Switzerland

The Swiss language phenomenon

by Suzette Sandoz,* Pully VD

((26 September 2025) CH-S) The recent decision by the three cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Zurich and St. Gallen to postpone the start of French lessons from middle school (grades 4–6) to secondary school (grades 7–9) has triggered a wide range of reactions in French-speaking Switzerland and in the federal capital of Bern. Disregard for a linguistic minority? A failed experiment with early multilingual teaching? A threat to national cohesion?

Pacific states under pressure

Why does neutral, landlocked Switzerland need to conduct NATO war games in the Pacific?

by Ursula Cross and Thomas Scherr*

(26 September 2025) On 12 September, the 54th meeting of the heads of state and government of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) ended with a declaration entitled “Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace”, which opposes the increasing militarisation of the region. The many island states in the Pacific Ocean, with their diverse populations, are trying to use diplomatic skill to stay out of the growing geopolitical tensions. It is becoming increasingly apparent that NATO and its allies are exerting greater influence to exclude China. “Swiss Standpoint” has reported on this on several occasions. Now we are entering another round, and official Swiss institutions are also playing a dubious role.

Federal referendum on 28 September

Coercion with e-ID

Those who do not wish to donate organs must present their e-ID

by Regina Castelberg*

(5 September 2025) (CH-S) In Switzerland, passports and identity cards currently only need to be presented when required by law – for example, when opening a bank account or collecting a registered letter from the post office. This rarely occurs in everyday life. In the federal referendum on 28 September 2025, we as Swiss citizens will decide whether, in addition to physical identity, an “electronic identity”’ (e-ID) should also be created. The following article cites one of many examples where, according to a statement by the “Federal Office of Public Health” on 14 August, this electronic identity is to be made mandatory in a sensitive area that affects everyone.

Council of States rejects neutrality initiative but wants to enshrine neutrality more clearly in the Federal Constitution

by Dr. phil. René Roca, member of the initiative committee*

(4 July 2025) (CH-S) On 20 and 21 June 2025, René Roca, a long-standing high school teacher and historian with a doctorate, presented his views on the significance of the neutrality initiative for our country at the “Swiss Standpoint” association in Frauenfeld and discussed them in detail with the participants. In his presentation, he outlined several key historical events that have helped to keep our country out of war and maintain internal and external peace over the last 200 years.

Where is the sovereignty in Switzerland’s health policy?

Federal Council tightens its course of adjustment to the requirements of supranational organisations

by Dr. med. Sabine Vuilleumier-Koch*

(4 July 2025) “At its meeting on 20 June 2025, the Federal Council decided to accept the amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).” This news did not come as a surprise, but it was still shocking. With its actions, the Federal Council has once again made it clear that the international stage is more important to it than Switzerland's sovereignty in its health policy.

The nation Hitler feared conquering

Why Hitler never occupied Switzerland: The power of armed neutrality

by Felix Abt*

(27 June 2025) Switzerland’s survival was no accident – it was a masterpiece of military deterrence and strategic manoeuvring. Switzerland’s survival during the Second World War was not by chance, but the result of a deliberate and calculated strategy of armed neutrality. While Hitler conquered most of Europe, Switzerland remained independent, unoccupied and defiantly neutral, despite being surrounded by hostile Axis powers.