Parmelin gives very Swiss speech in Davos

Wednesday, 21 January 2026 06:30

The Swiss president opened the World Economic Forum in Davos with a very Swiss message: neutrality, dialogue, and cooperation.

Guy Parmelin praised Switzerland’s “good offices” role, without naming hot topics like Greenland or the United States.

On the left and among the Greens, reactions were sharp. Critics say the speech lacked courage and failed to defend international law clearly enough.

But right-wing parties praised the message - saying it was balanced and neutral and kept the door open for talks.

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