26.02.2026 | Monitor
The Swiss Youth and Democracy Monitor 2025 shows that young people’s interest in politics in 2025 is higher than it has been since 2014. At the same time, many find politics too complex – they clearly support democracy, but are reluctant to participate in referendums and political engagement.
25.02.2026 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 48% | Majorities for cash initiative and counter-proposal, only a narrow majority for individual taxation, majorities against SRG initiative and climate fund initiative
If the vote had already taken place on 14 February 2026, both the cash initiative and the corresponding counter-proposal would have been accepted. In the tiebreaker question, a majority of those willing to participate would have voted in favour of the counter-proposal. The SRG initiative and the climate fund initiative would have been rejected, while the federal law on individual taxation would have been narrowly accepted.
04.02.2026 | Surveys
Gender equality enjoys a high level of recognition in the canton of Schwyz. At the same time, a new study by gfs.bern shows that inequalities persist in the everyday lives of many people – particularly with regard to wages, the reconciliation of family and working life, and violence prevention.
30.01.2026 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 47% | Majorities for the cash initiative and counter-proposal as well as individual taxation, stalemate on the SRG initiative and majority against the climate fund initiative
If the vote had been held on 18 January 2026, both the cash initiative and the corresponding counter-proposal would have been accepted. In the tiebreaker question, a majority of those willing to participate would have voted in favour of the counter-proposal. The SRG initiative would have resulted in a stalemate. The climate fund initiative would have been rejected, while the federal law on individual taxation would have been accepted.
At 47 per cent, voter turnout is currently close to the long-term average (47.1 per cent between 2011 and 2024 according to the FSO).
These findings represent a snapshot at the beginning of the main campaign phase and should not be interpreted as a forecast.
09.12.2025 | Barometer
Rising living costs will remain the biggest concern for Swiss voters in 2025. At the same time, geopolitical conflicts and international uncertainties will become more prominent in the public eye.
19.11.2025 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 43% | Voting intentions for the Service citoyen initiative and the Initiative for a Future in the No camp
If the vote had already taken place on 8 November 2025, the Service citoyen initiative and the Initiative for a Future, also known as the Juso inheritance tax initiative, would have been rejected. Both proposals were caught up in a No trend during the course of the campaign.
18.11.2025 | Surveys
A large majority of young people and parents in Vaud have a positive perception of apprenticeship training. However, uncertainties remain, particularly regarding the development prospects and image of this training pathway.
12.11.2025 | Monitor
The FMH accompanying study 2025 shows that although outpatient care is advancing in the Swiss healthcare system, it mostly remains at the process level. At the same time, the shortage of skilled workers remains a central problem – despite a slight easing in individual areas.
30.10.2025 | Barometer
On behalf of ETH Zurich and financed by the Hirschmann Foundation, gfs.bern collected data for the first time in summer 2025 for the MINT sentiment barometer, a representative long-term study on the perception of MINT in Switzerland. In the coming years, the MINT Sentiment Barometer will highlight the status quo and trends in the perception of MINT in order to derive appropriate measures for promoting MINT in Switzerland.
29.10.2025 | Surveys
A new gfs.bern study commissioned by CRK shows that although the majority of Zurich voters are satisfied with their housing situation, they perceive housing costs as a burden. The upcoming vote on the right of first refusal initiative is taking place in an environment of high sensitivity to housing issues.
28.10.2025 | Barometer
The Transition Barometer examines young people’s educational decisions on the one hand and the situation on the apprenticeship market on the other. A thematic spotlight on the application process rounds off the 2025 study.
24.10.2025 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 41% | Stalemate on the Service-citoyen initiative and majority against the Initiative for the Future
If the vote had already taken place on 10 October 2025, the initiative for a future would have been rejected, while the Service citoyen initiative would have resulted in a stalemate. At 41%, voter turnout to date is below the long-term average (47.1% between 2011 and 2024 according to the FSO).
17.09.2025 | Monitor
After several years of declining interest, the importance of nutrition and exercise among the population will increase significantly again in 2025. At the same time, this year’s survey shows growing scepticism towards government intervention – the need for personal responsibility and education is at the forefront. In addition, the study confirms the high value placed on enjoyment when eating and drinking.
17.09.2025 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 44% | Voting intentions for property taxes on second homes narrow and for e-ID stable in favour
If the vote had taken place on 6 September 2025, the property tax proposal would have been narrowly accepted and the e-ID law would have been approved by a stable majority. At 43%, voter turnout was below the long-term average (47% between 2011 and 2023 according to the FSO).
13.09.2025 | Monitor
The Swiss electorate’s interest in transport issues is at a record high. Congested roads and traffic jams are seen as the biggest problems, with the solution lying in the expansion of transport infrastructure and public transport services. Majorities continue to be in favour of electric mobility, even though the range and recycling of batteries are still viewed critically.
