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Swiss democracy

Are citizens’ assemblies on the decline in an era of eroding democracy?

In Switzerland, a long-planned citizens’ assembly was shelved in Geneva shortly before it was due to begin. Is this part of an international trend?

By Benjamin von Wyl

Democracy

Can citizens’ assemblies strengthen Swiss democracy?

By Thomas Kern

Aktivist ist mit Aufruf für Bürgerpanels auf einem Zaun vor dem Westminster Palast

Democracy

What role can citizens’ assemblies play in solving the climate crisis?

By Benjamin von Wyl

Global elections

How decades of debate over Stuttgart’s train station boosted local democracy

By Bruno Kaufmann

Cyberwar brings frontline to heart of European infrastructure

Workers in orange are securing a component during construction work on the high-voltage power line

This content was published on Apr 27, 2026 The threat of malicious attacks on Swiss power, telecommunications and transport is rising.

Challenges to press freedom

This content was published on Apr 28, 2026 Disinformation, misinformation, coercion and violence: around the world, journalists are coming under mounting pressure.

What does ‘Made in Switzerland’ mean exactly?

This content was published on Apr 25, 2026 A case involving footwear manufacturer On has led to a loosening of the rules.

Despite new measures, domestic and sexual violence remains a major problem in Switzerland - the numbers are still high.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Apr 28, 2026 Despite new measures, domestic and sexual violence remain major problems in Switzerland – with cases at a record high.

Do Afghan lives matter?

This content was published on Apr 27, 2026 In Afghanistan, women and girls in particular are paying the price for failed policies. The Afghan Fund in Geneva should finally act to recapitalise the Central Bank, writes Norah Niland.

US news reported by the Swiss media

Every Wednesday: “Swiss views of US news”

Swiss entrepreneur finds success on second attempt in Brazil

This content was published on Apr 26, 2026 Swiss expat Salvatore Scimonetti built a marketing agency in Brazil, and reflects on the pitfalls, setbacks and successes of self-employment.

Geopolitics

Inside Geneva: Challenges to press freedom

Cyberwar brings frontline to heart of European infrastructure

Swiss oil traders anticipate high prices and strong profits

US military leans heavily on Silicon Valley

A God complex, Apple’s leadership change and tech goes to war

Former Maoist rebels walk at the Shaktikhor cantonment in Chitwan

How Switzerland supported Nepal in its long road to peace

According to Blick.ch, the federal government is increasingly appointing honorary consuls to represent Swiss interests in areas far from official embassies or consulates. These "amateur diplomats" assist Swiss citizens in need, represent Switzerland at events, and maintain relations with local authorities and businesses. Their roles are voluntary, with only a small compensation, but they do enjoy a degree of immunity while carrying out their duties.

Does Switzerland monitor its honorary consuls adequately?

Boys playing football/soccer near damaged housing in occupied West Bank.

Why Switzerland joined Trump-friendly FIFA to fund mini pitches in Palestine

US authorities had classified the Zurich-based private bank MBaer as a “primary money laundering risk”.

‘Kiss of death’: how the US killed a Swiss merchant bank

Illustration: SWI swissinfo/ Kai Reusser

How Switzerland got caught in the Magnitsky case – again

Millions of dollars linked to Magnitsky fraud case leave Switzerland

UK travellers must join manual passport queues at Swiss airports, unlike Swiss and EU nationals who can use automated gates, reflecting Britain’s post-Brexit status outside the Schengen travel area.

City of London urges Swiss airports to give UK travellers e-gate access

A shot of an aeroplane from below, with barbed wire in the background

Afghanistan’s Taliban tap Swiss, other travellers for flyover fees

Will Trump carry out his threat to remove US troops from Europe?

AI armageddon, NATO alliance wobbles and SpaceX going public

Men standing in front of a spherical vehicle, in black and white

From e-cigarettes to lab devices: surprising facts about Swiss patents

Inside Geneva: can the UN survive?

Middle East conflict

Why Switzerland joined Trump-friendly FIFA to fund mini pitches in Palestine

This content was published on Apr 21, 2026 Switzerland and FIFA are building mini pitches for children in Palestine, despite continued violence and humanitarians struggling to meet people’s basic needs.

Zurich Airport with more passengers in March despite Iran war

Passenger numbers at Zurich airport rose in March despite Iran war

This content was published on Apr 15, 2026 Zurich Airport sees 4.9% rise in March passengers despite Middle East conflict.

Ten countries call for end to fighting in Lebanon

Switzerland among ten countries calling for end to fighting in Lebanon

This content was published on Apr 15, 2026 Switzerland and nine countries urge a halt to fighting in Lebanon and respect for civilians.

