More Swiss set to rebuff right-wing attack on EU immigration Swiss set to rebuff right-wing attack on EU immigration This content was published on Sep 26, 2020 Sep 26, 2020 Voters on Sunday will have the last word on a proposal to scrap a major immigration accord with the EU.
More Swiss set to vote on multi-billion fighter jet purchase This content was published on Sep 26, 2020 Sep 26, 2020 “Luxury” toys or vital means of defence? Swiss voters on Sunday decide a CHF6 billion funding packet to buy new fighter jets for the air force.
More Family-friendly proposals set for mixed results at ballot box This content was published on Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020 Swiss voters on Sunday will decide whether to approve two weeks’ paternity leave and more generous tax deductions for families with children.
More Citizens to decide who can pull trigger on wildlife This content was published on Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020 Voters are deciding whether parliament’s changes to Swiss hunting laws go too far, or whether to endorse them at the ballot box this Sunday.
More Swiss Abroad furious about missing voting documents This content was published on Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020 Tens of thousands of Swiss living abroad are estimated to have received their voting documents too late to vote on Sunday – if at all.
More Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland This content was published on Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020 Since mid-June the number of new cases has risen steadily. A combination of measures and restrictions is in place to keep the situation under control.
Switzerland and UK balance sovereignty with EU market access This content was published on Sep 23, 2020 Sep 23, 2020 Switzerland and Britain are walking a tightrope of meeting domestic demands for self-determination and EU requirements on market rules.
More Swiss set to rebuff right-wing attack on EU immigration This content was published on Sep 26, 2020 Sep 26, 2020 Voters on Sunday will have the last word on a proposal to scrap a major immigration accord with the EU.
More Swiss set to vote on multi-billion fighter jet purchase This content was published on Sep 26, 2020 Sep 26, 2020 “Luxury” toys or vital means of defence? Swiss voters on Sunday decide a CHF6 billion funding packet to buy new fighter jets for the air force.
More Citizens to decide who can pull trigger on wildlife This content was published on Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020 Voters are deciding whether parliament’s changes to Swiss hunting laws go too far, or whether to endorse them at the ballot box this Sunday.
More Family-friendly proposals set for mixed results at ballot box This content was published on Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020 Swiss voters on Sunday will decide whether to approve two weeks’ paternity leave and more generous tax deductions for families with children.
More Swiss Abroad furious about missing voting documents This content was published on Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020 Tens of thousands of Swiss living abroad are estimated to have received their voting documents too late to vote on Sunday – if at all.
More Anti-EU immigration initiative set to flop, pollsters say This content was published on Sep 16, 2020 Sep 16, 2020 A right-wing proposal to scrap an immigration accord with the European Union is unlikely to win approval in a nationwide vote later this month.
More Paternity leave set to win endorsement at ballot box This content was published on Aug 20, 2020 Aug 20, 2020 A ten-day statutory leave for fathers of new-born children in Switzerland is within reach according to pollsters. Voters have the final say on the...
More Direct democracy: a passenger aboard every fighter jet This content was published on Sep 2, 2020 Sep 2, 2020 The 24 popular votes on national security since 1977 have all served to strengthen, rather than weaken, the army.
More Why voting by mail is rarely easy This content was published on Sep 7, 2020 Sep 7, 2020 The US, Poland and Switzerland show that introducing and maintaining postal voting is full of potential pitfalls.
More Anti-immigration plan fails to inspire voters, poll finds This content was published on Aug 20, 2020 Aug 20, 2020 Ahead of September’s ballot, a proposal to scrap an immigration deal with the EU enjoys limited support among Swiss voters, an opinion poll has found.
More Why Swiss voters will decide again on EU immigration This content was published on Aug 10, 2020 Aug 10, 2020 The proposal to scrap a labour accord with the European Union is the latest attempt by right-wing parties to restrict immigration to Switzerland.
More Swiss voters hold the keys to new fighter jet fleet This content was published on Aug 7, 2020 Aug 7, 2020 The Swiss air force’s credit package for the purchase of new fighter jets has been challenged to a referendum by pacifists and left-wing parties.
More Are ten days of paternity leave too much or not enough? This content was published on Aug 4, 2020 Aug 4, 2020 Why the statutory ten-day paternity leave in Switzerland has been challenged to a nationwide vote.
More Reform seeks to protect wildlife and Alpine farming This content was published on Aug 13, 2020 Aug 13, 2020 The growing wolf population in Switzerland is at the centre of discussions about a reform of the country’s hunting law.
More What’s the controversy around planned tax breaks for childcare? This content was published on Aug 3, 2020 Aug 3, 2020 Parliament has agreed on measures to alleviate the tax burden on parents. Opponents argue it gives well-off families an unfair advantage.
More How referendums have shaped the European project This content was published on Aug 30, 2020 Aug 30, 2020 Over the past half-century, citizens in almost 30 countries, Switzerland included, have been asked to say yes or no to “more” Europe.
More Immigration vote: ‘The People’s Party campaign just hasn’t caught on’ This content was published on Sep 16, 2020 Sep 16, 2020 For such a high-stakes decision, the campaign is lacklustre. Have Swiss voters lost interest in the issue of immigration?
