How does Switzerland think?

Since 1959, we have been analysing what the Swiss think and how this opinion is formed. Our findings on the formation of opinion in Switzerland and in democratic processes in particular are considered groundbreaking and provide important insights into political thinking in Switzerland.

Focus on results

Our focus is on capturing and understanding the voices and attitudes of the Swiss population. Since 2018, we have been publishing our results in the form of digital and interactive cockpits. They provide a comprehensive insight into the political and social landscape in Switzerland.

Swiss eHealth Barometer 2024

Since 2009, the Swiss eHealth Forum has been collecting the eHealth Barometer to analyse the current status and development of eHealth in Switzerland.

Both healthcare professionals and the general population are surveyed in order to draw a comprehensive picture of acceptance and progress in digital healthcare.

Swiss eHealth Barometer 2024: Into the future with AI

VOX analyses
Votations explained since 1977

After every federal vote, gfs.bern conducts a representative survey on behalf of the Federal Chancellery and interviews around 3,000 randomly selected voters. Follow-up surveys after each federal vote help to understand the motives of voters for a Yes or No vote at the ballot box.

You can find out more about VOX analyses (in German, French and Italian), the latest publications (in German, French and Italian) and the background (in German, French and Italian) on our website.

Website VOX-Analyses

Cockpits by topic

Our detailed cockpits show how Switzerland thinks. Topics range from relations with Europe and future mobility to health, education, integration, mental health and social concerns such as public worries and sexual violence.

Europe and SwitzerlandEducationSociety and concerns barometerMobilityHealth and eHealthEnergy

Europe and Switzerland

On behalf of our clients, we analyse issues relating to relations between Switzerland and Europe. This relationship is characterised by political, economic and cultural ties. Our cockpits on Europe shed light on how the Swiss population perceives European integration, Switzerland’s relations with the EU and the impact of European politics on everyday life.

We conduct our surveys on a one-off or regular basis, depending on the questions asked. Surveys that we conduct periodically allow us to draw conclusions about changes over time in addition to snapshots.

Switzerland in 2025: bilateral agreements marked by new treaties

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.

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Bilateral talks even before Zollhammer under the shadow of US customs policy

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.

To the cockpit (in German).

Read the news post.

Ambivalent opinions on Europe and the EU in people’s everyday lives

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.

To the short report (in German).

Read the news post.

Medtech members back the Switzerland-EU package

A clear majority of companies support the new Switzerland-EU package, although opinion-forming is not yet very advanced. Support is based in particular on two key aspects – namely the restoration of mutual recognition of conformity assessments (MRA) for unbureaucratic market access and the safeguarding of the free movement of persons.

To the cockpit (in German).

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Education

How do young people assess their chances on the training and job market? How are STEM subjects perceived and what measures can be implemented to promote these subjects? These are some of the questions relating to the topic of ‘education’ that we analyse empirically on behalf of our clients.

STEM sentiment barometer 2025

On behalf of ETH Zurich and financed by the Hirschmann Foundation, gfs.bern collected data for the first time in summer 2025 for the STEM sentiment barometer, a representative long-term study on the perception of STEM in Switzerland. In the coming years, the STEM Sentiment Barometer will highlight the status quo and trends in the perception of STEM in order to derive appropriate measures for promoting STEM in Switzerland.

To the cockpit (in German).

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Key findings of the August 2025 Transition Barometer

78 per cent of young people at Transition Point I start their dream training programme. Companies are able to fill 87 per cent of advertised apprenticeship positions. 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.

To the cockpit (in German).

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post

Overall positive perception of apprenticeship training

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.

To the cockpit (in French).

To the final report (in French).

Read the news post.

Transition Barometer April 2024

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.

To the cockpit (in German).

Read the news post.

Society and Concerns barometer

We know what is on the minds of the Swiss. Our cockpits record the moods and concerns of the Swiss population on current social issues. From the worry barometer to opinions on social justice, integration and education – discover how the social views and priorities of the Swiss have changed over time.

UBS Worry Barometer 2025: Switzerland in times of international pressure

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.

To the final report.

Read the news post.

