Switzerland

Max Petitpierre: the courage to negotiate with the “bad guys”

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.

“Sky Shield” put to the test

Are billions of taxpayers’ money being wasted?

by Andreas S.,* Austria

(3 April 2026) (CH-S) On 10 April 2024, the Federal Council decided to join the “European Sky Shield Initiative” (ESSI) project, with the approval of the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Committees. The project, which is being implemented jointly with 22 NATO states, including Germany, but also neutral Austria, was intended, according to the then Head of the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), Viola Amherd, to provide effective protection against missile and drone attacks.

Is Swiss neutrality immoral?

by Wolf Linder, Bern*

(20 March 2026) Voters will soon have to decide on the neutrality initiative: Should neutrality be enshrined in the Constitution? Should Switzerland support economic sanctions? Should peace efforts be strengthened? Does Switzerland want more neutrality or more NATO? Or should everything stay the same?

Russia–Ukraine: Green light for Switzerland

by Guy Mettan*, Geneva

(6 March 2026) As the war in Ukraine drags on, a small diplomatic window seems to be opening. With its tradition of neutrality and mediation, Switzerland could seize this opportunity to build on its historical role and contribute to reviving the momentum for peace.

Call for a moratorium on mRNA vaccines

On the refusal to admit mistakes made

by Dr Sabine Vuilleumier-Koch*

(6 March 2026) While Switzerland’s “Federal Office of Public Health” (FOPH) continues to claim that the available mRNA vaccines are “safe and well tolerated”, lawyers and doctors are joining forces with National Councillor Rémy Wyssmann to call for a “moratorium on modRNA vaccines”.¹ Alarming scientific findings justify this. Facts, the legal situation and political demands were presented on 23 February 2026 at a media conference held by the “Aktionsbündnis freie Schweiz” (ABF Switzerland) in Bern. – This can be viewed in full.²

Comments on Swiss neutrality

The neutral state and neutrality of opinion

by Dr. phil. René Roca, Research Institute for Direct Democracy*

(6 March 2026) In the debate surrounding Swiss neutrality, there are repeated calls for Switzerland, i.e. the Federal Council and Parliament, to morally condemn aggressors and violations of international law.