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Swiss Politics

Will Switzerland finally do away with imputed rental-value tax on homeowners?

The Swiss imputed rental value system is complicated and provides opportunities for tax breaks. Citizens will vote on the issue on September 28.

By Balz Rigendinger

Two people in silhouette look at mobile phones while a contrail of an aircraft is seen in the sky in the evening twilight, at Zurich Kloten Airport, pictured in Ruemlang, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (KEYSTONE/Michael Buholzer)

Demographics

No house generation: the impossibility of buying property in Switzerland

By Marc Leutenegger

Property in Switzerland is expensive - and the debt burden is also high.

Demographics

Mortgages in Switzerland: how the system works

By Marc Leutenegger

Demographics

What are your experiences with housing shortages and rising property prices?

By Marc Leutenegger

Lobbyists and oil-producers blamed for failure of Geneva plastics treaty

This content was published on Aug 18, 2025 Talks on a binding treaty on plastic pollution broke down on Friday. Several experts are pointing the finger at interest groups and oil- and plastic-producing countries.

A baby yawns into its hand. It is wrapped in a teal blanket with a blue knitted hat on its head with a white flower and red trim. An adult’s arm can be seen cradling the child and another adult’s hand is touching its head.

How Switzerland deals with potentially problematic first names

This content was published on Aug 17, 2025 In Germany, a newborn is to be given the name Yahya Sinwar – like the former Hamas leader. Would this be possible in Switzerland?

Citizens can download a test version of electronic identity to familiarise themselves with the tool.

Swiss voters to decide – again – on introducing electronic ID

This content was published on Aug 15, 2025 A key step towards a digital society or a threat to data protection? On September 28, the Swiss will vote again on a new e-ID scheme.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Aug 18, 2025 Behind the scenes of Donald Trump’s conversation with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and the plummeting level of German among Swiss schoolchildren.

Digital architecture sets world record in Swiss Alps

This content was published on Aug 16, 2025 At 30 metres, Tor Alva – the White Tower of Mulegns – is the tallest 3D-printed building in the world.

Swiss director Simon Edelstein’s triumphant return to Locarno, 50 years later

This content was published on Aug 16, 2025 This year the Locarno Film Festival paid homage to the influential Swiss director Simon Edelstein.

Paradeplatz Square with the headquarters of Credit Suisse, center, pictured on April 11, 2018. (KEYSTONE/Gaetan Bally)

‘Luck running out’ for Swiss economy as growth slows ahead of US tariff hit

This content was published on Aug 15, 2025 Swiss GDP only expanded by 0.1% in second quarter, adding to pressure on central bank to return to negative interest rates.

Geopolitics

Lobbyists and oil-producers blamed for failure of Geneva plastics treaty

‘Luck running out’ for Swiss economy as growth slows ahead of US tariff hit

Dmitry Muratov: ‘I’m not afraid to live without hope’

Women of the Helsinki Movement

Trump’s tariffs expose weakness of Switzerland’s economic independence

Switzerland remains under economic pressure from the United States following the announcement of the so-called "Liberation Day".

How Trump is manoeuvring Switzerland closer to the EU

Taiwan is voting to restart a nuclear power plant – what’s at stake?

What do 39% US tariffs mean for the Swiss economy?

Jackie Chan will receive a honour Pardo prize for his career at Locarno. The festival will screen some early Jackie Chan films, like "Project A" (1983), pictured above with Chan in the center.

How the Locarno Film Festival brought Chinese films to the West

family Waser produces "Niederbauer" alpine cheese

Are EU inspectors headed for Swiss farms?

How pharma became Switzerland’s Achilles heel in US trade talks

A Palestinian flag flutters amid the ruins of buildings in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on March 4, 2025, amid the ongoing truce between Israel and Hamas.

Why Switzerland doesn’t recognise Palestine as a state

Photo of a woman with Save the Children jacket

Inside Geneva’s Summer Profiles: Rachael Cummings in Gaza

Radu Jude is back: the Romanian director's anarchic version of "Dracula" is in the main competition of Locarno this year.

Locarno Festival counters the somber mood of the world with art and comedy

Are you noticing or anticipating any changes in your life as a result of the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump?

Middle East crisis

Switzerland rejects new Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory

This content was published on Aug 16, 2025 Switzerland says it rejects the announced construction of thousands of housing units in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian West Bank.

