Pragmatism in politics, well regarded in Switzerland, obviously has its good points. But it also has its risks. And these are devious. Editorial by Jonas Follonier
The history of Swiss political parties is rich and complex. However, it reveals a certain continuity through which they learn to renew themselves as direct democracy, and the evolution of society it often reflects, impose new themes on their agendas.
Systemic racism« is rife in Switzerland. At least, that's the view of the Swiss Confederation, which has published a report on the subject. According to Olivier Delacrétaz, editor of »La Nation«, the effects of this postulate, which is not based on any evidence, could be counter-productive.
Inherited from the era of great power struggles in the 19th century, neutrality helped Switzerland through the wars of the following century. Since then, however, the country has failed to establish a new doctrinaire basis for its foreign policy.
In Switzerland, there is a growing tendency to relativize neutrality by using vague adjectives and linking it to defense alliances. This is a sign of inconsistency and a lack of historical awareness.
On February 28, 2022, Switzerland surprised everyone by deciding to apply the European sanctions against Russia. This de facto renunciation of a certain neutrality led to a crisis in political discourse, particularly at the highest level. Analysis.
Neutrality has never been subject to a corseted definition. Its entire history demonstrates this. It depends on the goodwill of the other powers, and only makes sense if it is understood in the context of the moment.
Professor of History at the University of Geneva, Irène Hermann specializes in Swiss neutrality. Although neutrality is under particular scrutiny today, it has never been unambiguous for the historian, who demystifies it in the light of the past. Interview.
After two days of extraordinary session, Parliament has issued a symbolic rejection of the Federal Council's rescue plan for Crédit Suisse. This decision has no direct impact, but it does reveal certain issues, as pointed out by the press on Thursday.
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