The pandemic situation in Switzerland and the health restrictions imposed by the Chinese authorities to contain the spread of the coronavirus made substantive bilateral meetings and contacts with athletes impossible, the government saidExternal link.
It added that the cabinet members would instead “cheer on the Swiss athletes from home”.
The Games are due to take place from February 4-13, and nearly 170 Swiss athletes are expected to participate.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, reverses an initial statement by the government two weeks ago.
The government spokesperson said the move was not politically motivated.
Rights organisations and left-wing parliamentarians have called on the Swiss government to follow other western countries in boycotting the Games over China’s treatment of ethnic minorities and democracy activists.
Switzerland gives CHF60 million to Ukraine for digitalisation
This content was published on
The Swiss government has agreed to give war-ravaged Ukraine CHF58.7 million ($65.5 million) towards the digitalisation of its public administration.
Three people arrested in Switzerland in international drug gang crackdown
This content was published on
International co-operation led to 17 people being arrested in six European countries and large quantities of drugs also being seized.
Federal Council banks on R&D to strengthen Swiss solar industry
This content was published on
The Swiss government opposes the deployment of special industrial policy or measures to help boost the domestic photovoltaic industry.
Swiss president envisions follow-ups to peace summit
This content was published on
Swiss President Viola Amherd hopes the first Ukraine peace conference will build trust and seek solutions for safety and security issues.
This content was published on
With use of drugs such as crack on the rise, the government wants to invest in additional facilities for people suffering from addiction.
Alleged French spy tied to Swiss NGO arrested in Russia
This content was published on
The man, who Russia has claimed was trying to obtain information about the Russian military, was confirmed to be a French citizen working for a Geneva-based NGO.
This content was published on
Plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit are claiming that Switzerland prioritised national interest over its legal obligation to bondholders.
This content was published on
Most Swiss people are planning at least one holiday this year in spite of rising costs and inflation, according to a study.
Italian busted smuggling alcohol in milk and shampoo bottles into Switzerland
This content was published on
An Italian motorhome driver has been caught trying to smuggle 135 litres of pure alcohol disguised in various bottles into Switzerland.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss to send official representative to Beijing Olympics
This content was published on
The pandemic, and not the international calls for a boycott, would be the only thing stopping a Swiss presence at the official opening.
Pressure builds for a diplomatic boycott of Beijing Games
This content was published on
Switzerland will struggle to defy calls to skip the Winter Olympics, if other democratic states decide to stage a diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.