Youth Barometer. Articles and stories.

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting Switzerland more profoundly than anything else in recent decades. But this new worry, which tops the lists of people's concerns, is also bringing the Swiss together.

Public confidence in the Federal Council has grown enormously. But expectations are also high – for the Council to guide Switzerland safely through the COVID-19 crisis. An interview with Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, conducted by Manuel Rybach.

Security and safety concerns have risen in the rankings as a result of the pandemic. By contrast, the impact on trust in Swiss institutions has been relatively small. A majority of respondents view the economic situation quite positively, but the number of people who worry about losing their jobs is growing.

Voter priorities are clear and their impatience is mounting: They want answers and results.

More and more people are looking for an environmentally and socially sustainable economy. The financial industry has a key role to play here. And the right framework conditions are accelerating the process.

International integration is the bedrock of Switzerland's prosperity. Rather than engaging in a strategy of isolation and autonomy, the need to improve our security of supply is best filled by economic openness.

The topics discussed in the media and by politicians in recent months matter to the younger generation: Sustainability and equality are now seen by them as key issues. Young people have developed a new political awareness and want clear solutions. However, they are not calling for a revolution. Current uncertainties around the world – from the coronavirus crisis to concerns about poverty in old age – are causing young people to become more cautious.

Young people vary in many respects, but they are surprisingly united on what's "in" and what's "out": Platforms such as WhatsApp, YouTube, and Netflix are cool, while drug-taking and smoking are passé. Young people value a materially cautious, healthy lifestyle.

More and more young people are becoming politically engaged on the issues that matter most to them – in particular equality and the environment. They are using social media as a catalyst for change, although this brings its own problems.

Although few young people fall into the COVID-19 risk group, they are still very worried about the situation. However, the impact the pandemic is having on their lives varies greatly from country to country – especially with regard to their list of top concerns, trust in government, the future of e-commerce, and solidarity with their fellow citizens.