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Global elections

Why parliamentary independence matters in North Macedonia

A person takes a selfie in front of a group, with the flags of NATO, North Macedonia and the EU in the background.

For more than 15 years, Switzerland has provided support for North Macedonia’s parliament. What difference has this made?

By Benjamin von Wyl

A busy square at dusk with a large statue and people on the pavement

International cooperation

What USAID’s withdrawal means for North Macedonia

By Benjamin von Wyl

people looking at vote information in a window

Democracy

A delicate export: how Swiss foreign policy promotes democracy

By Domhnall O’Sullivan

Democracy

Do you trust that your country can withstand attacks against its democracy?

By Benjamin von Wyl

Swiss nationals face EU sanctions over disinformation claims

This content was published on Feb 6, 2026 Two Swiss nationals have been sanctioned by the EU in connection with Russian propaganda. An analysis by Swissinfo.

Swiss honorary consul in Hawaii: ‘Helping others is deeply rewarding’

This content was published on Feb 7, 2026 Theres Ryf Desai is the first point of contact in Hawaii for Swiss citizens with problems – or interesting projects. What exactly does she do?

170 years ago, Thomas Davatz left Switzerland for Brazil, in search of opportunity.

The Swiss man who exposed exploitation of emigrants in 19th-century Brazil

This content was published on Feb 8, 2026 Some 170 years ago, Thomas Davatz led a revolt in Brazil that exposed the exploitation of European immigrants to Latin America in the 19th century.

Gold medalist Switzerland's Franjo von Allmen poses with the gold medal after the men's alpine skiing downhill race

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Feb 9, 2026 Three gold medals already for the Swiss at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Penalties and peculiarities of the Swiss Highway Code

This content was published on Feb 7, 2026 The Swiss Highway Code reflects some magnificent obsessions typical of the Swiss mentality.

US news reported by the Swiss media

Every Wednesday: “Swiss views of US news”

Why EU direct democracy has struggled to take off

This content was published on Feb 5, 2026 Well over a decade after its launch, the EU’s tool for citizen participation has failed to gain traction, especially set against the wide popular rights enjoyed in Switzerland. Why?

Crans-Montana bar fire

Around 41 people died and 115 were seriously injured after a fire tore through the "Le Constellation" bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana in southern Switzerland on January 1.

Crans-Montana fire: ex-safety officer questioned by Valais prosecutors

This content was published on Feb 9, 2026 A former municipal safety inspection officer of Crans-Montana was questioned by Valais prosecutors on Monday in connection with a fatal bar fire on New Year’s Eve.

Fire at the memorial to the victims of the Crans-Montana earthquake

Swiss blaze victim memorial catches fire

This content was published on Feb 8, 2026 Fire strikes memorial dedicated to the victims of a fatal Swiss bar blaze.

Parmelin met with Italian leaders at the Winter Olympics

Swiss President discusses fatal fire with Italian leaders

This content was published on Feb 8, 2026 Swiss President Guy Parmelin spoke with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni about fatal Swiss bar fatal fire.

Valais: first emergency aid payments for Crans-Montana

Swiss canton makes first payments to Crans-Montana fire victims

This content was published on Feb 5, 2026 The canton of Valais has made the first payments of emergency aid of CHF10,000 (about $12,900) for each person hospitalised or family affected.

The fatal fire led to an outpouring of public grief

Crans-Montana adds CHF1m to fire victim support fund

This content was published on Feb 4, 2026 Crans-Montana to contribute CHF1m to foundation to support fatal fire victims.

Ten people still hospitalised in Zurich, 9 at CHUV and 4 in Sion

Crans-Montana: 23 people still in Swiss hospitals

This content was published on Feb 3, 2026 One month after the fire in Crans-Montana, 23 people are still being treated in Swiss hospitals.

Many families are still living through the aftermath of the fatal fire

‘For us, 2026 doesn’t exist’: parent of Swiss bar fire victim

This content was published on Feb 2, 2026 Families of Crans-Montana fire victims struggling to cope with new reality.

Number of deaths from Crans-Montana fire rises to 41

This content was published on Feb 1, 2026 The fire in Crans-Montana has claimed another victim. An 18-year-old Swiss man died in hospital in Zurich on Saturday.

A minute's silence in Crans-Montana VS before the World Cup downhill run

Minute’s silence in Crans-Montana before World Cup downhill

This content was published on Feb 1, 2026 Spectators held a minute’s silence in the finish area on Sunday for the victims of the fire on New Year’s Eve.

Federal Councillor Martin Pfister on Sunday in Crans-Montana VS

Fatal fire: Swiss sports minister visits Crans-Montana

This content was published on Feb 1, 2026 One month after the fire in which 40 people died, Martin Pfister has travelled to the Swiss mountain resort of Crans-Montana.

Prosecutors are determining what went wrong at the Constellation bar

Crans-Montana fire probe summons fourth defendant

This content was published on Jan 30, 2026 Current Crans-Montana public security head to appear before fatal fire investigation.

