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.
Six environmental activists blocked the freeway in the canton of Uri on Good Friday. Altercations, traffic jams and police intervention - this is «non-violent» mobilization, when so many legal and effective tools exist, particularly in Switzerland.
A well-known Geneva writer and politician, Jean Romain was for many years a teacher, notably of philosophy. In 2001, he wrote «Lettre ouverte à ceux qui croient encore en l'école» (Open letter to those who still believe in school), and today shares his vision of an institution he knows well.
President of the Institut des Libertés, a liberal-conservative think tank in Paris, entrepreneur, financier and essayist Charles Gave presented his vision of Swiss economic success in a YouTube broadcast last December. Review.
Inheritance tax is a particularly questionable levy, although it has many supporters. At least, that's what can be gleaned from a 2014 book by the Liberal Institute offering a stimulating defense of the institution of inheritance.
Several Vaud institutions are launching a cantonal initiative proposing a 12% tax cut. Beyond the regional case, this initiative raises the question of the right tax rate. Philippe Miauton and Arnaud Bouverat debate the issue.
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