Like Italians in Switzerland (1/5): Freedom in Switzerland and elsewhere – rts.ch

Millions of Italians emigrated to Switzerland, first at the end of the 19th century, then in a second movement after the Second World War. They came to work, often in very difficult conditions. They were not welcome, even if Switzerland needed them, particularly for its major projects such as the construction of the Gotthard tunnel, to build its modernity. In 2023, Italians still formed the largest foreign population in Switzerland.

At the end of the 1880s, Switzerland experienced a turning point in its demographic history: from a country of emigration, it became a country of immigration. Switzerland is evolving and becoming a desirable country, first and foremost for its Italians.

Rosita Fibbi is a sociologist affiliated with the Swiss Forum for the Study of Migration and Population at the University of Neuchâtel. She answers questions from Marie Giovanola.

https://www.rts.ch/play/tv/les-documentaires-de-la-rts/video/tunnel-du-gothard-le-chantier-du-siecle?urn=urn:rts:video:11235994