Switzerland and the EU denounce a situation of famine in Gaza

Switzerland, EU and over 20 nations call for urgent action to stop famine in Gaza

This content was published on Aug 13, 2025 Switzerland, the European Union and 23 other countries have sharply criticised the “unfolding famine” situation in Gaza and called for urgent action.

Swiss participate in flotilla against sea blockade in Gaza

Swiss citizens will also participate in flotilla against Gaza blockade

This content was published on Aug 12, 2025 Swiss citizens are also taking part in the worldwide flotilla that intends to break the sea blockade in Gaza. The Waves of Freedom Association (WOFA) plans to leave with five boats loaded with baby milk powder and water filters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured in 2023.

Switzerland concerned by fresh Israeli plans for Gaza

This content was published on Aug 8, 2025 The foreign ministry has said it is “deeply concerned” about Israel’s plans to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Why Switzerland doesn’t recognise Palestine as a state

This content was published on Aug 6, 2025 Around 150 countries – or three-quarters of UN member states – recognise Palestinian statehood. Switzerland, for various reasons, is not one of them.

Two-state solution to establish lasting peace, Switzerland

Two-state solution to Middle East peace: Swiss diplomat

This content was published on Jul 30, 2025 Switzerland reiterates importance of two-state solution in Middle East.

Israelis in Switzerland appeal to Swiss Foreign Minister

This content was published on Jul 29, 2025 Israeli expats in Switzerland urge Swiss Foreign Minister to act for peace in Gaza.

Lauber and the UN deplore US sanctions against Albanese

Swiss UN ambassador condemns US sanctions against Albanese

This content was published on Jul 10, 2025 Swiss UN Ambassador Jürg Lauber regrets US sanctions on the rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese.

Swiss embassy in Tehran re-opens

This content was published on Jul 6, 2025 The Swiss embassy in Tehran re-opened on Sunday after being closed on June 20 owing to the unstable situation in the country.

Swiss government orders end to Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in Geneva

This content was published on Jul 2, 2025 Swiss authorities dissolve US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in Geneva.

UN expert accuses Glencore of complicity with Israel

This content was published on Jul 1, 2025 The UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories has accused Zug-based Glencore of profiting from an Israeli economy that has become “an economy of genocide”.

UN Special Rapporteur appears in Bern despite university cancellation

Palestine: UN Special Rapporteur speaks in Bern despite university cancellation

This content was published on Jul 1, 2025 UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese appeared at a panel discussion on Palestine in Bern on Monday evening.

Palestine march prevented at Switzerland-Israel basketball match

Palestine demo broken up at Israel-Switzerland basketball match

This content was published on Jun 29, 2025 Around 150 pro-Palestine activists tried to force their way into Switzerland’s match against Israel at the U-19 World Cup in Lausanne.

University of Bern stops Amnesty International's Palestine panel discussion

University of Bern stops Amnesty’s Palestine panel discussion

This content was published on Jun 28, 2025 Amnesty International’s planned Palestine panel discussion at the University of Bern has been cancelled.

Swiss embassy in Israel fully operational again

This content was published on Jun 25, 2025 The staff have resumed work in Tel Aviv, Ambassador Simon Geissbühler announced on X on Wednesday.

Global trade war

Swiss brands seek a response to customs duties

Trump tariffs: Swiss brands struggle to adapt to 39% tariff

This content was published on Aug 18, 2025 Swiss brands like Victorinox, the manufacturer of the iconic pocket knife, are struggling to adapt to the 39% tariff imposed by the United States on imports of Swiss goods.

Trump made direct financial demands during call with Swiss president

This content was published on Aug 17, 2025 During the telephone call between Karin Keller-Sutter and Donald Trump on July 31, Trump demanded direct payments from Switzerland, according to an investigation by SonntagsBlick.

Customs duties threaten 100,000 jobs in Switzerland

US tariffs putting 100,000 jobs at risk in Switzerland

This content was published on Aug 16, 2025 US tariffs of 39% on Swiss imports will directly affect 100,000 jobs, mainly in the watchmaking, machinery, metals, and food industries, economiesuisse warns.

‘Luck running out’ for Swiss economy as growth slows ahead of US tariff hit

This content was published on Aug 15, 2025 Swiss GDP only expanded by 0.1% in second quarter, adding to pressure on central bank to return to negative interest rates.