The Valais Public Prosecutor's Office opens a third criminal case

Ex-safety officer faces criminal probe into Crans-Montana fire

This content was published on Jan 29, 2026 Criminal proceedings opened against former security officer of Crans-Montana after fatal bar fire.

Crans-Montana: meeting between Valais and Italian investigators in February

Swiss and Italian prosecutors to meet over Crans-Montana fire investigation

This content was published on Jan 28, 2026 The Swiss ambassador in Rome says Valais prosecutors will meet Italian investigators in mid‑February over the Crans‑Montana New Year’s Eve tragedy.

After Crans-Montana, caution is advised for carnivals

Swiss carnival organisers tighten security after Crans-Montana tragedy

This content was published on Jan 27, 2026 Carnival organisers in Switzerland have been stepping up fire-fighting and safety measures following the deadly New Year’s Eve bar fire in Crans-Montana.

The mayor of Crans-Montana makes mea culpa

Crans-Montana mayor admits communication errors

This content was published on Jan 27, 2026 The mayor of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Féraud, says he is ready to assume his responsibilities for events surrounding the deadly New Year’s Eve bar fire.

Geopolitics

Swiss nationals face EU sanctions over disinformation claims

Meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the UN in New York in 2024.

What can the Swiss foreign minister – and the OSCE – achieve in Moscow?

US President Barack Obama (left) and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev during the signing of the New START treaty on Thursday, 8 April 2010, in Prague.

Last US-Russia nuclear treaty expires – what’s at stake?

Epstein files, Fed chair nominee – and a new nuclear arms race?

The Trump administration backs gas-powered vehicles and has ended tax credits aimed at promoting electric vehicles.

Five ways Trump’s climate rollback could affect the world

A climate protest in Geneva on November 15, 2025.

Swiss NGO urges Bern to raise its climate ambition as US walks away from accords

Inside Geneva: the Board of Peace, war and impunity

Protestor death estimates vary between 2,500 and 3,500 in Iran

Escalation of violence in Iran becomes test of character for Switzerland

Munitions handled by Swiss army recruits.

Switzerland eases arms export rules as its industry is shunned by Europe

Minneapolis outrage, apps for boycotting US goods, and anti-MAGA crows

UN envoy: ‘Water must be put at the top of the political agenda’

UN Human Rights Council demands investigation into Iran’s ‘brutal’ repression

What USAID’s withdrawal means for North Macedonia

This year, the 720 parliamentarians will have to vote on the Switzerland-EU agreements, but most of them have not yet paid much attention to them.

Swiss-EU accords have more support in Strasbourg than in Bern

Illustration: What does Switzerland freezing “any assets” owned by Nicolás Maduro really mean

Explainer: What does Switzerland freezing “any assets” owned by Nicolás Maduro really mean?

Middle East crisis

Gaza: 25 lawyers denounce Ignazio Cassis before the ICC

Swiss foreign minister accused of complicity in Gaza war crimes

This content was published on Feb 3, 2026 Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has been denounced to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by 25 Swiss lawyers for complicity in crimes committed by Israel in Gaza.

ICRC: the world must address the "dramatic" situation in Gaza

ICRC urges world to address ‘dramatic’ Gaza situation

This content was published on Jan 30, 2026 ICRC urges world must to turn attention to the “dramatic” situation in Gaza.

Police operation at Bern Gaza demonstration costs 1.1 million francs

Gaza demo in Bern cost police over CHF1 million

This content was published on Jan 15, 2026 The Swiss city of Bern faces over CHF1 million in costs after a violent Gaza demonstration.

Demonstrations against the Iranian regime in Berne and Zurich

Tense scenes at Iranian embassy in Bern as police use tear gas

This content was published on Jan 14, 2026 Protests were held in Zurich and Bern on Tuesday against the Iranian regime. In Bern, police intervened outside the Iranian embassy.

Inside Geneva special: a bonfire of international law

This content was published on Jan 13, 2026 The new year has started with some momentous events. Israel has banned dozens of aid agencies. What are the consequences?

Court finds arrest of pro-Palestine activists illegal

Swiss court declares arrest of pro-Palestine activist illegal

This content was published on Jan 9, 2026 Zurich Administrative Court has ruled that the arrest of a pro-Palestine activist was unlawful.

Displaced Palestinian children are seen at a temporary shelter in west of Gaza City, on Dec. 22, 2025.

Why is so little aid getting into Gaza?

This content was published on Jan 7, 2026 The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, signed in October, ended two years of war in the Gaza Strip. Aid to Gaza has increased but is still far from enough, say UN organisations and NGOs.

Gaza: Cassis and 9 counterparts call for free access to humanitarian aid

Switzerland signs declaration urging Israel to allow aid into Gaza

This content was published on Dec 31, 2025 The Swiss foreign minister and peers urge more aid for Gaza and lifting of restrictions.

