Rahel Freiburghaus
@rfrbrghs.bsky.social
Assistant Professor @unil.bsky.social, Switzerland │ Swiss & Comparative Politics, Democracy, Political Institutions, Federalism, (Intergovernmental) Lobbying │ Also @leewas.bsky.social @chplusplus.bsky.social │Views my own
Dear fellow political science polisky departments, which one of you is the most festive?
I boldly give @unil.bsky.social @sspunil.bsky.social a solid 5/5
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄!
Feeling truly grateful to my new colleagues for their warmth and generosity as I took my first steps in a new position & a new university
I boldly give @unil.bsky.social @sspunil.bsky.social a solid 5/5
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄!
Feeling truly grateful to my new colleagues for their warmth and generosity as I took my first steps in a new position & a new university
December 18, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Dear fellow political science polisky departments, which one of you is the most festive?
I boldly give @unil.bsky.social @sspunil.bsky.social a solid 5/5
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄!
Feeling truly grateful to my new colleagues for their warmth and generosity as I took my first steps in a new position & a new university
I boldly give @unil.bsky.social @sspunil.bsky.social a solid 5/5
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄!
Feeling truly grateful to my new colleagues for their warmth and generosity as I took my first steps in a new position & a new university
I believe that many people, myself included, are still not sufficiently aware of how disinformation campaigns by foreign states undermine social cohesion and fuel polarization, thereby helping far-right parties gain influence.
Becoming aware of this, however, strengthens our collective resilience
Becoming aware of this, however, strengthens our collective resilience
December 17, 2025 at 7:45 AM
I believe that many people, myself included, are still not sufficiently aware of how disinformation campaigns by foreign states undermine social cohesion and fuel polarization, thereby helping far-right parties gain influence.
Becoming aware of this, however, strengthens our collective resilience
Becoming aware of this, however, strengthens our collective resilience
As the Swiss parliament debates the finance minister’s austerity package (≈$5.5bn/year), it’s peak season for lobbying.
Many still picture lobbyists as men in dark suits.
In Switzerland, that image misses the point: lobbyists are often MPs themselves — and the cantons www.nzz.ch/schweiz/wer-...
Many still picture lobbyists as men in dark suits.
In Switzerland, that image misses the point: lobbyists are often MPs themselves — and the cantons www.nzz.ch/schweiz/wer-...
December 14, 2025 at 7:50 AM
As the Swiss parliament debates the finance minister’s austerity package (≈$5.5bn/year), it’s peak season for lobbying.
Many still picture lobbyists as men in dark suits.
In Switzerland, that image misses the point: lobbyists are often MPs themselves — and the cantons www.nzz.ch/schweiz/wer-...
Many still picture lobbyists as men in dark suits.
In Switzerland, that image misses the point: lobbyists are often MPs themselves — and the cantons www.nzz.ch/schweiz/wer-...
I’m very happy to learn that my article RETHINKING SHARED RULE AS INTERGOVERNMENTAL LOBBYING has received second place in the BEST ARTICLE PRIZE @regfedst.bsky.social !🙏
I take this recognition as a sign of the potential in bringing together federalism with research on interest groups and lobbying
I take this recognition as a sign of the potential in bringing together federalism with research on interest groups and lobbying
December 12, 2025 at 11:13 AM
I’m very happy to learn that my article RETHINKING SHARED RULE AS INTERGOVERNMENTAL LOBBYING has received second place in the BEST ARTICLE PRIZE @regfedst.bsky.social !🙏
I take this recognition as a sign of the potential in bringing together federalism with research on interest groups and lobbying
I take this recognition as a sign of the potential in bringing together federalism with research on interest groups and lobbying
A really great day presenting at the University of Geneva!
Huge thanks for the kind invite and the excellent feedback! Left with plenty of ideas, a stunning train ride home, and (of course) some local chocolate to celebrate the defeat of those who aimed to conquer the republic.
Vive l‘Escalade! 🏰
Huge thanks for the kind invite and the excellent feedback! Left with plenty of ideas, a stunning train ride home, and (of course) some local chocolate to celebrate the defeat of those who aimed to conquer the republic.
Vive l‘Escalade! 🏰
December 8, 2025 at 4:15 PM
A really great day presenting at the University of Geneva!
Huge thanks for the kind invite and the excellent feedback! Left with plenty of ideas, a stunning train ride home, and (of course) some local chocolate to celebrate the defeat of those who aimed to conquer the republic.