10.09.2025 | Surveys
A clear majority of voters would currently vote in favour of the existing agreements with the EU. After a temporary decline in January 2025, the perceived benefits of the bilateral agreements returned to their 2024 level in July. The perceived importance of access to export markets is growing in particular in view of the current international turmoil.
04.09.2025 | Surveys
The third nationwide survey shows that despite increasing crises around the world, the majority of Swiss residents remain satisfied with their own lives in 2025. However, the outlook for the future has become bleaker since 2023: People continue to be particularly concerned about rising health insurance premiums, while worries about war, security and terrorism are also becoming increasingly prominent.
30.08.2025 | Surveys
Reasons for approval: Predominantly entrepreneurial
The majority of medtech companies support the Switzerland-EU package. Direct access to the EU market and the free movement of persons are decisive factors.
22.08.2025 | Election and voting research
A follow-up survey conducted by gfs.bern on behalf of the canton of Basel-Landschaft on the vote on the 2023 expansion of the national roads paints a mixed picture: Although voters in the canton of Basel-Landschaft recognise capacity problems on the roads, they feel that the pressure to act is limited. This explains the contrasting attitudes towards the expansion of the national roads.
30.06.2025 | Election and voting research
Following the negative outcome of the referendum on the project loan for a new theatre in Lucerne, the city of Lucerne commissioned the gfs.bern institute to conduct a public opinion poll. The results are now available. Lucerne voters considered the project too large and presumably too expensive. Above all, they did not like it, and the voting population felt that the project did not fit into the cityscape. At the same time, it became clear that the Lucerne Theatre enjoys great support and sympathy among the population.
27.06.2025 | Surveys
With almost 17,000 participants, the ‘Zug 55 Plus’ population survey provides the first comprehensive picture of the life realities of people aged 55 and over in the canton of Zug. The results show that satisfaction and engagement are high, but loneliness, information deficits and housing concerns remain key challenges.
26.06.2025 | Barometer
The forgotten skill: first aid in an emergency
People have a high level of trust in emergency services. However, when it comes to their own first aid skills, many people in Switzerland lack the necessary self-confidence.
18.06.2025 | Surveys
New Study Reveals Striking Gap Between Confidence in Secure Banking Services and Consumers’ Own Digital Habits
17.06.2025 | Surveys
The Swiss population clearly supports the current energy policy and sees the Electricity Act as a decisive step towards the future of energy. The fourth wave of the study on security of supply shows that security of supply is the most important requirement for Switzerland’s energy supply. At the same time, there is a keen awareness of the conflicting goals of climate protection, costs and supply, and with it the demand for politically viable solutions.
10.06.2025 | Barometer
The Transition Barometer, commissioned by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), provides insights twice a year into the educational choices made by young people transitioning from compulsory schooling to further education and into the Swiss apprenticeship market.
In spring 2025, 60% of young people at transition point I already have a firm plan for their next step. At the same time, the allocation of apprenticeship places is in full swing: 67% of the apprenticeship places on offer have already been filled. This indicates an active apprenticeship market in which supply and demand are dynamically aligned.
The second part of the survey in August will then provide information on the final training paths chosen and the situation on the apprenticeship market.
27.05.2025 | Barometer
Travel with the handbrake on: climate crisis and costs take centre stage
The ninth TCS Travel Barometer commissioned by the TCS shows that travel habits remain largely stable, but are subject to specific adjustments depending on life circumstances and expectations.
27.05.2025 | Monitor
Health prevention is increasingly understood as a holistic concept and thus also as part of a collective health strategy. The Swiss resident population clearly recognises its potential to relieve the burden on the healthcare system, particularly in financial terms. Accordingly, they expect support, guidance and fair access. Prevention should not be patronising, but understood as a shared responsibility, supported by individuals, experts and politics.
26.05.2025 | Monitor
Why card users feel safe but are not always well protected
Card payments are part of everyday life – in shops, on the go or online. But despite a widespread sense of security, one in six people in Switzerland is a victim of card fraud. A new study commissioned by the Card Security prevention initiative shows where knowledge is available – and where there is still room for improvement.
23.05.2025 | Surveys
The study “Artificial intelligence in government communication: opportunities and Risks – The View of the Population” was conducted by gfs.bern on behalf of the Federal Chancellery. The study shows that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration communication is a promising but also sensitive topic. The population is generally open to progress through artificial intelligence. However, it wants clear and comprehensible framework conditions.
15.04.2025 | Barometer
The digitisation of the Swiss healthcare system is generally welcomed – but its success depends crucially on trust, suitability for everyday use and targeted implementation. This is shown by the results of the Swiss eHealth Barometer 2025. The results are based on responses from almost 2,000 Swiss residents and around 1,500 healthcare professionals and other stakeholders in the healthcare sector.
