Social trends shift in Switzerland and Germany as crime and suicide rates rise

Recent data indicates shifting social trends in Switzerland and Germany. In Switzerland, the ‘Crime Survey 2025’ reveals an increase in criminal activity since 2022. Fraud has seen the most significant rise, with 15.9 percent of respondents facing such crimes, nearly doubling the 8.4 percent reported in 2022. Other increases were noted in burglaries, vehicle thefts, physical assaults, and hate crimes. Consequently, public feeling of safety has declined, with only 83.1 percent of respondents feeling secure in their neighborhoods after dark, compared to 87.6 percent in 2022. Additionally, 37.9 percent of citizens now believe police presence in public spaces is insufficient.

In Germany, suicide rates have risen for the fourth consecutive year, reversing a four-decade downward trend. Official 2025 data shows 11,334 deaths, a 9.3 percent increase from the previous year. The most affected demographic is older men, particularly those aged 55 to 65, though rates also rise among those aged 80 to 90. Men accounted for 69.2 percent of all cases last year. While suicide rates have historically declined since 1981, the current upward trend marks a significant shift in national health statistics.