Switzerland - News and perspectives

Crises everywhere: has the world gone off the rails?

A firefighter works to extinguish a fire of a gas pipe line in Kyiv damaged by a Russian rocket attack.

Crises everywhere: has the world gone off the rails?

This content was published on Jan 5, 2024 Wars, climate change, Covid: how is it possible not to lose hope in the face of all these mounting crises of recent years? Join the discussion.

Wolf crackdown in Switzerland: a sign of what’s to come in Europe?

This content was published on Jan 4, 2024 Bern isn’t alone with its wolf concerns: the European Commission also wants to downgrade the animal’s “strictly protected” status.

Swiss to vote on raising retirement age to 66: a visionary idea or an unwelcome plan?

This content was published on Jan 4, 2024 On March 3, the Swiss will vote on an initiative aimed at raising the retirement age and pegging it to life expectancy.

Ein Mann in einem Make America Great Again -Tshirt rennt schreiend in die Kamera.

2024 represents ‘critical juncture’ for future of democracy

This content was published on Jan 4, 2024 India, Indonesia and the United States – these are just a few of the many nations holding elections in 2024, the “biggest election year in history”.

Save the dates: a ‘year of democracy’

This content was published on Jan 3, 2024 Some of the most significant elections taking place around the world in 2024 and what the outcomes could mean for Switzerland.

2024: New Year, new Swiss laws

This content was published on Jan 1, 2024 A selection of the various changes to Swiss laws and regulations which came into force on January 1.

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Israeli-Palestinian war

Gun control: how should firearms be regulated?

What is your experience of guns? Based on your local situation, are you favourable to stricter or more liberal gun control?

Building bridges in Nepal and Ethiopia with help from Switzerland

This content was published on Jan 2, 2024 The 10,000th suspension bridge in Nepal built with Swiss support was opened last year. Nepalese experts are now passing on their knowledge.

After conquering army, Viola Amherd steps into role of Swiss President

This content was published on Dec 31, 2023 Switzerland’s first female defence minister is set to step into the rotating presidency of the country.

The ecologist who sniffs out plants attacked by pests

This content was published on Jan 3, 2024 Ted Turlings was awarded the Swiss "Nobel Prize" for his research into farming that uses fewer pesticides.

Frozen in time: 2023 in Switzerland in pictures

This content was published on Dec 30, 2023 From natural disasters to human-created drama, here are some of the most eye-catching and memorable images from the past 12 months in Switzerland.

New Year’s photos from the Swiss government

This content was published on Jan 1, 2024 The group photo of the Swiss Federal Council is an annual ritual. It is not just a souvenir but also captures the ambitions through symbolism.

What lies ahead for Switzerland: the economic outlook for 2024

This content was published on Dec 27, 2023 SWI swissinfo.ch journalists select the major developments that await the Swiss economy in 2024.

Dick Marty: a magistrate loaned to politics

This content was published on Dec 29, 2023 Dick Marty was one of Switzerland's most famous politicians and internationally known for his investigative work for the Council of Europe.

Eight ground-breaking Swiss inventions of 2023

This content was published on Dec 26, 2023 Brain-spine technology that helps a paralysed man walk and a laser beam that diverts lightning were among inventions that caught our eye in 2023.

Singer Gabriela Martina in a Swiss landscape

She yodelled her way into jazz, now she wants to reclaim Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 25, 2023 Gabriela Martina learned to yodel at home before setting off to expand her singing skills abroad. But her native Switzerland still eludes the singer.

Former Swiss President Adolf Ogi and the Uzbek rug he received as a gift

From exquisite to unique: inside Switzerland’s trove of diplomatic gifts

This content was published on Dec 24, 2023 Having a hard time choosing Christmas presents? Spare a thought for world leaders who have to offer each other the perfect gift when they meet.

Could a direct high-speed train link between Switzerland and London soon be a reality?

This content was published on Dec 19, 2023 The prospect of a direct rail link is picking up speed with the Swiss Federal Railways studying the options with international operators.

The little-known risks of carrying a Swiss Army knife

This content was published on Dec 19, 2023 In Japan, a man was convicted of carrying a Swiss Army knife. It can happen in other countries, too.

Zoe Roellin in a room with people attached to VR headsets

Inside the headset of Swiss VR animator Zoe Roellin

This content was published on Dec 21, 2023 Virtual reality creators in Switzerland are thriving, like the Zurich-based artist who presented her new work in Venice, Prague and Seoul.

War in Ukraine