Swiss public opinion on energy is shifting. A small majority now supports reconsidering nuclear power, though concerns about cost, speed, and supply security remain. According to a recent poll by gfs.bern for the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (AES), 56% of respondents say they are favourable or somewhat favourable to building new nuclear plants. It […]
Alpine regions to face more frequent and intense summer downpours
Torrential summer rainstorms are set to become more common—and more severe—in the Alps. A new study by scientists at the University of Lausanne warns that a 2°C rise in regional temperatures could double the frequency of short, extreme rainfall events in alpine areas. The research, published on nature.com, draws on data from nearly 300 meteorological […]
Swiss interest rate cut to zero
On 19 June 2025, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) cut its policy rate by 25 basis points to 0%, effective June 20th. The Bank said the move follows a sustained decline in inflation, which turned negative in May for the first time since 2021. It also reaffirmed its readiness to intervene in currency markets if […]
Switzerland’s largest print newspaper to end
The days of picking up copy of 20 Minutes (20 Minuten), a free Swiss print newspaper, from one of the many blue bins are numbered. Switzerland’s largest print newspaper will cease its physical edition and go online-only from the end of 2025 The move is less about failure than adaptation: far from being unprofitable, the […]
Decline in marriage and children continues in Switzerland
Swiss society is undergoing a quiet demographic transformation. Marriages are declining, families are shrinking and children are increasingly seen as optional. New data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) confirm the trend: both birth and marriage rates are falling, with little sign of reversal. In 2024, women in Switzerland had an average of 1.29 children—down […]
87% of Swiss traffic delays due to motorway overload
Though they account for just 3% of Switzerland’s road network, motorways carried over 40% of the country’s traffic in 2024. Congestion, too, has grown markedly. In response, the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) is planning targeted network improvements. Vehicles travelling on Swiss motorways covered a combined 29.8 billion kilometres last year, a modest rise of 0.7% […]
Brussels publishes Swiss-EU deal contracts
Switzerland’s Federal Council has approved a package of agreements aimed at stabilising and deepening its relationship with the European Union, reported SRF. The goal is tailored participation in the EU’s single market, said Ignazio Cassis, Switzerland’s foreign minister. We belong to Europe—not just geographically, but also economically and socially, he said. The deal, which was […]
Switzerland to cover vaccines and colon cancer screening regardless of insurance excess
From January 1st 2026, certain vaccines in Switzerland will be exempt from the insurance excess, the Federal Council has announced. The measure aims to raise vaccination rates across the population. Screening for colorectal cancer will also be expanded and covered for people aged 50 to 75. The change applies to vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, covid-19, […]
Higher tax and VAT win approval in Switzerland’s upper house
Switzerland, like many rich countries, faces a pension crunch. An ageing population is putting pressure on public finances, and a recent referendum has added to the strain. In March 2024, voters approved a 13th monthly payment to recipients of the state pension scheme—equivalent to a 8.3% rise in annual payouts—due to begin next year. How […]
Pro-Palestinian protests create havoc in Switzerland
Demonstrations in support of Palestinians created havoc in Switzerland this week. On Thursday evening in Zurich, protesters gathered near the Wiedikon train station in the Lochergut area. A rubbish bin was set alight and Zurich city police responded with a large force equipped with riot gear, according to SRF. Officers deployed water cannons, rubber bullets […]