03.04.2025 | Election and voting research
Fireworks are simply part of life for many people in Switzerland – on New Year’s Eve, 1 August and at big celebrations. But they don’t just go off in the sky; they also cause a bang in the political debate. The popular initiative ‘For a restriction on fireworks’ aims to better protect people, animals and the environment from the noise pollution and emissions caused by fireworks.
03.04.2025 | Surveys
How do people get around in Swiss cities – and where is there room for improvement?
Urban transport is caught between the conflicting priorities of efficiency, safety and sustainability. A recent study commissioned by the German Cities Conference on Mobility provides insights into people’s mobility behaviour, their satisfaction with the transport situation and their expectations for future developments.
02.04.2025 | Barometer
For the fourth time, we were commissioned by MSD Switzerland (Merck Sharp & Dohme AG) to conduct a representative survey of the population on the quality of cancer care. The results show that there is a clear gap between the need for preventive measures and their actual implementation. In addition, the population has little to no idea about which preventive examinations are paid for by whom and for which target groups they are recommended. Education, prevention and early detection are possible keys to better care.
18.03.2025 | Surveys
What is Switzerland’s position on Europe?
The study ‘Switzerland in 2025’, conducted by gfs.bern on behalf of Interpharma, provides new insights into the perception of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the European Union. The results show broad support among the population for the outcome of the negotiations and clear approval of the bilateral agreements, although a more ambivalent attitude can now be observed.
11.02.2025 | Impact analysis and evaluation
The findings of the baseline measurement conducted by gfs.bern on behalf of the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) clearly show that violence is recognised as a social problem, but is rarely identified as a personal issue.
09.02.2025 | Election and voting research
According to our projections, the Swiss electorate will reject the environmental responsibility initiative on 9 February 2025 by around 70 percent of votes. While initiatives on environmental issues in the broadest sense often face resistance, it turns out that the issue of environmental protection is still sufficiently divisive to create majorities.
31.01.2025 | gfs.insights
A recent study by gfs.bern on behalf of the Swiss Bar Association sheds light on digitalisation and the associated costs in law firms. The results paint a clear picture: the more digital a firm already is, the greater the perceived benefits and the priority for further investment in this area.
28.01.2025 | Surveys
A recent study commissioned by Bristol Myers Squibb shows that 84 per cent of the Swiss population considers solidarity in the healthcare system to be important and supports equal access to innovative therapies. In addition, 82 per cent believe that medical reasons should determine access to therapies. The study shows that solidarity and medical necessity are central to the Swiss healthcare system.
10.01.2025 | Election and voting research
On 24 November 2024, the Swiss electorate voted on four key proposals. Three were rejected, with only the health reform receiving a majority. The rejection was characterised by strong left-green mobilisation, environmental awareness and criticism of social and financial aspects.
20.12.2024 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 35% | 1x relative majority against
If the environmental responsibility initiative had already been put to the vote on 8 December 2024, a relative majority of 49 per cent of voters with a firm intention to vote would have definitely or rather voted against it. 45 per cent would have definitely or rather voted in favour of it. The initiative is starting the main campaign phase on the back foot.
At 35%, voter turnout is well below the long-term average (47% between 2011 and 2023 according to the FSO).
12.12.2024 | Barometer
This year, the Swiss electorate is particularly concerned about healthcare. Environmental and climate protection come in second, followed by retirement provisions. Compared to previous years, financial concerns as well as concerns about immigration and security have increased the most. These and other trends were identified by a representative survey of 2,250 voters from across Switzerland in August and September 2024.
06.12.2024 | Barometer
How fair is Switzerland really?
Text: The 2024 Gerechtigkeitsbarometer (Equality Barometer), conducted by gfs.bern on behalf of Der Beobachter and supported by Coop Rechtsschutz, provides new insights into the perception of equality in Switzerland.
25.10.2024 | Surveys
2024 is a landmark year for Switzerland’s relations with Europe. The Federal Council plans to conclude treaty negotiations with the EU with a view to modernising and extending the existing bilateral agreements. At the same time, the Bilateral Agreements I were signed 25 years ago and the Bilateral Agreements II 20 years ago. These events provided an opportunity to survey Swiss voters on relations between Switzerland and Europe and thus to gauge public opinion after 25 years of bilateral agreements, assessing the advantages and disadvantages from the perspective of everyday life.
29.08.2024 | Surveys
On behalf of the municipality of Haute-Sorne, gfs.bern surveyed the population of the municipality on key topics such as quality of life, municipal merger, energy, water and youth. 2,215 residents of the municipality took part in this survey between 21 April and 21 May 2024.
