Pierre Béguin

Pierre Béguin (19 November 1903 – 23 January 1978) was a Swiss journalist and editor. He was one of the best editorial writers in French-speaking Switzerland and a vigorous champion of freedom of the press.

Early life and education Béguin was born on 19 November 1903 in La Chaux-de-Fonds to Charles-Marcel Béguin, a pharmacist, and Marthe Vuille. He was the brother of Albert Béguin. He studied law at the University of Geneva.

Career After beginning his career as an editor for the Annuaire de la Société des Nations (Yearbook of the League of Nations), Béguin became a correspondent in Bern for La Liberté and the Journal de Genève from 1930 onwards. Between 1934 and 1940, he also provided a chronicle of the Federal Palace for the Swiss shortwave radio service.

In 1946, Béguin was appointed editor-in-chief of the Gazette de Lausanne, and served as its director from 1959 to 1966. He was one of the best editorial writers in French-speaking Switzerland and an energetic champion of freedom of the press.

In 1950, Béguin published Le Balcon sur l'Europe (The Balcony on Europe), a history of Switzerland during World War II.

Personal life Béguin was Protestant and from Rochefort. He married Hermine Dvorak. He died on 23 January 1978 in Lausanne.