Swiss schools appear to be succeeding at their most basic task. According to a nationwide assessment published by Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education, the overwhelming majority of children in the fourth year of HarmoS schooling—the equivalent of second grade in primary school—meet national standards in mathematics and language skills. The survey, conducted in […]
Switzerland almost the worst nation in Europe on tobacco control
For a country that prides itself on public health and regulatory competence, Switzerland performs strikingly poorly in the fight against smoking. According to a new European ranking on tobacco-control policies, the country places 36th out of 37 states assessed—ahead only of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ranking, highlighted by the Swiss Association for Tobacco Control, places […]
Swiss Rail to expand offer to Italy and France
Swiss Rail is betting that Swiss travellers want more access to neighbouring Europe. Its proposed 2027 timetable, due to take effect on December 13th, places greater emphasis on international routes, with improved services to Paris and northern Italy, reported RTS. The most notable improvement concerns the route between Lausanne and Paris. From April 5th 2027 […]
Swiss petition targets Starlink expansion in the Alps
Nearly 15,000 people have signed a petition urging Switzerland’s federal government to halt plans for a major SpaceX Starlink ground station in the canton of Valais. Campaigners say the project would hand excessive influence over Swiss communications infrastructure to Elon Musk and expose the country to geopolitical risk. On May 21st a coalition led by […]
Swiss prison population hits record high
Switzerland’s prison population has reached its highest level since records began in 1988, according to new figures from the Federal Statistical Office. Yet relative to the country’s growing population, the incarceration rate remains lower than it was a decade ago. At the end of January Swiss prisons held 7,119 inmates, the highest figure recorded since […]
Extra train capacity does little to relieve Gotthard tunnel queues
Switzerland’s Ascension holiday weekend once again brought heavy traffic to the country’s roads, with long queues forming at the Gotthard tunnel despite expanded rail services to southern Switzerland. After tailbacks of nearly 10km on Wednesday, traffic heading south continued to build on Thursday, particularly along the A2 motorway leading to the Gotthard Road Tunnel, reported […]
Swiss nuclear plants could run for a further 80 years
Switzerland’s existing nuclear power plants could remain in operation for up to 80 years, according to a new report by the federal government, which argues that long-term operation is both technically feasible and economically viable. A memorandum from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy had already concluded in 2024 that extending the lifespan of Swiss […]
Swiss urged to check cars and luggage for Japanese beetles
Swiss authorities are asking travellers returning from infested regions to inspect their cars and luggage for Japanese beetles, as part of a new campaign to slow the spread of the invasive pest. The Japanese beetle, roughly the size of a coffee bean, poses a serious threat to agriculture, horticulture and the environment. This insect is […]
Study calculates the high cost of 10 million population cap
A study has found that a “yes” vote on the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP) initiative would impose considerable costs on Switzerland. The study was conducted by Demgrafik, a research and consulting firm based in Basel. Its authors argue that curbing population growth would bring some benefits, easing pressure on housing, infrastructure and the environment, as […]
Rise in Swiss health insurance set to moderate in 2027
Swiss basic health-insurance premiums are expected to rise by an average of 3.7% in 2027, according to forecasts by Comparis. After a 4.4% increase in 2026, costs are set to keep climbing, says Felix Schneuwly, the company’s health-insurance expert. Global economic conditions remain a key risk. “Premiums depend not only on the cost of insured […]
