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Vote February 9, 2020

Swiss voters will decide on a proposed reform of the anti-racism law to include homophobia and a proposal to boost social housing.

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This content was published on January 17, 2020 5:56 PM

Swiss Post posts parcels record

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swissinfo.ch’s international portal for people with a passion for politics

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Diplomatic history When Switzerland recognised the new China

Seventy years ago, Switzerland was one of the first Western nations to officially recognise the People’s Republic of China.

Iranian ambassador in Bern Iran: ‘Without Switzerland the situation could be worse’

Without Switzerland’s good offices, the situation in the Persian Gulf could deteriorate, says the Iranian ambassador in Bern.

Special reports

Tales from Peru Why Switzerland struggles with dirty gold

With gold prices the highest they’ve been in nearly a decade, the quest for the precious metal is heating up in a remote area of Peru where mining and criminal activities overlap.

Switzerland, the world's hub for gold refining, is watching closely.

Opinion ‘No to an initiative that is dictatorial, costly and not focused on real needs’

The initiative on more social housing is not in keeping with real economic or environmental needs, says Fabio Regazzi.

Opinion ‘Yes to an initiative promoting moderately-priced housing’

The free market in Switzerland has built housing units that remain empty because they are too expensive, says Marina Carobbio Guscetti.

Climate crisis Why most Swiss buildings are environmentally inefficient

Buildings account for about a quarter of annual CO2 emissions in Switzerland. But progress has been slow to do more to save energy.

Climate crisis Should the Swiss National Bank invest in fossil fuels?

Environmentalists’ targets include not only private banks like Credit Suisse, but also the Swiss National Bank. 

Jewish history A tale of passports, profiteers and escaping Nazi persecution

An exhibit in Basel is shining light on a little-known underground effort in Switzerland to help European Jews escape from Nazi-occupied territories.

sport and education Swiss schools stand by their ski camps

Despite some recent pushback, Swiss schools appear set to continue the tradition of ski camps for as long as there is enough snow.

Earthquake Haiti ten years on: the lasting benefits of Swiss donations and aid

On January 12, 2010, an earthquake devastated Haiti. Swiss aid work included providing water and rebuilding homes.