Benjamin von Wyl

Editor & Reporter

As a reporter I cover developments in democracy where the Swiss perspective becomes relevant. I am Swiss and have long been fascinated by the way public discussions shape society.

German Department

Italy’s referendum flop sends a warning to the left

This content was published on Jun 12, 2025 Italy’s latest referendums fell short of reaching the required turnout. Political scientist Giorgio Malet puts the results into perspective.

AI would vote for mainstream parties, shows Swiss experiment

This content was published on Jun 6, 2025 ETH Zurich scientist Joshua Yang explains how artificial intelligence will change democracy.

Habteab Yemane: high court judge in Eritrea, refugee in Switzerland

This content was published on May 19, 2025 Habteab Yemane became a lawyer because he believed in a constitutional state, but his journey led him somewhere else entirely.

The Swiss militia principle – what’s it all about?

This content was published on May 14, 2025 The militia principle is a special feature of Swiss democracy, as this video explains.

The seven weirdest Swiss votes of all time

This content was published on May 10, 2025 Absinthe, car-free Sundays and cow horns: Swiss voters have certainly had to decide on some unusual issues.

Tajik ruler Emomali Rahmon and Vladimir Putin shake hands after their meeting in Moscow in March 2025.

Promoting democracy in authoritarian Tajikistan – is Switzerland making a difference?

This content was published on Apr 30, 2025 While the government of Tajikistan’s long-standing ruler grows more repressive, Switzerland continues to support human rights – a delicate balancing act.

How the Swiss militia system strengthens civic identity – and favours the privileged

This content was published on Apr 24, 2025 The militia principle is a special feature of Swiss democracy. It strengthens the connection between those who govern and those who are governed. An explainer.

How Swiss federalism emerged and shapes the nation

This content was published on Apr 11, 2025 In a country with four official languages and 26 cantons, federalism is a principle deeply rooted in the people and political system of Switzerland.

How Swiss federalism emerged and shapes the nation

This content was published on Apr 9, 2025 How is Swiss federalism emerged and where does it come from? Find out more in this video.

A giant light installation of the flag of Switzerland, by Swiss artist Gerry Hofstetter, illuminates the north face of the Jungfrau mountain, next to the Eiger and Moench mountains, near the city of Thun, in 2012.

How Switzerland and other states are navigating disinformation

This content was published on Apr 6, 2025 How can the Alpine state navigate the dangers of hybrid warfare – and what are other European countries doing?

How Swiss direct democracy works

This content was published on Mar 31, 2025 What do direct democratic tools like popular initiatives and referendums really entail? And how has this unique system evolved over time?

Opponents of Covid-19 measures on the Rütli meadown on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, in July 2021.

Study reveals antipathy towards marginalised groups in Switzerland

This content was published on Mar 26, 2025 Minority groups like Covid-19 skeptics and climate campaigners are particularly unappreciated.

In Switzerland, trust and stability are interwoven

This content was published on Mar 25, 2025 The global political order is in upheaval, yet Switzerland remains relatively stable. SWI swissinfo.ch reporter Benjamin von Wyl analyses why.

Digital democracy: will Swiss signature scandal pave way for e-collecting?

This content was published on Mar 8, 2025 It remains to be seen whether the signature scam will bring about the digitalisation of direct democracy in Switzerland. An overview of the situation.

Why the AfD is keen on Switzerland’s direct democracy

This content was published on Feb 24, 2025 The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has long advocated for “Swiss-style” direct democracy. What does the party hope to achieve with this?

How counterspeech is tackling hate speech in 2025

This content was published on Feb 17, 2025 As Facebook and Instagram relax content restrictions, the commitment of volunteers who push back against hate is becoming more crucial than ever.

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.

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.

January 6, 2021: supporters of Donald Trump break through security and storm into the symbolic heart of US democracy, the Capitol in Washington.

Why some people turn to authoritarianism in the name of freedom

This content was published on Jan 25, 2025 Sociologists Carolin Amlinger and Oliver Nachtwey explain the sometimes surprising origins of a new type of anti-democratic figure.