The Swiss Anthem, the Internationale and the Dismantling of the Confoederatio Helvetica

8 August 2026

In its usual low-key manner, Switzerland celebrated its National Day on 1 August. The Swiss national anthem could be heard throughout the country in German (Schweizerpsalm), French (Cantique suisse), Italian (Salmo svizzero) and Romansh (Psalm svizzer). The Swiss Anthem The Swiss anthem was composed and written by Alberych Zwyssig (1808–1854) and Leonhard Widmer (1808–1868) and … Read more » “The Swiss Anthem, the Internationale and the Dismantling of the Confoederatio Helvetica”

The Dufour map and the European Union

14 July 2026

The topographical map of Switzerland at a scale of 1:100,000, better known as the Dufour map, still provides numerous historical, cultural and political points of reference today. The map’s creator, Guillaume-Henri Dufour (1787–1875), served as a general during the Sonderbund War (1847) and was a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) … Read more » “The Dufour map and the European Union”

The Swiss Sustainability Initiative in Perspective of Direct Democracy

16 June 2026

Whilst in the Netherlands, according to the most recent polls, as many as 76% of citizens want to see a limit on the number of migrant workers, asylum seekers and economic refugees, 55% of eligible voters in Switzerland rejected a 10 million-inhabitants cap on 14 June. Nachhaltigkeitsinitiative (Sustainability Initiative), 14 June 2026 Small Switzerland, around … Read more » “The Swiss Sustainability Initiative in Perspective of Direct Democracy”

The Democratic and institutional Deterioration of the Swiss Confederation

22 May 2026

What is striking about the current Swiss debate on the ‘10-million initiative’ is the lack of substance in the opponents’ arguments. Scaremongering, fear of the EU and EU sanctions, Trump or the EU, Schwexit (without being a member of the EU), the impending closure of hospitals, an immediate halt to worker immigration, and even an … Read more » “The Democratic and institutional Deterioration of the Swiss Confederation”

The Erosion of the Swiss Confederation

10 April 2026

From the Swiss Eidgenossenschaft to the EUgenossenschaft: this transformation represents the democratic and social erosion of Europe’s oldest democracy. (Too many)  Swiss academics, journalists and others, self-proclaimed ‘highly educated’ professionals, regard this centuries-old confederation as a medieval relic, disconnected from the European Union’s modern era. The systematic belittling of the Confederation In numerous publications, they … Read more » “The Erosion of the Swiss Confederation”

A Coup d’État à la Suisse and the European Union

29 January 2026

The political discussions about the proposed new institutional agreement with the European Union present a diffuse picture. On one side are parties like the Greens and SP, who are generally critical of pro-business policies but are now enthusiastic advocates of the agreement, presenting it as in the economy’s best interest. On the other side stands … Read more » “A Coup d’État à la Suisse and the European Union”

The Römervertrag and cantonal Cooperation

19 October 2025

On October 13, the cantons of Basel-Landschaft, Aargau, and Basel-Stadt celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Römervertrag (Roman Treaty) at the ancient Roman fort in Kaiseraugst. This agreement is considered a milestone for the protection, research, and development of Augusta Raurica and its museum. With the ceremonial signing of a new version of the treaty, … Read more » “The Römervertrag and cantonal Cooperation”

Multilingualism, the Cantons, the Swiss Constitution and the Confoederatio Helvetica

27 September 2025

As part of the 7th ‘Multilingualism Day’ (Tag der Mehrsprachigkeit/Journée du plurilinguisme) in the Federal Parliament, National Councillor Martin Candinas (chairman of the parliamentary groups ‘Plurilinguism CH’ and ‘Lingua e cultura rumantscha’), National Council members Anna Giacometti and Greta Gysin (co-chairs of the parliamentary group ‘ITALIANITÀ’), as well as National Council member Laurent Wehrli (chair … Read more » “Multilingualism, the Cantons, the Swiss Constitution and the Confoederatio Helvetica”

The Swiss National Day, Swissness and the sui generis European Union

1 August 2025

The Swiss National Day, also known as the Bundesfeier or la Fête nationale suisse, has been celebrated annually on August 1 since 1891. The young Confederation, established in 1848 after a process spanning centuries, commemorated the (mythical) alliance of the first Eidgenossen of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden in 1291. The Bundesbriefmuseum and the Forum Schweizer … Read more » “The Swiss National Day, Swissness and the sui generis European Union”

The Swiss franc, The Latin Monetary Union and the Euro

14 May 2025

The Swiss franc (CHF) is 175 years old. It was officially introduced on 7 May 1850. Before the introduction of the franc, there was a huge confusion about currencies. Since the Middle Ages, every canton, city, and diocese minted its own money. People paid with batzen, rappen, taler, oertli, assis, gulden or dicken. There were … Read more » “The Swiss franc, The Latin Monetary Union and the Euro”