27.05.2024 | Surveys
Switzerland faces the major challenge of ensuring a secure and climate-neutral energy supply. A recent study by the research institute gfs.bern on behalf of the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (VSE) shows that the majority of the Swiss population continues to support energy policy and the promotion of renewable energies. Nevertheless, questions about security of supply and the costs of the energy transition remain controversial.
12.03.2024 | Monitor
The collective attitude of voters in Switzerland towards the banks is and remains favourable. Moreover, in the eyes of voters, international competitiveness has changed little and assets continue to be regarded as secure. Nevertheless, the CS crisis has certainly left its mark.
21.02.2024 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 52% | 1x Yes; 1x No
If the vote had been held on 10 February 2024, the initiative for a 13th AHV pension would have been accepted and the pension initiative would have been rejected by the electorate.
In the phase before the final mobilisation, the conflict patterns are recognisable and the state of opinion-forming on both proposals is advanced: Language, age and values are becoming more important in the vote on the 13th AHV pension. The pension initiative is still only supported by a majority of FDP voters. At 52 per cent, voter turnout would have been above the long-term average.
14.02.2024
The Board of Directors of gfs.bern is being renewed as part of the finalised company succession. Claude Longchamp, who founded the Institute for Policy and Communication Research in 2004 and has shaped it ever since, is leaving the Board of Directors on 31 March 2024 for a well-deserved retirement. Martina Vieli, an experienced political and communications consultant, former lobbyist and member of the extended management of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR, has been newly elected to the Board of Directors.
06.02.2024 | Surveys
Majorities throughout Switzerland, as well as in the affected region, show willingness to accept a deep repository in their own area. In particular, clear majorities of the population trust experts to find a technical solution to the problem of radioactive waste and the authorities to implement this solution politically. Among the population directly affected in Nördlich Lägern, the confidence levels are almost identical.
21.12.2023 | Surveys
New results of the population survey “How is Switzerland?” commissioned by SRG-SSR and its sub-units (SRF, RTS, RSI, RTR and Swissinfo) show what the Swiss population thinks about the economy and economic inequality.
27.09.2023 | Monitor
Politisierungswelle der Jugend flacht zunehmend ab: Der Trend der letzten Jahre in Richtung mehr Partizipation scheint gebrochen zu sein. Der Anteil der politisierten Jugend beschränkt sich, zumindest vorerst, auf einen harten Kern. Ein politisches Engagement kann sich auch zukünftig nur eine Minderheit vorstellen. Die Zeichen stehen also auf geringerer Beteiligung der Jugendlichen in den nächsten Jahren.
24.08.2023 | Surveys
A nationwide survey by gfs.bern shows: The majority of Swiss citizens are satisfied with their own lives, even if not completely and unconditionally. Satisfaction with private life is higher, while professional life leads to less satisfaction.
12.07.2023
With more than six decades of experience in political, social and economic opinion research, we are a pioneering player in the field of opinion research. Our insights into opinion formation in Switzerland and in direct democratic processes are considered groundbreaking. Throughout our company’s history, we have always taken the pulse of the times, adapted to constantly changing technological and social requirements and are prepared to survive in a rapidly developing, digitalised and internationalised world.
18.06.2023 | Monitor
During the Corona pandemic, the rapid development and market introduction of new medicines and vaccines seemed urgent. Even today, voters are open to some proposals.
31.05.2023 | Surveys
A nationwide survey by gfs.bern shows that Swiss voters remain satisfied with Swiss energy policy. The domestic energy transition is seen as a tool for ensuring Switzerland’s security of supply.
25.05.2023 | Barometer
The TCS Travel Barometer gives an insight for the sixth time into the travel behaviour of Switzerland’s population. The representative survey of residents and TCS members shows which sources of information are particularly popular, how well people feel informed about travel, what news is perceived on the subject of travel and how the population feels about safety. The study, which was commissioned by TCS Switzerland over many years, makes it possible to interpret the development of opinion on the subject of travel not only currently, but also over time.
12.05.2023 | Election and voting research
Die Schweiz stimmt zum letzten Mal in der laufenden Legislatur ab.
Im Hintergrundbericht zur 1. SRG-Trendumfrage liefern wir die zentralen Informationen zu den Vorlagen der Abstimmung vom 18. Juni 2023, zum Abstimmungskampf und der politischen Grosswetterlage der Schweiz im Wahljahr.
12.05.2023 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 40% | 3 x Yes
If the vote had already been held on 1 May 2023, all three bills put to the vote at the federal level would have been clearly approved. This applies most clearly to the OECD/G20 minimum taxation, followed by the climate law and the Covid 19 law. Voter turnout would have been below average for the time at 40 percent.
02.12.2022 | Monitor
On behalf of the TCS, we surveyed the Swiss population on the subject of electromobility for the fourth time in 2022.
02.12.2022 | Surveys
EEA in the initial situation majority – polarization to be expected.