SWISS continues to suspend flights to Dubai

This content was published on Apr 14, 2026 Swiss will suspend its flights to and from Dubai until July 11.

The ICRC distributes its first aid shipments to Iran

ICRC delivers humanitarian aid to Iran

This content was published on Apr 14, 2026 ICRC convoy delivers humanitarian supplies in Tehran.

Ice hockey World Cup cushions Zurich hotel losses due to Middle East conflict

Ice hockey World Cup cushions Zurich hotel losses resulting from Middle East conflict

This content was published on Apr 12, 2026 The Ice Hockey World Championships are helping Zurich hotels to cushion the loss of overnight stays caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

Switzerland’s Zug becomes bolt-hole for Gulf-based wealth

This content was published on Apr 12, 2026 Small Swiss town is welcoming individuals and companies seeking refuge from war in the Middle East.

Swiss entrepreneurs are staying put in Dubai

This content was published on Apr 11, 2026 Despite the conflict in the region and its impact on investments, Swiss entrepreneurs based in Dubai are determined not to leave.

Swiss shoppers are less enthusiastic about spending

Swiss consumer sentiment slumps amid Iran war

This content was published on Apr 10, 2026 Consumer sentiment in Switzerland deteriorated significantly in March.

Nine Swiss on board a fleet en route to Gaza

Nine Swiss to join new flotilla bound for Gaza

This content was published on Apr 10, 2026 Nine Swiss citizens will sail to Gaza with a new international flotilla.

Switzerland joins other countries in calling for protection for aid workers in Lebanon

Switzerland calls for end to Lebanon violence

This content was published on Apr 10, 2026 Switzerland among seven countries calling for immediate end to fighting in Lebanon.

Global trade war

Swiss metal suppliers: US customs rules are a factor of uncertainty

Swiss metals and machine industry worried about new US tariff rules

This content was published on Apr 4, 2026 They expect more uncertainty and a higher administrative burden.

USA imposes high pharmaceutical tariffs - 15 per cent rate for Switzerland

US imposes 15% tariff on Swiss pharma products

This content was published on Apr 3, 2026 American President Donald Trump has announced tariffs of up to 100% on the import of patented medicines into the US.

US towards imposition of 100% duties on certain drugs

US expected to impose 100% tariffs on certain drugs: report

This content was published on Apr 2, 2026 The United States is preparing to impose 100% tariffs on certain drugs of pharma companies that haven’t reached an agreement with the White House, the Financial Times reports.

Trade agreement: Parmelin, negotiations with US beyond 31 March

Switzerland to extend US trade talks beyond March deadline, says Parmelin

This content was published on Mar 29, 2026 Switzerland will continue negotiating a trade agreement with the US beyond the planned March 31 deadline, Swiss President Guy Parmelin said on Saturday.

USA launches investigation against Switzerland for unfair trade

Bern discusses US investigation into unfair trading

This content was published on Mar 20, 2026 The United States has opened an investigation against Switzerland for unfair trading practices.

USA also initiates new investigation against Switzerland after tariff slapdown

US launches trade investigation against Switzerland

This content was published on Mar 12, 2026 US launches new trade probe into Switzerland and other countries over manufacturing capacity.

Swiss parliamentarians hold economic talks in the USA

Swiss lawmakers hold trade talks in US

This content was published on Feb 26, 2026 Swiss lawmakers discuss prospects for a possible bilateral trade agreement in Washington.

Swiss government says new US tariffs will replace old ones

This content was published on Feb 25, 2026 The new US tariffs do not come on top of the existing measures applicable to each country, the Swiss government said on Wednesday.

Swiss companies want to reclaim US tariffs

This content was published on Feb 23, 2026 The first Swiss companies want to reclaim overpaid US customs duties. However, many questions remain unanswered.

"We have to live with customs duties", warns SECO

‘We’ll have to live with US tariffs,’ warns SECO head

This content was published on Feb 22, 2026 The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is calling for patience after the US Supreme Court ruled that some of the US tariffs were illegal.

US tax yo-yo: a blur for Swiss companies

US tax yo-yo blurs situation for Swiss companies

This content was published on Feb 22, 2026 Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 15% global tariff is not fundamentally affecting Swiss exporters, say some analysts. Others believe companies are still in limbo.

Could direct democracy trip up Swiss trade deals?

This content was published on Feb 20, 2026 As global trade rules fray, countries are scrambling to shore up export markets and diversify partners. For Switzerland, this could come with an added complication: the ballot box.

Donald Trump takes another swipe at Switzerland

Trump repeats claim that Switzerland ‘rips off the United States’

This content was published on Feb 11, 2026 US President Donald Trump told Fox Business that countries such as Switzerland prosper because “we allow them to rip us off”.