Vive l‘Escalade! 🏰
Huge thanks for the kind invite and the excellent feedback! Left with plenty of ideas, a stunning train ride home, and (of course) some local chocolate to celebrate the defeat of those who aimed to conquer the republic.
Vive l‘Escalade! 🏰
#POLITKOLUMNE: Swiss direct democracy is often described as “vox populi, vox dei”. But even when citizens approve a popular initiative, it still needs to be translated into law by Parliament. And that second step fails in roughly half of all accepted initiatives www.derbund.ch/pflegeinitia...
December 8, 2025 at 6:40 AM
#POLITKOLUMNE: Swiss direct democracy is often described as “vox populi, vox dei”. But even when citizens approve a popular initiative, it still needs to be translated into law by Parliament. And that second step fails in roughly half of all accepted initiatives www.derbund.ch/pflegeinitia...
Lecker!
Und mit einer veganen Züpfe aus dem Rüedu, dem 24/7-Quartierladen: ruedu.ch
Getreu dem Motto „Früsch vo geschter“ wird köstliches Brot vom Vortag für einen Zwöifränkler verkauft (aka gerettet).
Auf dass dieses Angebot so viele Menschen aus Bern und Sessions-Menschen in Bern kennen!
Und mit einer veganen Züpfe aus dem Rüedu, dem 24/7-Quartierladen: ruedu.ch
Getreu dem Motto „Früsch vo geschter“ wird köstliches Brot vom Vortag für einen Zwöifränkler verkauft (aka gerettet).
Auf dass dieses Angebot so viele Menschen aus Bern und Sessions-Menschen in Bern kennen!
December 7, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Lecker!
Und mit einer veganen Züpfe aus dem Rüedu, dem 24/7-Quartierladen: ruedu.ch
Getreu dem Motto „Früsch vo geschter“ wird köstliches Brot vom Vortag für einen Zwöifränkler verkauft (aka gerettet).
Auf dass dieses Angebot so viele Menschen aus Bern und Sessions-Menschen in Bern kennen!
Und mit einer veganen Züpfe aus dem Rüedu, dem 24/7-Quartierladen: ruedu.ch
Getreu dem Motto „Früsch vo geschter“ wird köstliches Brot vom Vortag für einen Zwöifränkler verkauft (aka gerettet).
Auf dass dieses Angebot so viele Menschen aus Bern und Sessions-Menschen in Bern kennen!
To strengthen dialogue between the public & researchers, @scienceetcite.bsky.social launched the HOME GAME series.
It was deeply moving to return to my birthplace, share a polisky talk &then dive into so many conversations with people from a place that will always carry a special weight in my story
It was deeply moving to return to my birthplace, share a polisky talk &then dive into so many conversations with people from a place that will always carry a special weight in my story
December 2, 2025 at 4:16 PM
To strengthen dialogue between the public & researchers, @scienceetcite.bsky.social launched the HOME GAME series.
It was deeply moving to return to my birthplace, share a polisky talk &then dive into so many conversations with people from a place that will always carry a special weight in my story
It was deeply moving to return to my birthplace, share a polisky talk &then dive into so many conversations with people from a place that will always carry a special weight in my story
Fresh data from the Federal Statistical Office (BFS) just dropped on professorial appointments at Swiss universities.
Between 2022 and 2024, 977 people were appointed as professors (511 as full professors). Median age: 48 (women) resp. 53 (men).
Breakdown by gender and by Swiss university⬇️
Between 2022 and 2024, 977 people were appointed as professors (511 as full professors). Median age: 48 (women) resp. 53 (men).
Breakdown by gender and by Swiss university⬇️
December 2, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Fresh data from the Federal Statistical Office (BFS) just dropped on professorial appointments at Swiss universities.
Between 2022 and 2024, 977 people were appointed as professors (511 as full professors). Median age: 48 (women) resp. 53 (men).
Breakdown by gender and by Swiss university⬇️
Between 2022 and 2024, 977 people were appointed as professors (511 as full professors). Median age: 48 (women) resp. 53 (men).
Breakdown by gender and by Swiss university⬇️
Also today voters in the canton of Zug approved re-enfranchising citizens with disabilities.
