by Ralph Bosshard,* Switzerland
(25 January 2023) (Edit.) On 6/7 January 2023, “Swiss Standpoint” held a conference in German on the topic of “Swiss Neutrality and Peace” in Frauenfeld TG. Ralph Bosshard, one of the four invited speakers, has written the following text for our readership with some important aspects of content from the presentations and the discussion.
by Suzette Sandoz,* Switzerland
(9 January 2023) Democracy is in a crisis. The increasing violence in society is a clear indication of this. While the ease with which violent movements can develop can be attributed to social networks, the increasing number of these movements is more likely caused by the growing mistrust of the population towards the authorities and “those who officially know”.
by Thomas Scherr
(29 November 2022) What will happen next? Inflation. Ukraine war. Energy crisis. Wave of refugees. Nuclear threat. Pension fund gap. Supply chain disruption. Economic war with China ... How much leeway is left? Will there be a secure future? Is the right personnel available for it? Will Switzerland fall victim to the “malice of time” after more than seven centuries?
by Suzette Sandoz,* Lausanne
(29 November 2022) The Swiss Federal Council does not allow Germany to hand over ammunition of Swiss origin to Ukraine because this would violate neutrality. This would be tantamount to favouring one of the two warring parties.
Interview held by Roger Köppel on October 6, 2022
(7 November 2022) (Ed.) As President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer has visited the hotbeds of conflict around the world. In his final interview as president, he expresses cautious optimism. Peter Maurer believes that international humanitarian law is being better upheld in the Ukrainian conflict. The role of a neutral mediator remains essential in the struggle for peace.
by Suzette Sandoz,* Lausanne
(31 October 2022) Well, here we go again! Yesterday evening (10 October), on the news of the French-speaking Swiss television RTS, we were presented with an article about – free of charge – vaccination, the fourth dose for people at risk or, quite simply, from the age of 16! We are again “shown” bare (ohhh) pricked shoulders and, above all, we are served up some deaths, some thousands of Covid cases, some hospitalisations, in short, the liturgy from which we had been spared for a while. And of course some testimonies (I get vaccinated because I am a teacher, because I am a nurse – undercurrent: to protect others!); it is true that one also heard one person who refused vaccination, but without any justification. AND the whole thing is under the responsibility of the FOPH [Federal Office of Public Health].