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 […]
Swiss significantly underestimate scale of biodiversity crisis in Switzerland
Switzerland has the highest proportion of threatened species in the OECD, according to Pronatura. However, a clear majority of the population thinks the situation is fine, according to a survey. Switzerland has already lost the grey partridge, the torrents cricket and the linseed dodder. Next in line could be the hedgehog, the hoopoe bird (see […]
Stalkers using online licence plate database to get addresses in Switzerland
Until 4 April 2022, anyone wanting information on the owner of a vehicle in the canton of Vaud had to make a formal application to the cantonal vehicle registry and pay CHF 20. However, from that date anyone can instantly get an owner’s name and address using the free online Auto-Index system. Other Swiss cantons, […]
Switzerland looking at buying vaccine for monkeypox
With number of cases of monkeypox rising, Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is looking at the possibility of buying a vaccine against the disease, reported RTS. With at least three cases the number of confirmed infections in Switzerland is low. The first infection in Bern was followed by cases in Geneva and Zurich. […]
Electricity prices set to jump next year in Switzerland
As the prices of the fossil fuels used to produce electricity across Europe rise so must the price of electricity. According to the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (AES), record market prices mean that a majority of electrical supply companies will have to charge their customers higher prices in 2023. A survey run by the […]
Drought risk rising in Switzerland
A lack of rainfall in Switzerland since the beginning of 2022 is becoming more and more concerning, according to Meteo News. The level of rainfall in Switzerland has been significantly below normal levels, according to meteorologist Vincent Devantay. Unusually low levels of rainfall began in August 2021 with the exception of December 2021. As a […]
Swiss government wants to close F-35 fighter jet deal before vote
This week, the Federal Council said it is considering accelerating the purchase of 36 F-35 fighter jets, expressing concern that the current deal might not be maintained beyond its 31 March 2023 expiration, reported RTS. Prices and delivery dates, currently 2027, may have to be renegotiated at less favourable terms, according to a Council of […]