01.12.2022 | Barometer
The transition barometer examines the situation of young people at the first transition point to upper-secondary level and the situation of apprenticeship providers each spring and summer.
23.11.2022 | Barometer
The environment is now the top concern of the Swiss population. The topics of AHV/ old-age provision and energy follow in second and third place, while the pandemic is no longer among the ten most important concerns.
17.11.2022 | Monitor
The easyvote political monitor is an annual survey of secondary school students. Commissioned by the umbrella organisation Swiss Youth Parliaments (DSJ), more than 1,000 15-25 year-olds were asked about their political preferences and forms of participation for the seventh time in 2022.
31.10.2022 | Surveys
Almost three quarters of the Swiss resident population perceives a plastic problem.
27.09.2022 | Barometer
“Insecure instead of carefree: Young people in times of crisis” – this is the title of this year’s Credit Suisse Youth Barometer.
26.09.2022 | Election and voting research
With the “No” to the withholding tax, the SP has once again scored a success against business and the authorities at the ballot box. In contrast to the vote on stamp duty, however, the left did not succeed this time in making the issue loud and emotionally charged. The anti-corporate momentum of that time did not pick up to the same extent as then, and the proposal sailed towards the vote Sunday in the shadow of the two AHV proposals.
26.09.2022 | Election and voting research
The reform of the old-age pension system was accepted by a razor-thin margin. The initially comfortable approval dwindled more and more in the course of the referendum campaign.
24.09.2022 | Data Science
On behalf of Allianz Sicherheit, the gfs.bern research institute conducted an analysis of parliamentarians. Of primary interest was how well the individual parliamentarians represent security interests.
Security is a concept that is difficult to grasp, as it is defined differently by different people. It is therefore important to clearly delineate the focus of this analysis. This delineation is important because a political assessment of security involves very diametrically opposed value concepts. Depending on the political values, security can, for example, be assessed from a pacifist, military, cooperative or ecological perspective, which implies very different definitions of security.
24.09.2022 | Impact analysis and evaluation
Voter turnout stable at 44 % | 1 x no, 2 x yes, 1 x open.
If the vote had already been held on 4 September 2022, both AHV reform proposals would have been approved. A narrow majority would have rejected the livestock initiative. A relative majority would have accepted the withholding tax law. Voter turnout would have remained stable at an average of 44 per cent.
19.08.2022 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 45 % | 2 x Yes, 2 x close Yes.
If the vote had already been held on 8 August 2022, the livestock initiative and the two AHV reform proposals would have been approved. The Withholding Tax Act would only have been approved by a relative majority. Voter turnout would have been slightly below average at 45 percent.
14.07.2022 | Surveys
The member survey showed that association members are most often employed in construction logistics, Swiss general cargo, part-load and full-load transport, and industrial and construction site waste transport. The two types of drivers with the highest gross wages have in common that they usually have more than ten years of service, are at least 38 years old and are unskilled. Most chauffeurs work 45 hours per week, while those under 50 are granted five weeks’ holiday and those over 50 six. The 13th month’s salary has become established in the industry and is paid by a majority of the association members directly from the beginning of employment. Slightly more than half of the federation members also pay out additional remuneration, whereby this most frequently takes the form of a bonus.
01.07.2022 | Election and voting research
The vote on 15 May 2022 mobilised only a few people. Just around 40 percent cast their vote on the Film Act, the Transplantation Act and “Frontex”. This is shown by the results of the survey of 3,231 eligible voters in the VOX Analysis May 2022. The study was conducted by gfs.bern and financed by the Federal Chancellery.
15.06.2022 | Monitor
People in Switzerland are agreed that the country has coped well with the COVID crisis and the healthcare system passed the test put to it by the pandemic.
13.06.2022 | Monitor
War and pandemic prompt a change of thinking among Swiss voters!
31.05.2022 | Surveys
Swiss voters are satisfied with the energy policy. As electricity could become scarce, supply security is now seen as paramount ahead of affordable prices and climate-neutral energy production.
19.05.2022 | Monitor
In collaboration with the research institute gfs.bern, MSD Switzerland conducted its first ever representative survey in the population on the quality of cancer care in Switzerland.
17.05.2022 | Barometer
Despite critical voices in the media, the Swiss eHealth-Barometer 2022 shows that the majority of healthcare professionals favour the introduction of electronic patient records (EPRs) as defined in federal legislation. What healthcare professionals find particularly useful about EPRs is the way they optimize processes.
17.05.2022 | Surveys
A Europe-wide survey by gfs.bern shows that EU citizens would have voted in favour of an expansion of Frontex following a campaign backed up by sound arguments. This result reveals a content-based decision-making maturity comparable with the situation in Switzerland regarding the same proposal.
17.05.2022 | Surveys
A Europe-wide survey by gfs.bern in collaboration with Meisser Economics and the Direct Democracy Foundation shows that the majority of voters in the European Union would support an expansion of Frontex in a ballot.
