Switzerland’s federal government closed 2025 with a financing surplus of CHF 0.3bn, rather than the CHF 0.8bn deficit forecast in the budget. The improvement of more than CHF 1bn was largely due to temporary additional tax revenue from the canton of Geneva. Ministers caution that the windfall should not be mistaken for a change in […]
Wastewater points to rise in ketamine use in Switzerland
Ketamine consumption appears to be rising in Switzerland, according to new wastewater data, reported SRF. Researchers at Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) analyse sewage samples to estimate drug use, working on the premise that what flows through treatment plants offers a snapshot of consumption patterns. Figures published by Dromedario, a substance-monitoring […]
Swiss politicians challenge WHO’s stance on alcohol
A group of Swiss politicians and hospitality industry representatives is pushing back against the World Health Organization, which in 2023 argued that no level of alcohol consumption can be considered risk-free, reported SRF. The agency maintains that even small amounts of wine, beer or spirits increase health risks. Critics in Switzerland say that position overstates […]
Swiss federal government posts surprise surplus in 2025
Switzerland’s federal government ended 2025 in the black, recording a surplus of CHF 300m, despite having forecast a deficit of CHF 800m. The result is CHF 1.1bn better than expected. Even so, the Federal Council insists that its planned austerity programme remains necessary. The improvement stems largely from higher-than-anticipated tax receipts from Geneva, Finance Minister […]
Toxin found in two infant-formula samples in Switzerland
Swiss authorities have detected cereulide—a toxin produced by certain strains of bacteria—in two of the first 33 infant-formula samples tested, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) said on Wednesday. The testing follows successive product recalls in Switzerland by Nestlé, Danone, Hochdorf and Vitagermine. The two positive samples were from Aptamil formula manufactured by […]
Political polarisation on the rise in Switzerland since 1990
Political polarisation has become a hallmark of many democracies, as parties harden their positions and voters sort into rival camps. Switzerland, long regarded as a model of consensus politics, has not escaped the trend. Signs of strain have been visible since the 1990s, according to RTS. Parties at opposite ends of the political spectrum share […]
Swiss government wants discounts on popular drugs to curb health premiums
Switzerland’s Federal Council and parliament are seeking to slow the relentless rise in health-insurance premiums by cutting the cost of the country’s bestselling medicines. The government estimates the move could save CHF 350m ($450m) a year, reported RTS. Nearly a year ago lawmakers approved a package of measures aimed at containing health spending. On Thursday […]
Will you pay less federal tax under proposed tax reform?
On March 8th Swiss voters will decide whether to replace joint taxation of married couples with individual taxation. The reform aims to abolish the so-called marriage penalty, whereby spouses are taxed on their combined income rather than separately. Married couples are most directly affected, but the change would reshape federal direct tax for many households. […]
Swiss government proposes financial support for victims of Crans-Montana disaster
Switzerland’s Federal Council has pledged swift support for the victims of the tragedy in Crans-Montana and their families, announcing plans for a federal solidarity payment and the creation of a government-led round table, reported SRF. The cabinet has instructed the Federal Department of Justice and Police to draft the necessary legislation by the end of […]
Donald Trump again singles out Switzerland in defence of tariffs
Donald Trump has once more invoked Switzerland’s trade surplus to justify his trade policy, arguing that the prosperity of such countries depends on American generosity. In an interview broadcast on Fox Business on Tuesday evening, the president said the United States had “let them exploit us”, referring to Switzerland’s goods trade surplus with the US. […]
