Switzerland’s largest supermarket chains, Migros and Coop, both recently announced plans to start charging for disposable plastic carry bags. From the 1 November 2016, Migros will charge customers 5 cents a bag. In Migros’ own magazine, Christine Wiederkehr-Luther, director of the Environnement at Migros, says in 2013 the measure was successfully introduced in the canton […]
Swiss canton of Neuchâtel refuses to allow foreigners in government
Le Matin. On Sunday, the canton of Neuchâtel asked voters if foreigners holding C permits, with at least five years of residence, should be allowed to run for political seats in cantonal elections. The result: 54% voted “no”. If the initiative, the first of its kind in Switzerland, had succeeded, around 23,000 foreign residents would […]
Geneva votes to reduce tax deductions for costs of getting to work
Today, Geneva voted on whether to cap tax deductions for the costs of getting to work. The initiative was seen as a way to increase tax revenue. 57.66% of voters were in favour of the change. A map showing the districts voting yes in green, shows a possible correlation between proximity to Geneva’s centre and the chance of voting yes. Currently, […]
25 September 2016 Swiss referenda results – new surveillance powers approved
The only vote to pass today was the Intelligence Service Act referendum, which passed with 65.5% voting “yes”. Both the vote to increase state pensions by 10% (40.6% “yes”), and the Green initiative (36.4% “yes”), failed. These results are in line with the positions held by the Swiss federal council and parliament. The vote to increase state […]
When an entire town becomes an art gallery – Vevey’s photography festival
Every second year, from 10 September to 2 October, the picturesque lake-side Swiss town of Vevey, becomes an outdoor museum of photography. On display this year are 75 projects based around the theme of immersion, displayed on the facades of buildings, on the lake, in parks, and in often unusual indoor venues. The photography is […]
World markets rally as cheap money policy continues
23 September 2016 – Swiss and global market roundup. Brought to you by Investec Switzerland. The Swiss Market Index is set to finish the week notably higher, although under-performing global stocks amid optimism that central banks will continue to support equities by keeping interest rates at historic lows and providing markets with additional liquidity. Global equities […]
Tough new Swiss rules on residency permits make it through parliament
Switzerland’s National Council, or parliament, voted in favour of strict new rules on Swiss residency permits last week. The project, which was started at the beginning 2014, looked like it might come to nothing after it was sent back for review after the successful 9 February 2014 vote to restrict mass immigration. Only a few […]
European mobile roaming charges to be axed. Pity the Swiss.
Yesterday the European Commission announced that EU residents should soon be able to make calls and use data without any additional charges while travelling in another EU country. Countries outside the EU, but within the European Economic Area (EEA), including Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland’s neighbour Liechtenstein, will be included in the deal. Günther H. Oettinger, […]
Swiss to vote on whether to give government snooping powers
On 25 September 2016, the Swiss electorate will vote on the Intelligence Service Act. If successful, the referendum will allow Switzerland’s Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) to monitor private communications, such as those by post, internet and telephone. The government says it needs these powers to protect the country from terrorism, cyber attacks and spying. Terrorist and cyber […]
Summer sun to continue beyond the start of autumn
Today might be the astrological start of autumn, but summer looks set to shine again over the weekend. According to Meteo News, temperatures could reach as high as 24 degrees in some places on Sunday. Basel and Sion should hit 24, while Geneva, Lausanne, Locarno and Zurich should all bask in 23 degrees. Saturday is expected to be […]
