Young people make up the majority of climate protestors in Switzerland. However, most (52%) are unwilling to stop flying, compared to 46% across all ages, reported RTS. When asked which mode of transport they would choose for their main holiday in 2024, 51.6% of 18-35 year-olds chose flying, a figure higher than for 36 to […]
Swiss canton bans sexist advertisement
Authorities in the canton of Vaud recently banned an advert they consider sexist, reported RTS. A study last year found half of advertising in Switzerland used discriminatory generalisations. The offending advert used a picture of a naked man walking in the mountains to advertise insurance. A Vaud government body tasked with combatting sexist advertising issued […]
New “hygge” hotel in Founex
Brought to you by Yotel Geneva. There’s a brand new hotel in Founex, called the YOTEL, part of an international hotel chain of the same name. What gives it its difference and pizzazz is the added concept of the Danish “Hygge”, which stands for warmth, relaxation and general happiness, of which that northern country is so […]
Swiss to vote on pension reform and biodiversity in September
After a round of referenda in June, Swiss voters will be called on in September to decide on biodiversity and a government plan to reform work-related pensions to ensure their longterm financial viability, reported RTS. On 22 September 2024, the government’s plan to cut the work-related pension annuity rate from 6.8% to 6% will be […]
Switzerland set to share flight passenger data with police
This week, the Federal Council passed a plan to parliament to collect and provide passenger data to the police, reported SRF. The proposed law aims to make it easier for the authorities to combat terrorism and serious crime. The law would regulate which passenger data airlines must pass on to the Federal Office of Police […]
Gotthard pass to remain closed due to exceptional snow
The Gotthard pass, one of the key routes linking northern and southern Switzerland is often opened in mid-May. Last year, it was open by now. However, this year there is too much snow, reported SRF. Opening the pass before the second long weekend in May brings relief to many weary travellers. The pass provides drivers […]
4% of drivers in Switzerland drive under the influence of alcohol
According to a report published this week, 4% of drivers in Switzerland drive after drinking alcohol. However, only 0.4% have a level of alcohol at or above the legal limit. Drunk driving remains one of the greatest road safety risks in Switzerland, causing around one in every eight road accidents. In 2023, alcohol caused 506 […]
Gambian ex-minister given 20 years in prison by Swiss court
This week, Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court sentenced a former Gambian interior minister to 20 years in prison for multiple crimes against humanity, reported RTS. The ruling is historic. It is the first time a European court has convicted and sentenced someone for crimes committed against humanity outside Europe. Ousman Sonko came to Switzerland as an […]
FIFA may be preparing to leave Switzerland
This week, FIFA approved changes to its articles that make it easier for the organisation to move its headquarters from Zurich. A former sports minister told RTS that he thinks Swiss criticism of the organisation in recent years is a factor. Until recently, Zurich was specified as the home of FIFA in the organisation’s articles. […]
Switzerland wins Eurovision with song “The Code”
Nemo Mettler, the 24-year-old who grew up in Bienne/Biel in Switzerland, won Eurovision with “The Code”, a song with elements of rap, drum and base and opera. This year’s Eurovision competition, the 68th edition, took place over the weekend in the Swedish city of Malmo. Born in Switzerland in 1999, Nemo has been playing the […]
