by Elias Vogt*
(14 November 2025) In around two years, the Swiss population will vote on two groundbreaking proposals: the Forest Protection Initiative and the Community Protection Initiative. These proposals concern the planned construction of over 1,000 large wind turbines in the Swiss countryside.
(14 November 2025) (CH-S) The “Swiss Standpoint” supports the cause of a journey for peace. Only when dialogue with others is sought is there a chance for genuine understanding. Anyone who is interested in the offer below can contact the organiser directly.
by Hanspeter Gautschin*
(14 November 2025) (CH-S) The Federal Council wants to “strengthen” the “rights” of users in the digital space and “oblige” very large communication platforms and search engines to “be more fair and transparent”. This is to be enforced by federal law. The consultation period runs until 16 February 2026.1
The model for this is the European Union’s “Digital Services Act”. This top-down law now promises authoritarian conditions for Switzerland as well. Hanspeter Gautschin highlights the parallels on “insideparadeplatz.ch”.
by the editorial team of “Swiss Standpoint”
(7 November 2025) (CH-S) After thoroughly studying the approximately 2,000-page agreement package between Switzerland and the European Union (EU), the “Interessengemeinschaft (IG) BauernUnternehmen”* (Farmers’ Business Interest Group) has concluded that it poses a massive threat to Swiss agriculture. It therefore clearly rejects this “administrative monster”.
Although no date has yet been set for the referendum, opinions are being formed at all levels in Switzerland. A critical examination of the agreement package is urgently needed, as it binds Swiss legislation to the EU to such an extent that its adoption would mean a significant loss of sovereignty for our country and its citizens.
by Michael Straumann*
(31 October 2025) 50.39 per cent in favour, 49.61 per cent against – a difference of just 20,000 votes, barely more than the population of a small Swiss town. The result caused a stir around the world. Many people on social media were appalled that Switzerland of all countries – the land of direct democracy, often romanticised as the “island of freedom in Europe” – had approved the e-ID law.
by Ursula Felber*
(31 October 2025) Max Dätwyler travelled the world with a white flag for peace – ridiculed, misunderstood, but unwavering. His courage reminds us that those who remain silent in times of war are complicit.
Peace concerns everyone, and everyone can sow the seeds of peace. Very few people approve of violence, but those who stand up for peace in times of war have a difficult position. They are quickly suspected of being out of touch with reality or of taking the wrong side.