Something long-known in Switzerland resurfaced: a country that granted 🚺 the vote astonishingly late (in parts, not until 1991) also moves slowly when it comes to extending voting rights at the ballot box
Something long-known in Switzerland resurfaced: a country that granted 🚺 the vote astonishingly late (in parts, not until 1991) also moves slowly when it comes to extending voting rights at the ballot box
November 30, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Also today voters in the canton of Zug approved re-enfranchising citizens with disabilities.
Something long-known in Switzerland resurfaced: a country that granted 🚺 the vote astonishingly late (in parts, not until 1991) also moves slowly when it comes to extending voting rights at the ballot box
Something long-known in Switzerland resurfaced: a country that granted 🚺 the vote astonishingly late (in parts, not until 1991) also moves slowly when it comes to extending voting rights at the ballot box
. @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social shows how US states evolved from political backwaters into key battlegrounds of „cultural wars“.
Looking at Switzerland’s referendum results today, a faint echo appears: cantons (states) increasingly preempt cities, even on something as local as introducing 30km/h zones
Looking at Switzerland’s referendum results today, a faint echo appears: cantons (states) increasingly preempt cities, even on something as local as introducing 30km/h zones
November 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
. @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social shows how US states evolved from political backwaters into key battlegrounds of „cultural wars“.
Looking at Switzerland’s referendum results today, a faint echo appears: cantons (states) increasingly preempt cities, even on something as local as introducing 30km/h zones
Looking at Switzerland’s referendum results today, a faint echo appears: cantons (states) increasingly preempt cities, even on something as local as introducing 30km/h zones
From our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving!
Hope your Thanksgiving dinner lives at least partly up to the unforgettable feast we shared last year in Somerville, MA during my stay at @europeatharvard.bsky.social! @isabelmhabicht.bsky.social @noraschierenbeck.bsky.social @tobiaswille.bsky.social
Hope your Thanksgiving dinner lives at least partly up to the unforgettable feast we shared last year in Somerville, MA during my stay at @europeatharvard.bsky.social! @isabelmhabicht.bsky.social @noraschierenbeck.bsky.social @tobiaswille.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 3:55 PM
From our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving!
Hope your Thanksgiving dinner lives at least partly up to the unforgettable feast we shared last year in Somerville, MA during my stay at @europeatharvard.bsky.social! @isabelmhabicht.bsky.social @noraschierenbeck.bsky.social @tobiaswille.bsky.social
Hope your Thanksgiving dinner lives at least partly up to the unforgettable feast we shared last year in Somerville, MA during my stay at @europeatharvard.bsky.social! @isabelmhabicht.bsky.social @noraschierenbeck.bsky.social @tobiaswille.bsky.social
What happens when a minority decides for the majority?
On Sunday, Swiss citizens head to the polls again. But Switzerland remains one of the most exclusionary democracies in the OECD.
In highly cosmopolitan places like Basel-Stadt, only 50.5% of all residents were entitled to vote (as of 2024)
On Sunday, Swiss citizens head to the polls again. But Switzerland remains one of the most exclusionary democracies in the OECD.
In highly cosmopolitan places like Basel-Stadt, only 50.5% of all residents were entitled to vote (as of 2024)
November 27, 2025 at 8:01 AM
What happens when a minority decides for the majority?
On Sunday, Swiss citizens head to the polls again. But Switzerland remains one of the most exclusionary democracies in the OECD.
In highly cosmopolitan places like Basel-Stadt, only 50.5% of all residents were entitled to vote (as of 2024)
On Sunday, Swiss citizens head to the polls again. But Switzerland remains one of the most exclusionary democracies in the OECD.
In highly cosmopolitan places like Basel-Stadt, only 50.5% of all residents were entitled to vote (as of 2024)
Für das HEIMSPIEL von @scienceetcite.bsky.social kehren Wissenschaftler:innen zurück an ihren Geburtsort & geben persönliche Einblicke in ihren Alltag.
Am 28.11.2025 darf ich in der Aula referieren, wo ich am Musikabend einst nicht so virtuos Klavier vorspielte und ungelenk zu Moulin Rouge tanzte
Am 28.11.2025 darf ich in der Aula referieren, wo ich am Musikabend einst nicht so virtuos Klavier vorspielte und ungelenk zu Moulin Rouge tanzte
November 25, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Für das HEIMSPIEL von @scienceetcite.bsky.social kehren Wissenschaftler:innen zurück an ihren Geburtsort & geben persönliche Einblicke in ihren Alltag.
