Switzerland

The “Sustainability Initiative” aims to limit migration, but virtually all parties and associations are opposed to it

by Michael Straumann*

(1 May 2026) Switzerland is bursting at the seams. Rents are soaring to record levels, trains are overcrowded, and traffic jams are getting longer. In many places, the country is reaching its capacity limits. For instance, rents in Zurich – both in the city and across the canton – have recently reached an all-time high.1 Rents have risen by 21 per cent in the canton over the last 25 years, and by as much as 44 per cent in the city.

by Guy Mettan,* Geneva

(10 April 2026) On Wednesday 18 March, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Russia (then the Soviet Union).To say the least, these relations have been tumultuous. In 1945, having just joined the Federal Council as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Max Petitpierre found himself in a very delicate situation. The two main victors of the Second World War, the United States and the Soviet Union, were angry with Switzerland because of its relations with Nazi Germany. The country found itself completely isolated. Within eighteen months, however, Max Petitpierre managed to restore relations with both the Americans and the Soviets, despite his anti-Bolshevist stance. He did so with a flair and audacity that should inspire our political leaders today.