28. March 2026

The National Final: The Youth debates!

At the National Final of Youth debate, held on March 27 and 28 in Berne, the best debaters from across Switzerland came together to showcase their skills on a national stage. In intense debates, they engaged with current issues and impressed with clear positions and precise arguments. It became evident how crucial it is not only to speak, but also to listen attentively.

The Final took place as part of the “Zusammentour” of Die Mobiliar, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary throughout Switzerland. Within this special context, the final debates were live-streamed, allowing them to be followed not only on-site but also by a wider audience beyond the venue.

Prize winners

Secondary I

Leni Conrad (Gymnasium Lerbermatt)
Aurélien Caprez and Maria Zirou (EPS de Béthusy)

Secondary II

Leno Ernesto Ferrara (Kantonsschule Menzingen)
Jonas Babic and Wendy Leroy (Collège du Sud)

Debates can be tough, controversial, and sometimes emotional. What matters, however, is that they remain solution-oriented. That we do not see each other as opponents, but as dialogue partners who share responsibility for our country. This is exactly the mindset that Youth debate promotes.
Head of National Council Pierre-André Page

In addition, Jade Murisier (Ecoles de Corsier-sur-Vevey), Joana Pereira (Gymnasium Bäumlihof) and Hannah Pauly (EPS de l’Elysée) received the Stiftung Wegweiser Ethics Award. This prize recognizes a particularly reflective and nuanced engagement with one’s own values in connection with a debate topic, highlighting a key dimension of debating that goes beyond pure argumentative strength.

Another highlight was the visit to the Federal Building, where participants gained insights into political practice and had the opportunity to exchange with parliamentarians such as Pierre-André Page (President of the National Council, SVP) and Priska Wismer-Felder (Member of the National Council, Die Mitte).

A special thank you goes to the main sponsor, Die Mobiliar, for their valuable support and continued hospitality, which makes the National Final so special.