Balz Rigendinger

Expertise: society, politics, foreign relations. Initials: rig

Switzerland has many faces, and each has many stories to tell. I am interested in the country in all its diversity. I write about agriculture and banks, diplomats and folk-style wrestlers, but also industrial excellence and cultural achievements.

German Department

The Swiss are deeply divided over relations with the EU

This content was published on Oct 25, 2024 Despite little enthusiasm for the European Union, the Swiss consider the bilateral agreements with Brussels to be important.

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.

Swiss watchmakers have benefited most from the Swiss-China free trade agreement.

Why Switzerland seeks deeper ties with China

This content was published on Oct 2, 2024 There has been free trade between Switzerland and China for ten years. Now Switzerland wants to update the agreement. What advantages has it brought the two countries so far?

Parliament session: an autumn of anxiety

This content was published on Sep 27, 2024 What did the session bring? A lot of controversy, but little progress, especially from the perspective of the Swiss Abroad.

The biodiversity initiative was opposed by a broad alliance – the main right-wing and centre-right parties, as well as farming and business groups – which considered it “too extreme and ineffective”.

Vote analysis: ecological initiatives often fail due to resistance by Swiss farmers

This content was published on Sep 22, 2024 Political scientist Urs Bieri on the main lessons of Sunday’s votes in Switzerland on the biodiversity initiative and occupational pension reform.

Six lessons from Swiss voters’ rejection of occupational pension reform

This content was published on Sep 22, 2024 What’s to be learned from the latest Swiss attempt to overhaul its pension system?

‘Signatures scam’ reveals cracks in Swiss system

This content was published on Sep 6, 2024 Paper was regarded as a guarantee of security in the Swiss voting system. Those days are over. An analysis of a far-reaching paradigm shift.

The major battle of the autumn session will be fought on domestic policy, especially the funding of the army.

What you need to know about the Swiss autumn parliamentary session

This content was published on Sep 4, 2024 An overview of what’s on the agenda at the upcoming autumn session of the Swiss parliament.

Elected women from various parties in Basel celebrate their election results on 22 October 2023.

Switzerland’s new transparency rules fail to clarify party donations

This content was published on Aug 30, 2024 Switzerland has had new transparency rules for political financing for a year now, but newly published figures provide no clear answers on party donations – quite the opposite.

Occupational pensions reform: a complex vote on September 22

This content was published on Aug 7, 2024 The reform aims to secure pensions and improve the situation of part-time employees. We explain the complex bill.

‘We’ll take the time we need’ with EU negotiations, says top Swiss trade diplomat

This content was published on Jul 31, 2024 ‘Time pressure is the number one trap in any negotiation,’ warns Helene Budliger Artieda regarding negotiations with the EU.

OSA President Filippo Lombardi poses with participants of the Swiss Community Youth Camp on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Anniversary Trip to the Square of the Swiss Abroad

This content was published on Jul 17, 2024 The 100th Congress of the Swiss Abroad came to an end with a visit to the Swiss Abroad Square in Brunnen. A photo gallery.

The Council of the Swiss Abroad says yes to more democratic elections

This content was published on Jul 15, 2024 The delegates have approved a project for more direct elections. New electoral constituencies sparks debate, as does the decision to hold the Congress only every four years.

Swiss politicians concerned by Ukraine peace conference

This content was published on Jun 13, 2024 Switzerland did not invite Russia to its peace conference. Was this a mistake?

June 9 votes: Swiss government ‘clearly understood’ public mood

This content was published on Jun 9, 2024 Sunday's vote results are a testament to the organised Swiss politics of parliament and the federal government.

Six lessons from Swiss healthcare vote

This content was published on Jun 9, 2024 Swiss voters rejected two initiatives that offered solutions to healthcare woes. Why? And, what happens next?

Switzerland needs energy, but what kind?

This content was published on Apr 19, 2024 Switzerland wants to promote renewable energies via a new electricity law. Voters will decide on this on June 9.

Swiss citizen triggers uproar in Thailand

This content was published on Apr 14, 2024 A Swiss man living in Thailand lost his temper for a moment and sparked an unprecedented witch hunt. The Thai authorities have been forced to act.

Supporters of the 13th monthly pension payment initiative celebrate on March 3 in Bern.

Swiss decision to boost pensions was a ‘protest vote’

This content was published on Mar 4, 2024 Political scientist Urs Bieri analyses the results of the two important pension votes and their implications.