Lindt & Sprüngli is reportedly considering production of Easter bunnies in the USA

Lindt & Sprüngli reportedly considering shifting Easter bunny production to US

This content was published on Aug 15, 2025 Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli could relocate the production of its gold-wrapped Easter bunnies to the US in order to circumvent the import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Population does not want to make any concessions to the USA, according to survey

US tariffs: most Swiss rule out making future concessions, survey reveals

This content was published on Aug 13, 2025 According to a survey published on Wednesday, most Swiss residents are against offering concessions to the US in the current tariff dispute.

Trump’s tariffs expose weakness of Switzerland’s economic independence

This content was published on Aug 12, 2025 Officials worry that Switzerland’s historic strengths have become liabilities in an age of trade wars.

How Trump is manoeuvring Switzerland closer to the EU

This content was published on Aug 8, 2025 The steep US tariffs of 39% have sent shockwaves through Switzerland. They give a boost to those who advocate closer ties with the EU.

What do 39% US tariffs mean for the Swiss economy?

This content was published on Aug 7, 2025 US tariffs of 39% on Swiss imports came into force on Thursday morning – the blow to Swiss exporters, jobs, and prosperity could be harsh.

US tariffs in force for Switzerland - Federal Council to provide information this afternoon

US tariffs of 39% come into force for Switzerland

This content was published on Aug 7, 2025 US tariffs of 39% on Swiss exports formally came into force on Thursday morning, despite last-minute talks.

How pharma became Switzerland’s Achilles heel in US trade talks

This content was published on Aug 6, 2025 The pharmaceutical industry’s strength has made it a key vulnerability for Switzerland in trade talks with the US.

Are you noticing or anticipating any changes in your life as a result of the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump?

How do you think your life could be impacted by the US tariff policy? Let us know.

Join the discussion

Aug 5, 2025

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10 Comments

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A view of the White House website with customs duties in front of a television screen

‘Knives out’: Switzerland descends into blame game after US tariff shock

This content was published on Aug 4, 2025 President Karin Keller-Sutter is under fire for failed trade talks with the Trump administration.

Swiss authorities aim to keep negotiating with US on tariffs

This content was published on Aug 2, 2025 After the 39% US tariff shock, Swiss officials say they are still in contact with Washington.

US tariffs: Trump cites ‘big’ trade deficit with Switzerland

This content was published on Aug 2, 2025 The US president briefly referred to the 39% tariff rate slapped on Switzerland during remarks to journalists on Friday.

Swiss Abroad

Will Switzerland finally do away with imputed rental-value tax on homeowners?

How Switzerland deals with potentially problematic first names

‘Luck running out’ for Swiss economy as growth slows ahead of US tariff hit

Swiss voters to decide – again – on introducing electronic ID

Does your country of residence offer an e-ID?

Part-time Swiss Abroad: raising children between countries

A spark of hope for Swiss descendants without a Swiss passport

Moving abroad made easy

Part-time Swiss Abroad: raising children between countries

This content was published on Aug 13, 2025 Kids and school schedules can make the juggling act of an international life even more complicated.

How to vote from abroad as a Swiss citizen

This content was published on Jun 25, 2025 Living outside Switzerland doesn’t mean losing your right to vote. Yet only a small percentage of Swiss citizens living abroad actually cast their ballots. Here’s a short guide on how to vote from abroad.

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

This content was published on Jun 26, 2025 Applying for jobs in other countries means adjusting to different standards and expectations.

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

This content was published on Jun 26, 2025 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 Jun 26, 2025 From culture shock to new friendships: experts share their tips for successful integration and making new friends.

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 Jan 7, 2025 Tax liability in Switzerland does not always end at the country’s border – here’s what you should bear in mind when moving abroad.

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.

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 Feb 5, 2025 Emigrating from Switzerland in search of work in another country? Here is some sound advice.

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.

What you need to know to get a job abroad

This content was published on Apr 3, 2025 Got a Swiss passport and dreaming of working abroad? We’ll show you how to get started in under 90 seconds – the countdown is on!

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 Jan 23, 2025 This article, along with a practical checklist, will guide you step by step through the emigration process – supplemented with further helpful articles and links.