More Swiss referendum adds pressure to strained relationship with EU This content was published on Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020 The Alpine nation’s vote on immigration is the latest step in a tug-of-war with Brussels.
More Immigration initiative could spell trouble for Swiss expats This content was published on Aug 26, 2020 Aug 26, 2020 Approval of the right-wing initiative could have a negative impact on many Swiss living in European countries.
More Swiss fighter pilot: ‘It’s fascinating that man can build and control such machines’ This content was published on Aug 23, 2020 Aug 23, 2020 As the national vote on a new fighter jet purchase approaches, Captain Maurice “Moe” Mattle of the Swiss air force tells us about his job.
More National security and the ballot box: an odd couple around the world This content was published on Sep 8, 2020 Sep 8, 2020 Switzerland is an exception when it comes to voting on military affairs. But other countries – and their citizens – are not uninterested in this...
More Why Switzerland doesn't have paternity leave This content was published on Aug 19, 2020 Aug 19, 2020 The Swiss will vote on September 27 on whether to introduce two weeks of paternity leave. Why is Switzerland so late in this?
More Paternity leave: ‘Nobody is talking about the indirect costs’ This content was published on Sep 17, 2020 Sep 17, 2020 Switzerland doesn’t need two weeks of paternity leave, says Radical-Liberal politician Yasmine Bourgeois.
More Will proposed tax deductions for families with kids benefit mainly the rich? This content was published on Aug 5, 2020 Aug 5, 2020 A fact check of the main objection left-leaning parties have to proposed tax breaks that Swiss voters are to approve in a September referendum.
More How will the pandemic influence Switzerland’s upcoming votes? This content was published on Aug 3, 2020 Aug 3, 2020 The pandemic has left its mark on almost all areas of life in Switzerland. How will it weigh on national votes in September?
‘It’s an anti-Europe initiative in disguise’ This content was published on Aug 12, 2020 Aug 12, 2020 Radical Party parliamentarian Daniela Schneeberger says she opposes the anti-immigration initiative because it undermines Switzerland's prosperity.
‘Fight injustice by giving preference to locals when hiring’ This content was published on Aug 12, 2020 Aug 12, 2020 Why should voters decide to scrap the free movement of people accord with the EU? Céline Amaudruz sets out the arguments of the Swiss People's Party.
‘The purchase of new fighter jets cannot be put off’ This content was published on Aug 20, 2020 Aug 20, 2020 Fighter jets are an integral part of the security system keeping Switzerland safe, argues People’s Party member Thomas Hurter.
No to ‘unnecessary luxury planes’, yes to a ‘defence system adapted to the risks’ This content was published on Aug 20, 2020 Aug 20, 2020 The purchase of new fighter jets is “a superfluous luxury for the daily air police”, argues parliamentarian Brigitte Crottaz.
Paternity leave: too costly and superfluous in the midst of a crisis This content was published on Sep 9, 2020 Sep 9, 2020 Introducing paternity leave while the economy languishes in its worst recession since 1975 would be irresponsible, says Michele Moor from the Swiss...
Paternity leave: an important step towards a modern family policy This content was published on Sep 9, 2020 Sep 9, 2020 A two-week paternity leave would give fathers equal rights and reduce the risk to mothers’ careers, says Senator Maya Graf of the Green Party
Law paves way for ‘coexistence between wolves and humans’ This content was published on Aug 13, 2020 Aug 13, 2020 Senator Stefan Engler is convinced that the revised hunting law is a sound basis to regulate the wolf population.
No to a hunting law which allows ‘firing at will’ This content was published on Aug 13, 2020 Aug 13, 2020 Parliamentarian Isabelle Chevalley calls on voters to throw out the reform of the hunting law.
Switzerland is not an island This content was published on Sep 7, 2020 Sep 7, 2020 As Switzerland prepares to vote on whether it should barricade itself off from the world, my thoughts turn to what I consider quintessentially Swiss.
Wolves and immigrants: votes expose our fears This content was published on Sep 14, 2020 Sep 14, 2020 Reasonable fear is a prerequisite for survival. Analyst Daniel Warner asks how we determine what is a reasonable fear, looking at upcoming votes.
Join the discussion Multinational companies Jessica Davis Plüss What is your experience with Covid-19 testing? What have your experiences with Covid-19 testing been so far and how do you feel about the idea of more testing, for example, in schools and airports?
More Swiss referendum adds pressure to strained relationship with EU This content was published on Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020 The Alpine nation’s vote on immigration is the latest step in a tug-of-war with Brussels.
More Funding of political life in Switzerland still lacks transparency This content was published on Sep 25, 2020 Sep 25, 2020 Switzerland is known for its system of direct democracy and part-time politicians, but also for its lack of transparency in political financing.
More Pause and play: the Swiss film industry through the pandemic This content was published on Sep 24, 2020 Sep 24, 2020 Covid-19 restrictions are disrupting filming worldwide. This is how Swiss directors have been coping with the situation.