Third study on the question ‘How are you, Switzerland?’

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.

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Mobility Monitor 2025: Traffic jams as the most pressing transport problem – infrastructure expansion measures desired

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.

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Focus on nutrition and exercise – personal responsibility is becoming increasingly important

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.

To the cockpit (in German).

Read the news post.

Accompanying evaluation of the national prevention campaign against domestic, sexualised and gender-based violence

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.

To the cockpit (in German).

Read the news post.

‘Zug 55 Plus’ population survey

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.

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Monitor Nutrition and Physical Activity 2023

When it comes to food, the Swiss want transparency – greater openness towards state regulation

The introduction of a tax on foods containing sugar, salt and fat remains a minority concern. However, the proportion of voters who can imagine such a measure in principle has clearly increased over the last 12 months. In general, the need for more public health measures appears to be increasing. In addition to a greater openness to government measures, there is also a desire for greater commitment from the business community.

Open the cockpit (in German)

Mobility

In our cockpits on the topic of mobility, we analyse how the Swiss population views aspects such as public transport, individual mobility, eMobility, environmental concerns and the development of transport infrastructures. Discover trends and opinions on a topic that significantly influences movement and progress in our country.

TCS Travel Barometer 2025: Travel becomes more selective – life circumstances and costs shape decisions

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.

To the cockpit (in German).

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Road network considered congested – but pressure to act remains low

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.

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Mobility Monitor 2025: Traffic jams as the most pressing transport problem – infrastructure expansion measures desired

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.

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Mobility in Swiss urban areas in 2025

How do people get around in Swiss urban areas – and where is there room for improvement?

A representative study conducted by gfs.bern on behalf of the Swiss Cities Mobility Conference shows that public transport remains the primary mode of transport in Swiss urban areas. Cycling and walking have great potential, but are sometimes avoided for safety reasons. Overall satisfaction with the traffic situation is high, but challenges remain, such as overloaded infrastructure and space allocation. There is a particular need for more space for non-motorised road users, traffic-calmed zones and investment in sustainable urban development.

To the cockpit (in German)

To the cockpit (in French)

Read the news post

 

Health and eHealth

Health is an area that the Swiss are proud of. On the one hand, they invest a great deal in their health and spend money on it accordingly. On the other hand, they are very proud to have one of the best healthcare systems in Switzerland. We also regularly survey the population on the digitalisation of the healthcare system and take the pulse of the population.

Swiss population shows broad support for innovative therapies

A 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.

To the cockpit.

To the final report.

Read the news post.

Early detection and prevention: a possible key to better care

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.

To the cockpit (in German).

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Swiss eHealth Barometer 2025: Digitalisation yes – but with trust, benefits and clear implementation

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.

Further results of the population survey (in German).

Further results of the healthcare professionals survey (in German).

Read the news post.

Second Doetsch Grether Prevention Barometer

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.

To the cockpit (in German).

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Outpatient before inpatient: process adjustments without strategic anchoring

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.

To the cockpit in German or in French.

Read the news post.

TCS emergency barometer: High level of trust in professionals, uncertainty about how to act in an emergency

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.

To the cockpit (in German).

Read the news post.

Swiss eHealth Barometer – Population open to next digitisation step in the healthcare sector (February 2024)

The eHealth Barometer has been collected and compiled as part of the Swiss eHealth Forum since 2009. Both healthcare professionals/stakeholders in the healthcare system and the resident population are surveyed. The survey analyses the current status and development of eHealth in Switzerland.

Open the cockpit (in German)

Energy

Topics such as supply security, energy policy, the transition to renewable energy, or the handling of radioactive waste, pose major challenges for Switzerland. We investigate these issues on behalf of our clients and find out how Swiss citizens perceive these topics.

Security of supply remains top priority

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.

To the cockpit (in German).

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Security of supply in Switzerland: challenges and solutions for a climate-neutral future

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.

To the cockpit (in German).

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

Proposed deep repository for radioactive waste currently enjoys majority acceptance

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.

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

The energy transition in Switzerland as a tool for security of supply

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.

To the cockpit (in German).

To the final report (in German).

Read the news post.

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