Bringing a pet to Switzerland requires meticulous preparation

This content was published on Feb 13, 2025 Whether visiting Switzerland on holiday or arriving to live permanently, entering the country with a pet involves a number of steps and formalities. Here’s what you need to know.

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.

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.

Everything you need to know to organize your move abroad

This content was published on Apr 28, 2025 Organize your move abroad: everything you need to know in 90 seconds.

Swiss Oddities

The unveiling of the White Tower on May 19, 2025, attracted many onlookers. At the top left of the picture, the shell disappears by helicopter.

Digital architecture sets world record in Swiss Alps

This content was published on Aug 16, 2025 At 30 metres, Tor Alva – the White Tower of Mulegns – is the tallest 3D-printed building in the world.

No glasses for chickens – and other odd Swiss animal laws

This content was published on Aug 9, 2025 Switzerland animal welfare laws appear to go further than other countries. But is this really the case?

Zurich court does not recognise "perpetual hereditary citizenship"

Zurich court rejects ‘perpetual hereditary citizenship’ for Austrian man

This content was published on Aug 5, 2025 The man had invoked a hereditary right of citizenship dating back to the 15th century.

The Toblerone Trail: a unique walk through Swiss history and nature

This content was published on Aug 2, 2025 The 18km trail is a reminder of a key part of Switzerland’s war-time heritage. It’s also just a wonderful hike.

The Swiss national anthem: outdated but resilient

This content was published on Jul 26, 2025 It’s hardly the most stirring national anthem, and few know it by heart, but the Swiss Psalm has survived all attempts at replacement.

The historic façade of the Théâtre du Jorat.

The Théâtre du Jorat, Switzerland’s ‘sublime barn’

This content was published on Jul 19, 2025 The Théâtre du Jorat has an identity that is unique in Switzerland. A look at its extraordinary history.

Silvan, the man who smells the weather

This content was published on Jul 12, 2025 The Wetterschmöcker, the weather prophets of central Switzerland, make their predictions by observing nature.

The Zytglogge, the mechanical heart of the city of Bern

This content was published on Jul 5, 2025 The Zytglogge in Bern has one of the very few astronomical clocks in Europe that still works and is fully mechanical.

Mennonite movement turns 500 in Zurich, where it all began

This content was published on Jun 28, 2025 On its 500th anniversary, the worldwide Mennonite movement remembers its Swiss roots.

Velcro: how space race helped Swiss invention catch on

This content was published on Jun 21, 2025 Swiss engineer George de Mestral patented Velcro in the 1950s. But it had to overcome initial scepticism.

Cats climbing the cat ladders erected on the façade of a house in Bern

What a love of cat ladders says about the Swiss

This content was published on Jun 14, 2025 Visitors to Bern are often surprised by the number and variety of cat ladders snaking their way up houses.

The difficult search for real Swiss cows

This content was published on Jun 7, 2025 Swiss cow breeds have conquered the world but are struggling to survive in their homeland.

Our highlights

The SWIplus app: your connection to Switzerland

Discover the brand new SWIplus app – specifically for the Swiss Abroad.

Lost Cells

Listen to ‘Lost Cells’: a podcast on the realities of private stem cell banking

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.

Join the debate on “dialogue”

This content was published on Feb 10, 2025 Read selected articles from across Switzerland and discuss current issues with people living in Switzerland and fellow Swiss Abroad in our debates.

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.

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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.

Are you noticing or anticipating any changes in your life as a result of the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump?

How do you think your life could be impacted by the US tariff policy? Let us know.

Join the discussion

Aug 5, 2025

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Women of the Helsinki Movement

Photo of a young woman in a street with Swiss flag in the background.

Why is the Swiss flag square?

A man standing in front of an image of a smartphone

How semiconductors are made

A woman speaking into a microphone with an airport in the background.

Truth or tale: is Switzerland injecting harmful chemicals into the sky?

Figure it out: in Switzerland, migration isn’t just inbound

Photo of a young woman in front of the Swiss parliament

Why is Switzerland’s national anthem not widely known among its citizens?

What exactly was signed in Helsinki in August 1975?

Stabilising permafrost in the Swiss Alps

Permafrost thawing: protecting endangered mountain infrastructure in the Swiss Alps

The death penalty around the world in 90 seconds

Is it a good idea to let AI vote?

