«Justice was very important to me»

«Life is always about giving other people a chance,» was Ellen Ringier «s guiding principle. 12 more quotes from and about the founder of the parents» magazine «Fritz+Fränzi».

Pictures: Maurice Haas / 13 Photo, Geri Born, Gerry Ebner, Vera Hartmann / 13 Photo, Sebastian Magnani, Sabine Wunderlin

Compilation: Editorial team

«Ellen Ringier opens our eyes»

«Fathers and mothers fulfil important tasks. Raising their children in an increasingly complex world is a challenge for them. In most cases, they also work or look after their parents. Unfortunately, society and politics do not yet sufficiently recognise these immense achievements of the so-called "sandwich generation».

Ellen Ringier opens our eyes to the concerns of parents - with the Elternsein foundation and the magazine «Fritz + Fränzi». She is also highly committed to addressing the facets of young people, grandparents and schools - fact-based and without taboos. For this, she deserves my recognition and my sincere thanks."

Doris Leuthard, former Federal Councillor, on the 65th birthday of Ellen Ringier, 7 December 2016

«I have the feeling that wherever I go, I can change something for the better. With this goal in mind, you're always on top form.»
SonntagsBlick, 26 April 1998
Ellen Ringier
«When I see how things are going in this society, I can't sit quietly in my villa and twiddle my thumbs. I have to put my door-opener name to good use.»
Bieler Tagblatt, 25 June 2006
«I was one of those girls who didn't put up with anything. Justice was very important to me, and I got involved in things that didn't concern me - which sometimes got me into serious trouble.»
Zürichsee-Zeitung, 18 February 2008
«I used to be more combative. It got on my nerves terribly when an invitation card said: "Dr Ringier and his wife». After all
I have a doctorate."
Der Landbote, 8 October 2010

«It's nice to give money, but it's even better to make a personal commitment.»
Der Bund, 18 February 2012

«I'm not very political. I just have something against injustice.»
Der Bund, 18 February 2012
«My husband was the liberal daddy and I had to be the wicked witch who enforced the rules.»
Annabelle, 7 March 2012

«As long as we don't offer day schools, too little after-school care and not enough high-quality nurseries, we won't get anywhere in terms of career opportunities for women.»
Personal, 9 June 2019


«Fritz + Fränzi» is a publishing masterpiece to which I take my hat off. My warmest congratulations, Mrs Fränzi.

Publisher Michael Ringier on publisher Ellen Ringier, 8 December 2016

Ellen Ringier and her husband Michael met at the carnival. (Picture: Lukas Maeder / 13 Photo)

«The candle that burns at two ends»

«Ellen Ringier is the candle that burns at two ends. She is active everywhere on behalf of her newspaper: editors, readers, advertisers - none of them escape the clever and always kind eye of the lawyer.»

Pierre Rothschild, independent media entrepreneur, 13 October 2021

«With clear words for the socially disadvantaged»

«Ellen Ringier has been admirably present in the public debate for decades. And not just with her foundation, which has raised parental education in Switzerland to a new level. With clear words, but above all with deeds, she stands up for all those in society who need it: for children andyoung people, for minorities, for the socially disadvantaged.»

Urs Lauffer, President of the Paradies Foundation, in his laudatory speech in honour of Ellen Ringier's life's work, 30 October 2023