Am 28.11.2025 darf ich in der Aula referieren, wo ich am Musikabend einst nicht so virtuos Klavier vorspielte und ungelenk zu Moulin Rouge tanzte
Am 28.11.2025 darf ich in der Aula referieren, wo ich am Musikabend einst nicht so virtuos Klavier vorspielte und ungelenk zu Moulin Rouge tanzte
GO CRIMSON!
Enjoying THE GAME stream as Harvard trail Yale in the 141st edition.
And reminiscing about my truly unforgettable time living right next to Harvard Stadium during my research stay last year.
What a place, what memories!
Enjoying THE GAME stream as Harvard trail Yale in the 141st edition.
And reminiscing about my truly unforgettable time living right next to Harvard Stadium during my research stay last year.
What a place, what memories!
November 22, 2025 at 8:02 PM
GO CRIMSON!
Enjoying THE GAME stream as Harvard trail Yale in the 141st edition.
And reminiscing about my truly unforgettable time living right next to Harvard Stadium during my research stay last year.
What a place, what memories!
Enjoying THE GAME stream as Harvard trail Yale in the 141st edition.
And reminiscing about my truly unforgettable time living right next to Harvard Stadium during my research stay last year.
What a place, what memories!
The Swiss center-right FDP have a new leadership pushing for cuts to social benefits.
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
November 22, 2025 at 10:47 AM
The Swiss center-right FDP have a new leadership pushing for cuts to social benefits.
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
But: FDP voters support a minimum wage and oppose raising the retirement age, a clear gap between elite and base.
We show which four “ideal parties” would actually reflect the real preferences of Swiss voters⬇️
If you have any link to Switzerland, chances are you have very strong feelings about our national drink, Rivella — you either love it or hate it. I’m firmly in the first camp, so imagine my joy when today’s dining hall @unil.bsky.social giveaway was… Rivella socks.
Feeling extremely stylish!
Feeling extremely stylish!
November 21, 2025 at 12:19 PM
If you have any link to Switzerland, chances are you have very strong feelings about our national drink, Rivella — you either love it or hate it. I’m firmly in the first camp, so imagine my joy when today’s dining hall @unil.bsky.social giveaway was… Rivella socks.
Feeling extremely stylish!
Feeling extremely stylish!
Bonjour RTS, nos nouveaux voisins !
La RTS ouvrira en 2025 son nouveau centre lausannois sur le campus de l’EPFL et de l’ @unil.bsky.social , marquant une étape stratégique de développement.
À l’UNIL, nous sommes ravis de notre future collaboration ! @srfnews.bsky.social www.rts.ch/entreprise/a...
La RTS ouvrira en 2025 son nouveau centre lausannois sur le campus de l’EPFL et de l’ @unil.bsky.social , marquant une étape stratégique de développement.
À l’UNIL, nous sommes ravis de notre future collaboration ! @srfnews.bsky.social www.rts.ch/entreprise/a...
November 18, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Bonjour RTS, nos nouveaux voisins !
La RTS ouvrira en 2025 son nouveau centre lausannois sur le campus de l’EPFL et de l’ @unil.bsky.social , marquant une étape stratégique de développement.
À l’UNIL, nous sommes ravis de notre future collaboration ! @srfnews.bsky.social www.rts.ch/entreprise/a...
La RTS ouvrira en 2025 son nouveau centre lausannois sur le campus de l’EPFL et de l’ @unil.bsky.social , marquant une étape stratégique de développement.
À l’UNIL, nous sommes ravis de notre future collaboration ! @srfnews.bsky.social www.rts.ch/entreprise/a...
A widening gap: Switzerland’s richest cantons keep getting richer (Zug!) while poorer cantons remain stuck, despite fiscal equalization.
Also, federalism lacks acceptance, particularly among younger generations. My interview on Radio SRF: www.srf.ch/play/radio/r... @economiesuisse.bsky.social
Also, federalism lacks acceptance, particularly among younger generations. My interview on Radio SRF: www.srf.ch/play/radio/r... @economiesuisse.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 8:00 AM
A widening gap: Switzerland’s richest cantons keep getting richer (Zug!) while poorer cantons remain stuck, despite fiscal equalization.
Also, federalism lacks acceptance, particularly among younger generations. My interview on Radio SRF: www.srf.ch/play/radio/r... @economiesuisse.bsky.social
Also, federalism lacks acceptance, particularly among younger generations. My interview on Radio SRF: www.srf.ch/play/radio/r... @economiesuisse.bsky.social
4 years ago, we proposed in an op-ed how the federal and subnational levels could govern jointly.
