Switzerland is becoming more politically polarised. The latest SRG election barometer shows support rising for parties on the left and right as the centre shrinks. It also reveals marked differences between men and women. The Swiss People’s … [Read more...]
News and Features
Switzerland to vote on five proposals in February
Swiss voters will decide on five federal proposals on February 28th 2027, including lifting the ban on building nuclear power plants and approving a free-trade agreement with Malaysia. The Federal Council confirmed the list on Wednesday for the … [Read more...]
FILM: PAPA, OÙ T’ES? ***1/2
30 October 2026 PAPA, OÙ T’ES? ***1/2 (vo French) Here’s a documentary that is almost too good to be true. It’s about a young man, Nicolas Trouvé, 27 years old, who wants to find his biological father after having been shuttled from orphanages … [Read more...]
Switzerland considers 80km/h motorway speed limit amid fuel shortage
Low water levels on the Rhine have strained supplies, prompting the government to draw on compulsory reserves. Switzerland is considering an 80km/h speed limit on motorways to save fuel, reported SRF. The effects of war in the Middle East and … [Read more...]
New foundation hopes some will donate Switzerland’s extra pension payment
Swiss pensioners will receive a 13th monthly state pension payment for the first time in December 2026. A new foundation wants those who can afford to donate the money to charity. Fondation Chance 13 is asking better-off recipients to pass on … [Read more...]
Guides
Language requirements for Swiss citizenship and visas – what you need to know
Brought to you by Swiss French School. On 1 January 2019, Switzerland’s federal government tightened and harmonised the rules on language requirements to qualify for some residence permits, B and C permits in particular, and … [Read More...]
15 things you should know about Swiss health insurance
It's health insurance season. Average premiums are increasing in 2018. Compulsory basic Swiss health insurance can generally only be changed once a year. To change you must notify your current provider by 30 November. This article explains the basics … [Read More...]
Activities
Halloween in Switzerland in 2024
Many expats, particularly north Americans, may be surprised to discover that Halloween is not a big event in Switzerland. But it is catching on. Long before Halloween existed, a Gaelic festival known as Samhain marked the end of the harvest … [Read more...]
4 best mountain spas in French-speaking Switzerland
ALL YEAR ROUND The Alps are synonymous with skiing but alpine geothermal springs and spas are sometimes overlooked. If the thought of lugging skis, poles and person to the ski lift to spend a day risking life and limb on snow isn’t appealing, … [Read more...]
Basel Fasnacht 2025 – no ordinary festival
A parade that starts at 4 in the morning? With piccolos? And drums? In winter? Really? Yes, and you’ll be enchanted by the whole thing. Every year in the city of Basel on the Monday after Ash Wednesday (this year, March 10th), the Morgestraich … [Read more...]