15.05.2022 | Election and voting research
While the results on referendum Sunday in February were still “No, no and again no”, the verdict of voters today is “yes, yes and again yes”.
04.05.2022 | Election and voting research
Turnout stable at 44 % | 3 x Yes.
If the vote had already been held on 24 April 2022, the film law, the transplant law and the funding of Frontex would have been approved. The turnout would have been a below-average 44 per cent.
28.04.2022 | Barometer
On behalf of Physioswiss, the Swiss physiotherapy association, we conducted a survey in 2021 on what Switzerland’s population thinks about physiotherapy.
26.04.2022 | Barometer
The TCS Travel Barometer gives an insight for the sixth time into the travel behaviour of Switzerland’s population.
12.04.2022 | Surveys
On behalf of Amnesty International, we investigated where Switzerland’s population stands on sexuality, relationships and sexual violence in Switzerland as well as on resolving the issue of consent.
02.04.2022 | Election and voting research
On 13 February, voters voted twice for the health of the population and twice against new sources of financing for companies and corporations.
01.04.2022 | Election and voting research
Turnout 44 % | 3 x Yes.
If the vote had already been held on 18 March 2022, the Film Act, the Transplantation Act and the funding of Frontex would have been approved. Voter turnout would have been a slightly below-average 44 per cent.
31.03.2022 | Surveys
The survey of around 2000 people from Limmattal – one of the fastest-growing regions of Switzerland – shows: the residential region is appreciated; there is more than one identity in the Limmattal; the valley offers many opportunities to combine living, working and recreation; there are particular challenges when it comes to traffic, noise and nature.
05.03.2022 | Surveys
Swiss voters show they are uncertain where the journey with the European Union is leading and where it should lead. But the majority don’t want to go back on the advantages of the current bilateral agreements.
05.03.2022 | Surveys
On behalf of Interpharma 2003, we surveyed Swiss voters on questions concerning relations between Switzerland and the EU.
13.02.2022 | Election and voting research
Swiss voters have decided, voting once with and three times against parliament and government.
13.02.2022 | Election and voting research
After the veiling ban and the care initiative, the tobacco advertising ban was adopted on 13.2., making it three popular initiatives that have already been adopted in this legislature. It was uncertain whether the ban on tobacco advertising would ultimately founder on the rocks of the cantonal majority at the end of the day, and whether it would suffer the same fate as the responsible business initiative.
11.02.2022 | Data Science
On behalf of the dioceses of Basel, Chur and St. Gallen, gfs.bern is providing support for the synodal process that the Catholic Church launched on 17 October 2021 at the request of Pope Francis.
02.02.2022 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 50 % | 1 x Yes, 2 x No, 1 x relative rejection.
If the vote had already been held on 23 January 2022, the initiative to ban tobacco advertising would have been accepted, while the initiative to ban animal testing, the law on stamp duties and the package of measures for the media would have been rejected. Voter turnout would have been an above-average 50 per cent.
14.01.2022 | Election and voting research
No voters were more likely to inform themselves about the Covid 19 law via social media, while Yes voters were more likely to do so via traditional media. Moreover, since the introduction of women’s suffrage in 1971, the average voter turnout has never been higher than in 2021. This is confirmed by the results of the survey of 3,420 voters in the VOX analysis of November 2021. The study was conducted by gfs.bern and funded by the Federal Chancellery.
13.01.2022 | Data Science
On behalf of the dioceses of Basel, Chur and St. Gallen, gfs.bern is providing support for the synodal process that the Catholic Church launched on 17 October 2021 at the request of Pope Francis. Contributions from the 800 dialogue groups reveal the common ground, as well as areas of tension and the need for action.
07.01.2022 | Election and voting research
If the vote had already been held on 25 December 2021, the initiative to ban tobacco advertising would have been adopted, while relative majorities would have rejected the initiative to ban animal testing and the law on stamp duties. In the case of the federal law on a package of measures in favour of the media, the willingness to participate was divided. Voter turnout would have been a below-average 41 per cent.
15.12.2021 | Surveys
What do young Swiss people think about Swiss economic policy? Together with the newly founded Institute for Swiss Economic Policy (IWP) at the University of Lucerne, we took the pulse of 16 to 30-year-old Swiss citizens. A representative opinion poll of around 1,000 adolescents and young adults shows that interest is considerable and opinion nuanced.
28.11.2021 | Election and voting research
According to the latest projections (as of 3 p.m.), we expect a 65 per cent turnout today (+/- 2 per cent margin of error). Since the vote on women’s suffrage, only three other referendums have brought more voters to the polls.
