Rules related to personal bankruptcy in Switzerland are tough compared to many countries. In effect, they give heavily indebted individuals breathing space rather than a clean slate. This week, Switzerland’s government put forward a plan to soften the rules. To initiate personal bankruptcy proceedings (technically insolvency proceedings) in Switzerland requires funds of around CHF 5,000 […]
Swiss unemployment drops sharply in first quarter of 2022
During the first quarter of 2022 the number of people employed in Switzerland rose by 1.7% and the unemployment rate, as defined by the International Labor Organisation (ILO) fell from 5.8% to 4.6%. In addition, the average number of hours worked by those employed rose by 2.8%. The overall rate of unemployment in Switzerland by […]
Polluted areas in Switzerland – do you live near one?
According to Switzerland’s Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) there are 38,000 polluted zones covering 220 square kilometres spread across the country, reported RTS. 220 square kilometres is equivalent to nearly 80% of the canton of Geneva. The interactive map below combines data from the army, public transport, civil aerodromes and cantons to present polluted […]
Swiss inflation rises further in May 2022
On 2 June 2022, Switzerland’s Federal Statistical Office (FSO) published May inflation data, which show prices 2.9% higher than one year ago. Switzerland’s consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.7% in May 2022 compared with the previous month. Inflation was +2.9% compared with the same month of the previous year. Inflation in Switzerland is currently […]
The low-cost Michelin-starred restaurants closest to Switzerland
Michelin-starred restaurants are synonymous with high cost. However, there is a wide price range and some offer meals for 30 Euros or less. Prices for a three-course meal at Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe go as high as 595 Euros at the Ciel Bleu in Amsterdam while descending as low as 20 Euros at the L’Antic […]
Geneva’s Green Party meat ban divides party
This week, Geneva’s Green Party decided to ban its representatives from eating meat on environmental grounds and to deflect accusations of hypocrisy. However, the decision has divided the party, reported the newspaper Le Matin. The party met to hold a vote on the ban, but the issue was so divisive the party watered down the […]
Switzerland’s Socialist Party wants to relaunch debate on joining EU
One year after breaking off talks to restructure Switzerland’s agreements with Brussels, the leaders of Switzerland’s Socialist Party have put forward a plan on how Switzerland could eventually join the EU, reports RTS. A 32-page document sets out a strategy that unites the party on the issue, something that has divided it for many years. […]
Migros launches 10% deposit home loans in Switzerland
Buying a home in Switzerland is difficult. Homes are expensive and lending is typically restricted to those with a 20% deposit and significant income. Migros Bank, an offshoot of the Swiss supermarket, recently launched a product that reduces the deposit requirement to 10%. Migros bank has launched the new product under the brand Cactous. According […]
Swiss medical association makes assisted suicide more difficult
This week, the Swiss Medical Association (SMA) tightened restrictions on assisted suicide, reported RTS. The new directives require greater involvement from doctors. At least two doctor-patient interviews must take place. In addition, patients must prove their suffering is unbearable. These procedures must also be well documented. The new guidelines effectively prevent healthy people from accessing […]
Taxes to fall in the canton of Vaud
A recent political shift following cantonal elections in March 2022 has led to lower personal taxes in the canton starting in 2023, reported 20 Minutes. The canton of Vaud has one of Switzerland’s highest personal tax burdens. In 2018, a couple with two children earning CHF 150,000 paid more than three times as much tax […]