Now that model is already being implemented in two of the biggest cross-cutting challenges of our time: digitalization & security.
Today, we encouraged its further use! @unibe.ch @unil.bsky.social
Now that model is already being implemented in two of the biggest cross-cutting challenges of our time: digitalization & security.
Today, we encouraged its further use! @unibe.ch @unil.bsky.social
November 14, 2025 at 4:42 PM
4 years ago, we proposed in an op-ed how the federal and subnational levels could govern jointly.
Now that model is already being implemented in two of the biggest cross-cutting challenges of our time: digitalization & security.
Today, we encouraged its further use! @unibe.ch @unil.bsky.social
Now that model is already being implemented in two of the biggest cross-cutting challenges of our time: digitalization & security.
Today, we encouraged its further use! @unibe.ch @unil.bsky.social
Many opponents of the new EU–Switzerland deal claim that Swiss institutions like federalism or direct democracy are “incompatible” with closer cooperation with the EU.
Yet as one local govt member put it:
“The biggest threat to our autonomy comes from the cantons (states) — not from the EU.”
Yet as one local govt member put it:
“The biggest threat to our autonomy comes from the cantons (states) — not from the EU.”
November 14, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Many opponents of the new EU–Switzerland deal claim that Swiss institutions like federalism or direct democracy are “incompatible” with closer cooperation with the EU.
Yet as one local govt member put it:
“The biggest threat to our autonomy comes from the cantons (states) — not from the EU.”
Yet as one local govt member put it:
“The biggest threat to our autonomy comes from the cantons (states) — not from the EU.”
Off to the NATIONALE FÖDERALISMUSKONFERENZ where we’ll hopefully tackle some of the key challenges for Swiss federalism:
▪️What to do when, already in 2023, only 50.5% of residents in the canton of Basel-Stadt were eligible to vote (a minority decides for the majority)?
foederalismuskonferenz.ch
▪️What to do when, already in 2023, only 50.5% of residents in the canton of Basel-Stadt were eligible to vote (a minority decides for the majority)?
foederalismuskonferenz.ch
November 13, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Off to the NATIONALE FÖDERALISMUSKONFERENZ where we’ll hopefully tackle some of the key challenges for Swiss federalism:
▪️What to do when, already in 2023, only 50.5% of residents in the canton of Basel-Stadt were eligible to vote (a minority decides for the majority)?
foederalismuskonferenz.ch
▪️What to do when, already in 2023, only 50.5% of residents in the canton of Basel-Stadt were eligible to vote (a minority decides for the majority)?
foederalismuskonferenz.ch
Humbled & honored to take the stage in a completely sold-out prime-time event location in my hometown to discuss the future of democracy.
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
November 12, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Humbled & honored to take the stage in a completely sold-out prime-time event location in my hometown to discuss the future of democracy.
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
Just deeply grateful for this experience & to the editor-in-chief @cellmob.bsky.social for the kind invite.
Listen to the podcast www.derbund.ch/live-gesprae...
#POLITKOLUMNE: Disinformation remains one of the most underestimated threats to democracy.
But there is something we can do: a simple program (4x90min) by @priyadarshi-amar.bsky.social has proven highly effective in strengthening information and media literacy www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
But there is something we can do: a simple program (4x90min) by @priyadarshi-amar.bsky.social has proven highly effective in strengthening information and media literacy www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
November 10, 2025 at 6:39 AM
#POLITKOLUMNE: Disinformation remains one of the most underestimated threats to democracy.
But there is something we can do: a simple program (4x90min) by @priyadarshi-amar.bsky.social has proven highly effective in strengthening information and media literacy www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
But there is something we can do: a simple program (4x90min) by @priyadarshi-amar.bsky.social has proven highly effective in strengthening information and media literacy www.derbund.ch/desinformati...
#Abstimmungsschablone Secret ballot is fundamental to (direct) democracy. Yet until now the 377000 visually impaired people in Switzerland had to disclose their vote every single time.
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time
November 9, 2025 at 7:09 AM
#Abstimmungsschablone Secret ballot is fundamental to (direct) democracy. Yet until now the 377000 visually impaired people in Switzerland had to disclose their vote every single time.
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time
In the upcoming referendum, a newly developed stencil will allow them to cast a truly secret vote for the 1st time