28.11.2021 | Data Science
The Data Science Team of gfs.bern already reported at 12.30 p.m. that 63 percent of Swiss voters are in favour of the Federal Council’s Covid law. On voting day today, the vocal minority were defeated by the shy but steadfast majority.
25.11.2021 | Barometer
The country’s greatest challenges in the eyes of Swiss voters are currently the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences, environmental protection and climate change, and old-age pensions. The proportion of people who rank either climate, coronavirus or old-age pensions among the five biggest problems is exactly the same, to within one percentage point.
17.11.2021 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 51 % | 2 x Yes and 1 x No.
If the vote had already been held on 7 November 2021, the care initiative and the amendment to the Covid 19 Act would have been adopted, while the justice initiative would have been rejected. The turnout would have been an above-average 51 percent.
14.11.2021 | Surveys
Satisfaction with the political system, opportunities for co-determination, rules and results is high in Switzerland, much higher than in neighbouring countries. The adoption of aspects of Swiss democracy is supported for the most part by neighbouring countries.
12.11.2021 | Election and voting research
A question of fairness – but with two different outcomes. ‘Marriage for all’ means equal rights for same-sex couples, is explicitly in keeping with the zeitgeist and enjoys broad majority support. However, the popular initiative to ‘Ease the tax burden on pay and to tax capital fairly’ fails to establish a ‘new’ level of fairness in capital taxation.
01.11.2021 | Surveys
On behalf of the FMH, gfs.bern conducted a representative survey of the medical profession. Questions examined included: How has the workload changed during the pandemic? How do you rate occupational health and safety and quality of care?
28.10.2021 | Barometer
On behalf of the TCS, we surveyed Switzerland’s population on the subject of electromobility for the third time in 2021.
28.10.2021 | Barometer
Transition Barometer August 2021: Educational decisions of young people and the situation on the apprenticeship market.
22.10.2021 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout 41 % | 2 x Yes and 1 x stalemate.
If the vote had already been held on 9 October 2021, the amendment to the Covid 19 Act and the care initiative would have been adopted, while those willing to participate were split on the justice initiative. Voter turnout would have been slightly below average at 41 percent.
05.10.2021 | Barometer
The Hospital and Clinic Barometer 2021 examines the perceptions and attitudes of Swiss voters on the subject of hospitals/clinics. It preovides answers to questions such as: How do voters rate the work and the role of hospitals and clinics in managing the COVID-19 crisis? Are financial resources properly distributed?
30.09.2021 | Monitor
The measures that applied during the survey period in the fight against the pandemic got Swiss voters thinking: their interest in and awareness of the importance of nutrition and exercise is increasing. Consumers should continue to have the last word. Prevention of intervention. There should continue to be no attempts to influence dietary habits through taxes. Colour coding is becoming increasingly popular.
26.09.2021 | Data Science
Over 50% of those eligible to vote exercised their right to vote in the Marriage for All referendum, the front-runner was Rüdlingen with a turnout of 80.2%, and Billens-Hennens brought up the rear with 19.8%. How are these results to be understood? We have compared the voting behaviour on 26.09 (marriage for all) with the behaviour on 13.06 (CO2 law) and evaluated it for you.
26.09.2021 | Election and voting research
64 percent of Swiss voters are clearly in favour of marriage for all. The 99 per cent initiative, on the other hand, could only convince just over a third of voters. Today it was about the centre ground of society, which voted with the majority of parliament and the Federal Council – on the one hand the modern social mainstream in favour of marriage for all and on the other the business-friendly and pragmatic middle class against the 99 per cent initiative.
20.09.2021 | Surveys
On behalf of swiss-food.ch, gfs.bern polled the views of 1,010 Swiss voters on extending the moratorium on gene technology. A clear majority supports an extension. The question of whether genome editing should be included in the moratorium cannot be unequivocally answered.
15.09.2021 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout about 45 % | 1 x Yes, 1 x No.
If the vote had already been held on 5 September 2021, the amendment to the Swiss Civil Code (marriage for all) would have been accepted and the popular initiative “Relieve wages, tax capital fairly” would have been rejected. Both proposals were caught up in a “no” trend during the main campaign phase.
20.08.2021 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout approx. 42 % | 1 x Yes, 1 x Stalemate.
If the vote had already been held on 7 August 2021, the amendment to the Swiss Civil Code (marriage for all) would have been accepted, while those willing to participate would have been divided on the popular initiative “Relieve the burden on wages, tax capital fairly”. It would have been accepted by a wafer-thin relative majority.
17.08.2021 | Surveys
Digitisation enables people to network globally and across cultures. But it also facilitates attempts by a wide variety of actors to influence elections and referendums. Discussions about fake news, echo chambers and the polarisation of societies are currently heated. But are all these discussions equally relevant? And do we as a society have the necessary maturity to derive optimum benefit from the new instruments? The study by gfs.bern takes stock of the situation.
