and their emissions have soared in recent years, and Switzerland is one of the top destinations for the heavy-polluting planes.

Federal Councillor Viola Amherd leaves the conference hall after announcing her resignation during a media conference,

Is the job of Swiss government minister too complex and ‘politically exposed’?

This content was published on Feb 5, 2025 The position of Swiss government minister seems to have lost its shine – that is according to a non-representative survey of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC)’s “dialogue” community.

An eye-opening guide to Switzerland’s ear-splitting sirens

This content was published on Feb 1, 2025 Every year, on the first Wednesday in February, the sound of 7,200 sirens fills the Alpine air, startling anyone who doesn’t know it’s a test.

A visitor looks at a virtual version of her heart at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona 2024.

Digital citizens could shake up democracy in Switzerland and beyond

This content was published on Feb 4, 2025 Leading experts in medicine and business are pinning their hopes on digital twins. Two economists have a bold proposal that could reshape democracy.

Swiss marine scientist dives into paradise in the Seychelles

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 Swiss marine scientist Henriette Grimmel lives on a remote island in the Seychelles. She spends her days studying life in the ocean.

She doesn't have to yell to make her point: Anne-Marie Miéville with Jean-Luc Godard in a scene of her film "Nous sommes tous encore ici" (We are all still here), 1996.

Beyond Godard’s shadow: in search of the evasive Anne-Marie Miéville

This content was published on Jan 30, 2025 The Swiss filmmaker Anne-Marie Miéville is perhaps best-known as Jean-Luc Godard’s partner in life and art. Her films are now gaining new attention at festivals.

The Swiss Alps, a new Eldorado for real estate developers

This content was published on Jan 22, 2025 The Swiss Alps are attracting a growing number of investors, prepared to pump hundreds of millions of francs into vast tourist complexes. But at what cost?

What happened to the Olympic millions for breaking?

This content was published on Jan 22, 2025 An investigation into breaking at the Olympics reveals a story of power plays, opaque cash flows and dodgy deals.

Abortion in Europe: a right for some, a fight for millions of others

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 As US President Donald Trump takes office following a campaign where access to abortion was a central theme, Europe also finds itself at a crossroads between liberal policies and restrictive laws.

Illustration of a person climbing a mountain and another person with a snowboard

Beyond the peaks: seven films to discover the Swiss mountains

This content was published on Jan 19, 2025 This season of Swiss Films celebrates the Swiss mountains, from punk winter sports and climbing legends to pioneering women and melting glaciers.

"It is impossible to fully go back, neither physically nor as a person," says Chris/Nadia Brönimann.

Switzerland’s most renowned trans person no longer wants to be a woman

This content was published on Jan 12, 2025 Chris Brönimann became Nadia just before the turn of the millennium. Now Switzerland’s most famous transgender figure is publicly grappling with regret over that choice.

In Focus

How Switzerland is managing foreign aid at a time of global upheaval

Switzerland, like other rich nations, is grappling with a shrinking foreign aid budget, as the war in Ukraine forces a reset in its priorities.

Moldova: A small neutral country at the crossroads between the EU and Russia

Switzerland is committed to democracy education and the integration of Ukrainians in Moldova.

What does the future hold for Swiss neutrality?

Switzerland is grappling with a key question: should it follow a path of openness or isolationism?

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.

Is the job of Swiss government minister too complex and ‘politically exposed’?

Are young women and men in Switzerland drifting apart?

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 Political views of young women and men are drifting apart – a phenomenon that can be observed around the world.

a girl holds up a sign with "girl power" written on it,

Are initiatives to combat gender-based violence having an impact?

This content was published on Nov 29, 2024 Authorities and civil society are looking for ways to deal with gender-based violence. Are these initiatives having an impact? Join the discussion.

The Swiss have embraced AI at record speed

This content was published on Nov 21, 2024 A new study shows that half of the Swiss population uses AI but the technology is also increasing digital inequality.

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.

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.