Switzerland is experiencing a growing crisis of confidence. Almost one in two people feel let down by the government, the Federal Council is considered by many to be too lenient towards large companies, and the media is highly distrusted – 43% of the population no longer trust the news. The current hope barometer also shows that people are increasingly disillusioned and look to the future with uncertainty.
But where does this loss of trust come from? And how can it be overcome?
Politics, business and the media: a growing divide
Many citizens have the feeling that political decisions are no longer made in the interests of the general population. They experience a policy that reacts rather than shapes, while economic interests often carry more weight than social responsibility. At the same time, many feel that reporting is biased, superficial or incomplete, which further increases mistrust of the media.
These developments are leading to a general sense of resignation. People are withdrawing, losing faith in change and increasingly refusing to engage in social discourse. The danger: democracy and social cohesion are weakened.
Values-based leadership as the key to renewal
The core of the problem lies not only in individual political or economic decisions, but in a deeper crisis of leadership culture. People are longing for authentic, courageous and value-orientated leadership – for decision-makers who act with clarity and responsibility instead of pursuing short-term interests.
This requires a reorientation in politics, business and the media:
- Mehr Transparenz und echte Kommunikation: Vertrauen entsteht nicht durch leere Versprechen, sondern durch klare, ehrliche und konsistente Kommunikation. Menschen wollen wissen, woran sie sind – und warum bestimmte Entscheidungen getroffen werden.
- Value-based leadership instead of pure profit or power logic: companies and institutions must realise that sustainable success is not achieved through short-term benefits, but through a deep-rooted sense of responsibility.
- Holistic thinking and integral solutions: The challenges of our time require not only economic or political strategies, but also an awareness of social, ecological and human interrelationships.
The solution lies in a new way of leading – one that puts people at the centre. Mentoring, leadership programmes and holistic coaching approaches can help to develop leaders who not only have functional skills, but also a deep inner clarity, ethical integrity and a real vision for the future.
Because trust cannot be imposed – it has to be lived. Those in positions of responsibility not only have a formal role, but also the task of providing orientation and leading the way with credibility. Only by acting consistently and responsibly can lost trust be rebuilt – and thus create a new basis for a stable, sustainable society.
