Politics
All the latest politics news and essential information from Switzerland.
How could the outcome of US midterm elections impact Switzerland?
Even if you didn't stay up all night to watch the results, you know by now that Democrats have won the control of the US Congress - that is, the House of Representatives and the Senate. This development will impact Switzerland in several ways as well.
'A lot of arguing to be done': What's at stake in the upcoming EU-UK summit?
Leaders of the EU and the UK will meet for a crucial summit in November with a move towards closer cooperation on the table. But how much will be achieved given the differences and disagreements that exist?
Chinese, Swiss leaders hail deal removing trade tariffs
China's leader Xi Jinping and Swiss President Guy Parmelin hailed a major trade deal update at a signing ceremony on Friday, removing tariffs on almost all Swiss exports to the world's second-largest economy.
Swiss foreign minister in North Korea for talks on closer ties
Switzerland's Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on Friday discussed normalising political relations with North Korea during a visit to Pyongyang, after formally opening a diplomatic office in the country.
Switzerland seeks missile backup amid Patriot delays
The Swiss government said Wednesday it would not "abandon" a deal to purchase US Patriot missile systems which faces severe delays, but is considering European and Israeli weapons for a backup.
Why is neutral Switzerland manufacturing and exporting weapons?
On November 29th, Swiss voters will decide whether their government should be able to supply arms to a state involved in an armed conflict. And that brings up a pertinent question of why the neutral country is involved in producing and exporting weapons in the first place?
'Generational rage': How young Europeans are fighting to be heard
From blockaded schools in Rome to tent camps in Madrid and street protests in France, young people across Europe are turning their anger on a political class they say is not listening.
What is Switzerland's proposed 'Border Protection' initiative?
Among political actions currently on the agenda of the populist Swiss People’s Party (SVP) is the bid to introduce more systematic controls at the country’s borders.
Pension and taxes: What's at stake in Switzerland's November referendums?
In this year’s final round of national referendums, to be held at the end of November, Swiss voters will decide on four controversial issues.
Immigration, citizenship: What Swiss MPs voted on this autumn
During the autumn session of the Parliament that lasted from September 14th until October 2nd, Swiss deputies had approved a number of key motions.
How foreign citizens in Switzerland can get involved in local life
Like most countries, Switzerland doesn’t grant non-citizens a right to vote and, therefore, have a direct say in how their host country is being run. But there are ways foreign residents can get involved.
A foreigner's guide to understanding Swiss politics in five minutes
Switzerland's political system can be a little confusing for international residents to get their head around. Here's a quick guide to help you understand how it works.
Swiss president will leave the government at the end of the year
Guy Parmelin, 66, announced on October 2nd that he would leave the Federal Council at the end of his term as Swiss president, on December 31st.
Lower taxes, lighter traffic: How did Swiss cantons vote in Sunday's referendums?
Besides casting votes on two Switzerland-wide initiatives, citizens of several cantons also weighed in on issues of regional importance.
LATEST: Swiss reject plan to toughen neutrality: projection
Swiss voters on Sunday appeared to reject a proposal to tighten their country's neutrality, dealing a blow to an initiative championed by the hard-right and dubbed "pro-Russian" by opponents, according to an initial exit poll projection.
Where are the breakthroughs for the radical and far-right in Europe?
After recent regional election breakthroughs by the Alternative for Germany (AfD), here is an overview of radical, nationalist and far- and hard-right parties' positions across Europe in recent years.
Swiss voters expected to shun stricter neutrality
The Swiss will vote Sunday on a heavily debated proposal to tighten their country's traditional neutrality, amid fears that an expected "no" could be interpreted abroad as abandoning the cherished principle altogether.
How different is Swiss neutrality from elsewhere in Europe?
Swiss voters will decide on September 27th whether to keep their neutrality as it currently is, or if it should be more restrictive. But how different is it really from other European countries’ policies of non-intervention in world affairs?
Taxes and protests: What issues will your Swiss canton vote on this month?
In the third round of 2026 referendums, to be held on September 27th, Swiss voters will have their say on a variety of issues of both national and cantonal importance.
Swiss voters set to decide on their neutrality and food supply
On Sunday September 27th, Swiss citizens will cast their votes on two topics: preserving neutrality and ensuring healthy food supply. What is at stake in both?
Prosperity and cohesion: Switzerland spells out its priorities for 2027
During the opening of the autumn session of the Swiss parliament on September 14th, President Guy Parmelin presented four goals the government has set for the country for next year.
EXPLAINED: The biggest political issues in Switzerland this autumn
The parliamentary debate on immigration tax and jobs for foreign graduates of Swiss universities will be among a good list of hot-button topics on the country’s political agenda this autumn.
Why the Swiss will vote on the country's vital food needs
In the next round of referendums to be held on September 27th, Swiss voters will cast their ballots on locally-grown food supply. But what's it all about?