DECEMBER 18: Palestinian fishermen continue to work along the coastline of the besieged city of Gaza, under extremely difficult conditions, striving to earn a living and combat hunger despite limited resources and equipment damaged by Israeli attacks on December 18, 2025.

Famine ends in Gaza, yet chronic hunger continues to undermine recovery

This content was published on Dec 22, 2025 The situation has improved in Gaza as famine ends. But consequences of hunger will be felt for generations.

Amnesty International criticises police violence at Bern Gaza demo

Amnesty criticises police violence at Bern Gaza demo

This content was published on Dec 16, 2025 Amnesty International Switzerland has criticised the police intervention at a Gaza demonstration in Bern in October as unjustified and excessive.

Because of Israel's participation: Nemo sends back ESC trophy

Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo returns trophy owing to participation of Israel

This content was published on Dec 12, 2025 For Nemo, Israel’s continued participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is a contradiction to the ideals and values of the singing competition.

More children from Gaza arrive in Switzerland

More injured children from Gaza arrive in Switzerland

This content was published on Nov 29, 2025 On Friday, 13 injured children from Gaza arrived in Geneva and Zurich before being sent for treatment to various hospitals across the country.

Schwyz government does not want to take in injured children from Gaza

Swiss canton has no space for injured Gaza children

This content was published on Nov 27, 2025 No room for injured children and their relatives from the Gaza Strip in the canton of Schwyz.

Swiss government pledges CHF23m for humanitarian aid in Gaza

This content was published on Nov 26, 2025 Switzerland pledges CHF23 million in new humanitarian aid for Gaza in support of US-led peace plan.

Swiss Gaza flotilla members contest government bill for consular aid

This content was published on Nov 26, 2025 Swiss Gaza flotilla members contest government bills for consular aid and plan to appeal.

Global trade war

More Swiss goods were shipped abroad in 2025 than the previous year

Swiss trade surplus with US grew in 2025 despite tariffs

This content was published on Jan 29, 2026 Switzerland posts increased CHF41.1 billion trade surplus with US in 2025.

Bern and Washington start negotiations "as soon as possible"

Bern and Washington to start trade negotiations ‘as soon as possible’

This content was published on Jan 22, 2026 Switzerland and the US poised to start first round of negotiations for a trade agreement.

Guy Parmelin "ready" to negotiate with Trump in Davos

Swiss President ready to negotiate with Trump at WEF

This content was published on Jan 16, 2026 Swiss President Guy Parmelin says he is prepared to negotiate with Donald Trump over tariffs.

US meat is coming to Switzerland, but only in restaurants

Swiss supermarkets rule out US meat while restaurants show interest

This content was published on Jan 14, 2026 Despite a customs deal between Switzerland and the United States, US meat is unlikely to appear on Swiss supermarket shelves, says news agency AWP.

Switzerland-USA: Federal Council adopts definitive negotiating mandate

Swiss government approves mandate for US trade negotiations

This content was published on Jan 14, 2026 Talks on a trade deal between Switzerland and the United States are set to begin after the Swiss government approved the final mandate for negotiations.

Trade tariffs will weigh on growth in 2026.

What lies ahead for Switzerland: an economic outlook for 2026

This content was published on Dec 30, 2025 in 2026, the Swiss economy will face downward pressure from weaker domestic demand and ongoing uncertainty related to US import tariffs.

Europe races to placate pharma as Trump turns up the pressure

This content was published on Dec 29, 2025 Tariff deals with the US have bought time but investment momentum is elsewhere.

Opinion

Global trade under strain: why rules still matter for nations like Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 23, 2025 Former chief economist of the WTO, Ralph Ossa, explains why economies such as Switzerland need to defend and adapt the rules-based system.

Roche and Novartis reach customs agreement with USA

Roche and Novartis reach tariff agreement with US

This content was published on Dec 20, 2025 On Friday evening the US government announced an agreement with nine pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis and Roche subsidiary Genentech.

EY: 'Despite the reduction, US duties are holding back the Swiss economy'

Reduced US tariffs ‘remain a burden’ for Swiss economy

This content was published on Dec 19, 2025 Despite the reduction from 39% to 15%, the effects of US duties on the Swiss economy remain considerable.

USA sets Switzerland deadline for binding customs agreement

Trump sets Switzerland tariff deal deadline

This content was published on Dec 18, 2025 US demands legally binding trade agreement with Switzerland by March 31.

Council committees support Federal Council in customs negotiations with USA

Swiss parliament supports government in US tariff talks

This content was published on Dec 16, 2025 The Swiss government has received backing from parliament for the planned negotiations with the United States.

National Council Committee supports negotiations with the USA

Swiss parliamentary committee supports tariff talks with US

This content was published on Dec 16, 2025 The Swiss government has received support for the upcoming negotiations with the United States on an economic and trade agreement.