Extreme heat and drought are Switzerland’s top climate change risks

Locarno City Archives, Rodolfo Huber, Locarno Pact centenary

How Locarno became the ‘city of peace’

Journalist Anand Chandrasekhar sitting at a table, holding up a picture of a chocolate bar.

Truth or tale: is Swiss chocolate tainted by child labour?

Photo of a woman in front of a screen with colourful background.

What you didn’t know about psychiatry and Switzerland

How to vote from abroad as a Swiss citizen

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External Content

Bloomberg Business

This content was published on Aug 18, 2025 – 16:30

Switzerland’s M&A Deal Surge Leaves the Rest of Europe Behind

This content was published on Aug 18, 2025 – 15:33

Stocks Kick Off Jackson Hole Week on a Quiet Note: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Aug 17, 2025 – 21:58

Advent Seeks to Buy Swiss Chipmaker U-blox in $1.3 Billion Deal

This content was published on Aug 16, 2025 – 07:00

ECB’s Rebel Voice Bows Out With Plea for Greater Transparency

This content was published on Aug 15, 2025 – 22:17

Stocks Slide After Data as Trump-Putin in Focus: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Aug 15, 2025 – 22:12

US Stocks Fall Following Unexpected Drop in Consumer Sentiment

This content was published on Aug 15, 2025 – 21:05

World Economic Forum Clears Schwab, Names Fink as Co-Chair

This content was published on Aug 15, 2025 – 15:33

Swiss Chipmaker U-blox Confirms Talks With Advent on Takeover

This content was published on Aug 15, 2025 – 15:18

Ex-Pictet Boss Renaud De Planta Leaves Switzerland for Italy

This content was published on Aug 15, 2025 – 10:15

Swiss Economy Unexpectedly Expanded Before 39% Tariff Hit

This content was published on Aug 15, 2025 – 09:48

Lindt Weighs Making Chocolate Bunnies in US as Trump Tariffs Hit

This content was published on Aug 14, 2025 – 22:50

Stock Rally Hits a Wall as US Inflation Picks Up: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Aug 14, 2025 – 18:26

Switzerland Moves to Lift Ban on New Nuclear Power Plants

This content was published on Aug 14, 2025 – 11:09

Swiss Ministers Meet With Roche, Novartis Amid Tariff Crisis

This content was published on Aug 13, 2025 – 22:32

Stocks and Bonds Climb on September Fed-Cut Wagers: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Aug 13, 2025 – 22:29

S&P 500 Overcomes Fading Risk-On Rally to Hit New Record High

This content was published on Aug 13, 2025 – 16:36

Swiss May Reduce F-35 Purchase as US Squeezes Government

This content was published on Aug 13, 2025 – 13:21

Swiss Say Firms Can’t Dodge US Tariffs Via Liechtenstein Route

This content was published on Aug 13, 2025 – 09:41

Swiss National Bank Publishes New Banknote Designs

This content was published on Aug 12, 2025 – 22:30

Stocks Hit Record as CPI Fuels Bets Fed Will Cut: Markets Wrap

Dmitry Muratov: ‘I’m not afraid to live without hope’

This content was published on Aug 14, 2025 Dmitry Muratov, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former editor-in-chief of the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, talks to Swissinfo about truth in the era of digital autocracies.

Trump’s tariffs expose weakness of Switzerland’s economic independence

This content was published on Aug 12, 2025 Officials worry that Switzerland’s historic strengths have become liabilities in an age of trade wars.

UBS set to miss job cutting target after Credit Suisse takeover

This content was published on Aug 14, 2025 The bank had set an internal goal of reducing its headcount to 85,000 from a peak of 119,000 in 2023.

Part-time Swiss Abroad: raising children between countries

This content was published on Aug 13, 2025 Kids and school schedules can make the juggling act of an international life even more complicated.

Every summer, the village square in Bassersdorf, Canton Zurich, is the venue for the town meeting. The photo was taken in June 2017.

Swiss municipal assemblies: democracy on your doorstep

This content was published on Aug 12, 2025 In many Swiss municipalities, voters gather in local assemblies to decide on community matters themselves instead of leaving them to parliaments of elected officials.

Luxury or necessity? Five questions about air conditioning in Switzerland and around the world

This content was published on Aug 11, 2025 As heatwaves become more intense and frequent, sales of air conditioners are booming. But this has consequences for the climate and electricity consumption.

