This week, Swiss Rail published its half-year results. During the first six months of 2024, the company made a profit of CHF 50.8 million, a level far below what is required for it to operate comfortably and service its debt. As a rule of thumb, to remain in good financial shape the company needs to […]
Push for federal cuts faces revolt from cantons
Switzerland’s federal government is spending more money than it collects in taxes. This week, a federal commission set out options for spending cuts, reported SRF. The problem is than some of them would involve less federal money going to cantonal governments. Switzerland’s Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter hopes to break the deadlock around balancing the federal […]
Travelling by car becoming increasingly cheaper than public transport in Switzerland
Since 1990, the cost of travel by car has risen 24%, while travel by public transport has leapt by more than 100%, reported SRF. Since 1990, fuel prices and car prices have fallen, while the cost of tickets to ride public transport have consistently risen. According to Stefan Meierhans, Switzerland’s chief price watchdog, the rising […]
Electricity price cuts for 2025 by region
Electricity prices will fall across most of Switzerland next year. The average price drop across the country will be around 10%. However, the drop will vary by location and prices will rise in a few regions, reported RTS. In some places the price will drop by more than 20%. In a few it will rise […]
Swiss parliament to investigate false vote signatures
To run a referendum in Switzerland, vote organisers must first collect a minimum number of signatures from qualified voters. Not all are deemed valid. This week, Switzerland’s federal parliament said it would like a formal investigation into false signatures, in particular those collected by companies paid to collect them for the organisers of referenda, reported […]
Switzerland falls short of electric mobility objectives
This week, Switzerland’s federal government met with leaders in the electric mobility sector to discuss progress and set targets for 2030, reported RTS. It appears targets set for 2025 are unlikely to be reached. The last time targets were set they were aimed at 50% of new vehicle registrations being electric by 2025. However, with […]
Swiss government wants to ban Hamas for 5 years
On 4 September 2024, Switzerland’s Federal Council told parliament that it wants the organisation Hamas banned in Switzerland for five years, reported RTS. In addition, the ban would cover organisations connected to Hamas so that they cannot be used as cover for the group. Groups acting on Hamas’ orders would also be included. The Federal […]
Eurovision comes to Switzerland in 2025
Basel has been selected as the host city for the 2025 Eurovision song contest, announced the organisation on Friday. The promotional video for next year’s event is below. The next event will take place in mid-May next year. It is hoped the event will boost tourism in the city. The decision was announced 10am. Twenty […]
Swiss homeowners association rejects government plan to charge all home owners for earthquakes
Last week, the government in Bern broadly supported a plan to force all property owners to contribute to the cost of earthquake repair. This week, a Swiss homeowners association rejected the idea, reported SRF. The government plan is a response to the attitude of many home owners towards insurance. Only 15% of buildings are insured […]
Swiss pensions and benefits to rise in 2025
This week, Switzerland’s federal government announced future increases to state pensions, disability benefits and family support benefits, reported RTS. The 2.9% increase is the first adjustment since 2009. It means monthly pension and disability payments will rise on 1 January 2025 by between CHF 35 and CHF 70, depending on the level of salary based […]
