From April 1st, 2026 lighting pyrotechnic devices will be banned in indoor venues open to the public across Switzerland. The decision was announced on Friday by a body representing the 26 cantonal directors responsible for public works. The decision follows the tragedy involving these devices in Crans Montana at the beginning of the year that […]
Switzerland to cut F-35 fighter jet order to 30
Switzerland’s federal government will buy only 30 F-35 fighter jets rather than the 36 originally planned. To do so it is asking parliament for an additional credit of CHF 394m ($500m). It is also examining the possibility of acquiring a second ground-to-air defence system. Speaking to the media, the defence minister, Martin Pfister, noted that […]
Swiss government presses ahead with VAT rise to fund army despite opposition
The federal government is sticking to its plan to raise value-added tax (VAT) by 0.8 percentage points over ten years to finance the army, despite heavy criticism. The increase is intended to generate an additional CHF 31bn ($40bn) for defence and security. To strengthen Switzerland’s security and defence capabilities, the government proposes to raise VAT […]
FILM: THE BRIDE! *1/2 – just pretentious
6 March 2026 This is a week for two strange, disturbing films. Nothing to run to. THE BRIDE! *1/2 Because of the illustrious names involved, critics are salivating over this film. As I was, until I saw it in IMAX at Balexert for the press screening. Here are the names: the talented Maggie Gyllenhaal as […]
Swiss government offers solidarity payments after Crans-Montana fire
Switzerland’s federal government will pay CHF 50,000 to each seriously injured victim and to the families of those who died in the fire disaster in Crans-Montana. The payment, described as a gesture of solidarity, is intended to provide swift and unbureaucratic support in the aftermath of the tragedy. At a press conference, Guy Parmelin, the […]
Aargau rejects blanket headscarf ban in schools
The government of the canton of Aargau has rejected calls for a general ban on headscarves in primary schools, arguing that such a measure would likely violate Switzerland’s constitution, reported SRF. Instead, it says it is willing to examine guidelines aimed at protecting girls from religious coercion. The issue arose from a motion in the […]
Swiss lawmakers step up trade diplomacy in Washington
A delegation from Switzerland’s federal parliament travelled to Washington this week for talks with members of Congress and American economic officials, with the prospect of a bilateral trade agreement high on the agenda, reported RTS. The visit had been planned for some time but has acquired greater urgency amid renewed turbulence in American trade policy. […]
Swiss voter preferences firm up ahead of March votes
Opinion formation varies across the four proposals to be voted on 8 March. It is most advanced for the initiative targeting SRG SSR, where 85% of likely voters say they have made up their minds. More than two-thirds also report firm positions on the cash initiative, the climate fund initiative and individual taxation. By contrast, […]
Swiss anti-GM initiative gathers enough signatures for a vote
Regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Switzerland is set to return to the ballot box. A popular initiative titled “For food without genetically modified organisms” was submitted to the Federal Chancellery on Friday with more than 137,000 signatures, comfortably above the 100,000 required to trigger a nationwide vote. The proposal calls for continued strict […]
EU member states back new accords with Switzerland
Member states of the European Union have approved the signing of a package of agreements with Bern, giving their political blessing on Tuesday. The next step, according to the Council, is expected in March. The decision marks a logical step in strengthening our long-standing relations, said Marilena Raouna, Cyprus’s deputy minister for European affairs, in […]