How the Locarno Film Festival brought Chinese films to the West

This content was published on Aug 7, 2025 Over the past 75 years, some pivotal Chinese films and filmmakers have had their first encounter with international critics at Locarno.

Michael Powell's "Peeping Tom" (1960) is probably the most well-known film among the selection curated for Locarno's retrospective this year.

Locarno Festival sheds light on an under-appreciated era of British cinema

This content was published on Aug 6, 2025 Films restored by the British and the Swiss film archives illuminate a period of national reconstruction and cultural transformation.

The Toblerone Trail: a unique walk through Swiss history and nature

This content was published on Aug 2, 2025 The 18km trail is a reminder of a key part of Switzerland’s war-time heritage. It’s also just a wonderful hike.

August 1: how Switzerland celebrates its birthday

This content was published on Jul 31, 2025 On August 1 each year, the country celebrates itself with bonfires, barbecues, speeches, and – the not always welcome – fireworks displays.

Elena Servettaz talks to Belarusian writer Sasha Filipenko

He can’t go home: a Belarusian author on lost roots and life in Switzerland

This content was published on Jul 30, 2025 Discover the story of Belarus writer Sasha Filipenko as he shares his experiences of dictatorship and literary resilience.

On the trail with two Swiss monster hunters

This content was published on Jul 27, 2025 What do an orphan from Lucerne and a geologist from Western Switzerland have in common? A fascination with mysterious creatures – and the field of cryptozoology.

The Swiss national anthem: outdated but resilient

This content was published on Jul 26, 2025 It’s hardly the most stirring national anthem, and few know it by heart, but the Swiss Psalm has survived all attempts at replacement.

In Focus

Switzerland: the land of cooperatives

The cooperative business model not only permeates the Swiss economy, but also forms the roots of its politics.

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 all over the planet.

Need a diplomatic messenger? Switzerland is eager to help

Swiss diplomacy has a long-standing tradition of trying to talk to all sides “to build trust”. 

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?

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.

Does your country of residence offer an e-ID?

Switzerland is voting on a new e-ID system. Has your country of residence already introduced one? And does it make your life easier?

Join the discussion

Aug 15, 2025

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Worldwide curry: a Bengali artist spans East and West via Switzerland

This content was published on Jul 20, 2025 Since moving to Switzerland in 2018, Ishita Chakraborty has deepened the scope of her work, dissolving geographical and conceptual borders from India to Brazil.

A wooden black king stands upright, while a white king lies overturned on a chequered chessboard

One against the other: zero-sum thinking can be found on both the political left and right

This content was published on Jun 3, 2025 A study from the University of Basel shows that zero-sum thinking can be found among supporters of both left-wing and right-wing parties.

A citizen on polling duty directs the voters at the polling station

Almost half of Swiss citizens are open to holding political office

This content was published on May 20, 2025 Would you consider holding political office? Nearly half of Swiss citizens would, according to a study by the University of Basel.

People are walking along a bridge at sunset.

How are you, Switzerland? Let us know in our 2025 survey

This content was published on May 15, 2025 We want to hear more about our readers’ daily concerns and thoughts on major issues. Take part in our survey and share your views!

People walking along the lake in Lucerne.

Honesty over success: the true values of the Swiss population

This content was published on May 12, 2025 Is honesty more important for a satisfied life than success? Yes, according to a major survey by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation.

Wisekey CEO Carlos Moreira has a vision for Swiss satellites

Swiss army funds sovereign satellite network scheme

This content was published on May 5, 2025 Swiss defence ministry funds domestic satellites with eye on sovereign communications network.

How should Switzerland respond to the US tariffs?

This content was published on Apr 12, 2025 After US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on goods imported into the US on April 2, we wanted to hear your thoughts on how Switzerland should respond.

Martin Pfister und Markus Ritter mit Blumen

Who will be the next Swiss government minister?

This content was published on Mar 6, 2025 The vote to decide Viola Amherd’s successor in the Federal Council – Martin Pfister or Markus Ritter – is set for March 12, but the ‘dialogue’ community appears to have already made up its mind.

Are the super-rich a threat to democracy?

This content was published on Feb 20, 2025 A non-representative survey reveals that approximately nine out of ten users (87%) of the “dialogue” community perceive the super-rich as a threat to democracy.

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.

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”!