How the state kindly takes away our freedom
by Mathias Müller, Switzerland
(16 May 2025) Politicians present themselves to citizens as a friend and helper. But this is often a perfidious deception, as the new coalition agreement in Germany shows.
Social issues
Unconditional commitment for peace – Pope Francis
Easter Homily 2025
by Pope Francis†
(2 May 2025) (CH-S) Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis tireless worked for peace all over the world. His last homily was read out in his presence before the Easter blessing “Urbi et Orbi”. The Pope entrusted this task to his master of ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli. For many, believers and non-believers alike, this sermon expresses his unwavering commitment to a more peaceful world.
Ahmed is back on his feet
When migration goes wrong and what can be done about it
by Alain Pichard,* Switzerland
(2 May 2025) Muslim fathers refusing to shake hands with female teachers hardly attracts any public attention anymore. And that’s a good thing! Firstly, the vast majority of Muslims in Switzerland have no problem whatsoever with what we consider to be a simple greeting ritual. Secondly, debates about handshakes usually lead to fruitless discussions about symbols, which distract us from the serious issues at hand.
“Maintaining hope”
ISPS* Statement against euthanasia and assisted suicide
(14 April 2025) (CH-S) The ISPS criticises strong social and legal trends in many countries around the world towards the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide. So-called “useless lives” should not be allowed to be extinguished prematurely at the “request” of the person concerned.
Developing courage for peace
Impact of propagandistic narratives of good and evil and how we can counter them
by Marita Brune-Koch
(4 April 2025) The destruction of the economic basis of our society, the restriction of our fundamental rights and freedoms, and even the instigation and support of wars that could affect and destroy us all – why do people go along with so much of this almost without contradiction? Much has already been said about this, and analyses of propaganda and its effects are available. But what about the individual? Why do people not object, but submit – obediently or enthusiastically – to the looming destruction of their economic and even physical existence and that of their loved ones? Why do many demonstrate against the far right – as is the case in Germany – rather than for peace?
The EU’s propaganda machine
New report out on how the EU funds NGOs to promote itself and lobby for “more Europe”
by Thomas Fazi*
(28 March 2025) (CH-S) Independent journalist Thomas Fazi works his way through the jungle of EU-funded “non-governmental organisations” (NGOs) to find that the EU uses taxpayers' money to fund propaganda for its own ends, often in contradiction to the EU states themselves.
Fazi's article is also of interest to Switzerland, which is increasingly coming under fire from the EU and where various lobby organisations have been deliberately pursuing a rapprochement with Brussels for years.