Candidates for Switzerland’s parliament cannot be required to job-hunt during an election campaign merely because they might lose their seat. That is the conclusion of a ruling by the Swiss Federal Court, which has clarified how unemployment rules apply to outgoing MPs, reported SRF. Switzerland’s National Council and Council of States are citizen parliaments: members […]
Swiss motorists warned over electronic motorway-vignette scams
Drivers using Swiss motorways have until January 31st to buy the motorway vignette for 2026. But the Swiss authorities are urging caution: reports of fraud linked to the electronic version have risen sharply in recent weeks. Unofficial websites are charging inflated prices, sometimes bundling the purchase with hidden subscriptions. Some unwittingly buy a vignette from […]
“They’re only good because of us”, says Trump about Switzerland
In a long rambling address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Donald Trump praised Switzerland as “an incredible brilliant place”, before criticising it for running a trade surplus of $41bn with the United States. He argued that the country prospers thanks largely to American largesse, declaring that “They’re only good because of us”. He […]
Lower-Swiss-broadcasting-fee initiative sets out its arguments
The campaign in favour of the initiative has been formally launched. The organisers’ central argument is cost. The proposal, which would cut Switzerland’s radio and television licence fee from CHF 355 per household to CHF 200 a year, will be put to a vote on March 8th. Consumers must be relieved of the financial burden, […]
Call for Swiss government to stop using X
X is no longer a normal social-media platform, said Cédric Wermuth, co-president of the Swiss Socialist Party, reported RTS. The party says it will submit a parliamentary motion on the subject unless the federal government and parliament withdraw from the platform. Mr Wermuth argues that conditions on X have deteriorated sharply in recent months. He […]
Swiss changes rules on flying with power banks
Passengers flying with Swiss or Edelweiss will need to rethink how they charge their devices. From January 15th 2026, both airlines prohibit the use of power banks on board. Only two may be carried per passenger, and only in hand luggage. Checked baggage has long been off limits. Phones, tablets and laptops may now be […]
Swiss government confirms US tariff deal
Switzerland’s long-mooted trade negotiations with the United States can now proceed. On Wednesday the Federal Council approved the final negotiating mandate for a tariff agreement, clearing the way for formal talks with Washington, reported RTS. Parliamentary foreign-affairs committees and the cantons were consulted in advance. On the basis of their feedback, the government made modest […]
Swiss cash initiative – different ways to reach same goal
On March 8th Swiss voters—and the cantons—will be asked to decide the fate of cash. On the ballot are a popular initiative, Cash is Freedom, and a direct counter-proposal backed by the federal government and parliament. Both aim to entrench the role of physical money in the constitution, but they go about it in different […]
Tensions rise in Bern over implementing the nursing initiative
Tempers are flaring in Bern over how to implement Switzerland’s initiative on nursing care, reported RTS this week. Following a successful vote (approved by 61% of voters) in 2021 to improve life for nurses, Switzerland’s federal government has put forward a package of measures aimed at improving nurses’ working conditions, including shorter hours and better […]
Swiss climate vote: the 1% of GDP question
The cost of inaction is enormous, says the committee behind Switzerland’s proposed climate fund. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, its members urged voters to back the initiative on March 8th, arguing that it is essential to protect future generations. Alpine Switzerland is particularly exposed to the effects of climate change, according to the […]
