On 21 March 2025, Switzerland’s parliament approved an historic trade deal with India. The deal will give Swiss businesses an advantage over EU, US and UK competitors whose governments have yet to reach trade deals with India. The deal was supported by 131 versus 22 parliamentary votes. The main opposition came from Socialist Party members […]
Money remains main concern for Swiss families
The results of a survey on family life published on 20 March 2025 show that money remains the biggest concern among families in Switzerland. The survey sheds light on what families are currently concerned about and addresses the topics of family life, expectations, safety, retirement planning, pressure on parents and children, work-life balance, finances and […]
Swiss parliament rejects universal service initiative
This week, an initiative aimed at convincing Swiss voters to support a proposal to introduce a system of universal service for all Swiss citizens was rejected by parliament, reported SRF. Only one party, the Liberal Green Party, supported the proposal. All other major parties were against the idea. Those supporting the idea claim it would […]
The global brands artificially inflating their prices on Swiss versions of their websites
It is well known that the Swiss are overcharged for nearly everything. However, when products are being sent from a warehouse outside Switzerland one would expect the pre-tax price to be the same. This is rarely the case. The Romande Consumer Federation (FRC) has looked at a number of brands and found unjustifiable price differences […]
One fifth of staff to go at UN migration agency in Geneva
the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which has been hit hard by US foreign aid cuts, is laying off around 20% of staff at its Geneva headquarters, reported RTS. Around 20% of the organisation’s roughly 1,000 staff based in Geneva are to be cut according to several sources familiar with the situation. One employee told […]
Swiss car insurance premiums going up in 2025
Many Swiss car insurance providers plan to substantially raise premiums this year, according to research by RTS. Some customers are already reporting hikes of around 20%. According to RTS, most insurers, including AXA, Generali, Helvetia, Postfinance, Zurich and Smile Insurance, are planning to increase their premiums. Some insurance companies justify the premium increases as necessary […]
Switzerland’s new cabinet minister
This week, Switzerland’s government chose who would succeed Viola Amherd, the outgoing head of defence, in its seven-member executive team, known as the Federal Council. On Wednesday 12 March 2025, Switzerland’s two chambers voted in favour of Centre Party member Martin Pfister. Martin Pfister, a state councillor in the canton of Zug, received 134 votes […]
Swiss Rail’s project for direct trains to London
On 12 March 2025, Swiss Rail unveiled a project that includes a direct link to London, a service that could be operational from 2030. In a press release the company outlined plans for high-speed rail links between Switzerland and destinations abroad. Swiss Rail said it is considering buying as many as 40 high-speed trains that […]
Swiss company comes up with the e-ski
Most skiers catch lifts up. Some head up ski touring under their own steam. A small company in the Swiss Alps has come up with a third option: electrically powered skis that, like an e-bike, allow you to go further faster. The electrically assisted touring skis created by the Swiss company E-skimo allow skiers to […]
Self-driving cars legal in Switzerland but no cars approved
On 1 March 2025, new laws allowing the use of self-driving cars came into force in Switzerland. The only catch is that no self-driving vehicle has been approved for use on Swiss roads, reported RTS. The new law makes it legal to use self-driving technology on specified stretches of roads specified by Switzerland’s cantons. At […]