30.07.2021 | Election and voting research
The combination of the five proposals on 13 June 2021 led to a unique dynamic in the referendum campaign: mobilisation of the “right”, of people who have less trust in the Federal Council and people in rural regions led not only to a clear No to the two agricultural initiatives (on drinking water and a ban on pesticides), but also to a No to the CO2 law. The role of young people in the rejection of the CO2 initiative must be put into perspective and viewed in a nuanced way. This is shown in the data from the VOX analysis of 13 June 2021, for which around 3,000 voters were surveyed.
24.06.2021 | Monitor
Since 2014, gfs.bern has been studying the following issues on behalf of pharmaSuisse: perception of the role of pharmacies; interests in pharmacy offers and services; and analysis of issues associated with pharmacies. For the representative study, 1,001 residents aged 18 or over were surveyed.
13.06.2021 | Election and voting research
Did Swiss voters reject the drinking water and pesticide initiatives because the weaknesses of the initiatives were too obvious? Or did they reject the initiatives out of fear of price increases?
13.06.2021 | Election and voting research
Opposition to the drinking water and pesticide initiatives was mobilised mainly in rural areas. This mobilisation is probably also responsible for rejection of the CO2 law.
10.06.2021 | Monitor
The healthcare system has withstood the test of the current pandemic – albeit not completely. For example, there is a demand for faster access to novel medicines. The one-sided focus on cost issues – which has dominated the discussion in recent years – is neither effective nor helpful. Instead, the pandemic shows that Switzerland must align its system with the needs of patients in order to save lives. Read the findings from the monitor study “Healthcare in Switzerland 2021” here.
04.06.2021 | Barometer
Health workers are increasingly resorting to analogue methods of transmitting data in times of crisis. On the other hand, telemedicine is experiencing an upswing in practices. Acceptance of the storage of health data is increasing among the population. In the medium term, the pandemic may yet prove to be a catalyst for digitisation in the Swiss healthcare system.
02.06.2021 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout approx. 52% | 1 x No, 3 x Yes.
If the vote had already been held on 22 May 2021, the drinking water and pesticide initiatives would have been rejected. The Covid Act, the CO2 Act and the Terrorism Act would have been adopted. The position of the authorities would thus have prevailed in all the referenda on 13 June 2021.
27.05.2021 | Barometer
Main conclusions of the Transition Barometer April 2021:
– 51% of young people at the transition point already have a firm solution for the next stage of their education
– 63% of apprenticeship positions offered are already filled
18.05.2021 | Monitor
Swiss voters regard Switzerland’s position, even in times of crisis, as a financial hub as financially and economically sound. It is therefore not surprising that, during the coronavirus pandemic, banks are increasingly perceived as an important pillar of funding for SMEs and businesses.
18.05.2021 | Surveys
The Swiss have a positive opinion of the banking industry, appreciate the flexible support of the economy by the banks within the framework of the COVID 19 credit programme, have a high level of trust in their own main bank and are largely satisfied with digitisation in the financial industry.
10.05.2021 | Data Science
Generally speaking, it is not easy to explain a policy proposal. The aim in each case must be to draft a description of the proposal using facts alone and not to influence the reader. gfs.bern has studied this question on behalf of Interpharma on the basis of the framework agreement.
09.05.2021 | Surveys
Satisfaction with the bilateral agreements among Swiss voters has been high for years. This is also true in 2021. The bilateral agreements thus form a broadly accepted basis for relations with the European Union, which one does not want to fall behind. On behalf of Interpharma, gfs.bern studied the following question, among others: If an institutional agreement between Switzerland and the EU were to be put to the vote, would you definitely be in favour, rather in favour, rather against or definitely against?
09.05.2021 | Surveys
On behalf of Interpharma, gfs.bern surveyed 2005 Swiss voters between 8.3. and 21.4. 2021 on issues relating to relations between Switzerland and the EU. The survey was conducted before the last round of negotiations with the EU.
07.05.2021 | Election and voting research
Voter turnout approx. 52 % | Yes to all proposals
If the vote had already been held on 23 April 2021, all federal bills of 13 June 2021 would have been adopted. The authorities’ position would have prevailed on the Covid Act, the CO2 Act and the Terrorism Act. The Drinking Water Initiative and the Pesticide Initiative would have been adopted against the will of the Federal Council and Parliament.
Voter turnout would have been an above-average 52 percent.
23.04.2021 | Election and voting research
Pragmatism and individual considerations of costs and benefits were more important than slogans in the three proposals on 7 March 2021: the rather surprisingly narrow victory on the free trade agreement with Indonesia was in contrast to two defeats for the Federal Council and Parliament. This is confirmed by the results of the survey of 3,070 voters in the VOX analysis March 2021. The study was conducted by gfs.bern and funded by the Federal Chancellery.