We agree with the EU on one point - we must get out of this dead end This content was published on Sep 24, 2020 Sep 24, 2020 The announcement of a new European migration plan is a rare occasion to act, says MSF director of operations Christine Jamet.
More Tastemaker Givaudan savours smell of success This content was published on Sep 24, 2020 Sep 24, 2020 You may not have heard of Givaudan but you will almost certainly have eaten, worn or washed in something it has made.
More Nurses around the world take to the streets This content was published on Sep 23, 2020 Sep 23, 2020 Nurses around the world are demanding better working conditions, with demonstrations also planned in Switzerland.
Old houses tell Switzerland's story This content was published on Nov 17, 2018 Nov 17, 2018 Historically, rural Swiss dwellings displayed a diversity of styles, depending on the local geography and building materials available. A look at...
Rebel chic: a Swiss view of a post-war generation This content was published on Nov 14, 2018 Nov 14, 2018 In the late 1950s photographer Karlheinz Weinberger focused his camera on Switzerland’s postwar generation of misfits and young rebels.
Gory glory! In the ring with Switzerland’s boxing champs This content was published on Jul 15, 2017 Jul 15, 2017 In the early years of the 20th century, boxing was booming in Paris. On the front line was the Swiss former world champion Frank Erne.
Annemarie Schwarzenbach: on desolate roads heading east This content was published on Nov 24, 2017 Nov 24, 2017 Shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, the Swiss author and photographer Annemarie Schwarzenbach travelled to the Middle East.
More Bally keeps in step with the times This content was published on Oct 12, 2019 Oct 12, 2019 A region in northern Switzerland lived and worked in harmony with the Bally shoe factory. The rest as they say is history.
More Survival and fate on display at Vevey photo festival Survival and fate on display at Vevey photo festival This content was published on Sep 18, 2020 Sep 18, 2020 This year's edition is fittingly called “Unexpected. The randomness of things".
More Marc Bauer, an artist overwhelmed by too many crises and prizes This content was published on Sep 12, 2020 Sep 12, 2020 Prize-winning Swiss artist Marc Bauer talks to swissinfo about life in Berlin, and his fascination with the internet and contemporary history.
Is this man the last Swiss cowbell maker? This content was published on Sep 10, 2020 Sep 10, 2020 Peter Preisig is keeping alive the traditional art of cowbell-making in the Alps.
More Women’s football showcased in Zurich This content was published on Sep 9, 2020 Sep 9, 2020 The 50th anniversary of the women’s football league in Switzerland is being marked with a special exhibition in Zurich.
Why the world should take note of the Swiss apprenticeship model Some consider the system the “gold standard” in vocational training.
Switzerland is not an island This content was published on Sep 7, 2020 Sep 7, 2020 As Switzerland prepares to vote on whether it should barricade itself off from the world, my thoughts turn to what I consider quintessentially Swiss.
More Switzerland is everywhere in space research This content was published on Sep 6, 2020 Sep 6, 2020 Swiss technology can be found in space from Mars, to the Moon, Jupiter and beyond.
More What remains of Swiss democracy after Covid-19 measures? This content was published on May 22, 2020 May 22, 2020 Parliament was cancelled. A referendum was postponed. The government ruled alone by emergency decree. Where does that leave direct democracy?
More Should we draw lots for fairer elections? This content was published on Jun 26, 2019 Jun 26, 2019 Two researchers from the University of Lausanne have been studying the notion of chance in politics.
More How to motivate young adults to participate in politics This content was published on Aug 10, 2018 Aug 10, 2018 Voter turnout among young adults is well below the population average. We discover the true political interests of young people.
More What is federalism? This content was published on Sep 7, 2018 Sep 7, 2018 In Switzerland, state power is spread over three levels: the federal government, the 26 cantons and the 2,222 municipalities.
More Making your voice heard in a democracy This content was published on Sep 8, 2017 Sep 8, 2017 How do people find their political fit and motivation, particularly migrants?
More Politics: the tough task of educating the Swiss This content was published on Feb 22, 2019 Feb 22, 2019 Is it a surprise that it can be a challenge to promote political education even in a country with a highly developed system of direct democracy?
More How to serve up an initiative that is hard to digest This content was published on May 25, 2018 May 25, 2018 Some Swiss votes can be very technical and the need for independent viewpoints is vital. But experts can be incomprehensible and not very neutral.
More Citizens’ Juries – providing a neutral recommendation on voting issues This content was published on Dec 21, 2018 Dec 21, 2018 Switzerland plans to test the use of a citizens’ jury whereby a few randomly selected citizens provide a balanced assessment of voting issues.
More How to implement successful people's initiatives This content was published on Oct 13, 2017 Oct 13, 2017 After the people vote in favour of an initiative, parliament gets to work. How do they make new decisions compatible with existing laws?
More When you cast your vote far from home This content was published on Aug 18, 2017 Aug 18, 2017 Why do the Swiss abroad vote differently from the Swiss at home? An expert takes a closer look at the political profile of the Swiss diaspora.
