by Jean-Daniel Ruch,* former ambassador
(16 October 2026) Strictly speaking, the result of the referendum on 27 September is not particularly significant. The roots of the problem that is eroding the credibility of our foreign and security policy run deep. They have a name: foreign influence. These are well documented, particularly in the brand-new exposé by the German-Swiss journalist Rafaël Lutz.1
by Urs P. Gasche*
(25 September 2026) When senior civil servants set their sights on lucrative posts in the private sector, they make sure to ingratiate themselves with the company in question.
A prime example is Darko Savic. Until recently, he was “Mr Fighter Jet” at the Federal Department of Defence (DDPS). There, he was project manager for the F-35 procurement programme.
by Jacques Baud,* Brussels
(18 September 2026) (CH-S) On 29 August 2026, the national rally “For Neutrality & Peace” took place on Bern’s Bundesplatz, attracting over 1,000 participants. Jacques Baud was one of the eleven speakers at this event. His speech was broadcast live from his home in Brussels and could be followed on the big screen.1
(11 September 2026) (Ed. Globalbridge) At last! At last, the “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” has also published an article setting out key arguments in favour of a “yes” vote on the neutrality initiative.1
It is an interview with former Ambassador Paul Widmer. For copyright reasons, the full interview will not appear here, but we have taken the liberty of quoting some specific statements by Paul Widmer verbatim.
Interview with Dr oec. HSG Matthias Buob*
Dr Matthias Buob: As a liberal-minded and freedom-loving person, I consider it my duty to stand up for the Neutrality Initiative. For me, freedom is linked to independence. It means taking an independent stance without hastily aligning oneself with the doctrines of one or the other party to a conflict. One is free to express both positive and negative criticism in all directions, and that is neutral.
by Niklaus Ramseyer,* Berne
(28 August 2026) Armed neutrality means consistently renouncing war as a primitive, backward instrument of foreign policy. It represents progress away from war and toward peace.
For 170 years, Switzerland has had no enemies – either in the region or worldwide, and certainly no military enemies. During that time, it has neither waged a war nor had to endure one. This stands in stark contrast to every other European state. We on the Swiss left must defend the peaceful character of our neutral country.