by Marita Brune-Koch*
(17 October 2025) In most German-speaking cantons in Switzerland, pupils have been taught French in primary school for over twenty years. This has not been successful, as pupils are not learning enough. Some cantons have therefore decided to discontinue early French (Years 5 and 6) and only start teaching French in secondary school (Year 7).
by René Roca*
(10 October 2025) Switzerland remained permanently neutral during the Cold War (1949–1991). This way, it helped to initiate reconciliation processes in many conflicts. Switzerland served not only its own country but also Europe and the world in terms of peace policy. At that time, Switzerland was a diplomatic great power.
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?
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.
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.
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.