An initiative organised by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP/UDC) to limit Switzerland’s population to 10 million officially cleared the signature hurdle this week, reported SRF. To launch a popular vote or referendum in Switzerland requires 100,000 signatures. This week, 114,805 of the 114,430 signatures collected for the initiative were deemed valid by the administration, clearing […]
Federal Council wants to get tough on conscription choices to boost military
A shortage of military personnel is creating challenges for Switzerland’s leaders. This week, the Federal Council said it wants to make it harder for conscripts to opt for community service and to use some of those doing civil service for defense. However, the idea was met with resistance. Over the years, it has become easier […]
Ukrainian refugee job push aims for big cut to Swiss welfare spending
Over the roughly two years since the first Ukrainian refugees began arriving in Switzerland, more than 90,000 have successfully applied for the temporary right to live in Switzerland. However, only 24% have found work. With finances tight, the federal government is aiming to save around CHF 700 million in refugee welfare payments by getting the […]
Swiss unemployment falls in April
According to data from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), 106,957 people were registered as unemployed at the end of April 2024, 1,636 (-1.5%) fewer than the previous month, taking the rate from 2.4% to 2.3%. However, unemployment remained higher (+0.3 percentage points) than it was at the same time in 2023. At the […]
Bumper season for Swiss mountain lift companies
The recent winter season was positive for Switzerland’s mountain resort lift operators. However, the picture was mixed with low altitude resorts missing out on much of the joy, reported Switzerland’s mountain lift association this week. By the end of April 2024, the number of first-time visitors to Swiss ski areas overall was up 3% compared […]
Swiss police firearm use lowest in 14 years
Switzerland’s police carry guns but rarely use them. In 2023, firearms were used only twice, the lowest number in 14 years, reported CCPCS, an organisation that connects cantonal police forces. The use of police force is always based on the principle of proportionality, said the organisation. The use of firearms is only permitted as a […]
Migration between Swiss cantons – gainers and losers
The population is growing exceptionally fast in Switzerland. The nation draws many migrants from the EU and takes in proportionally high numbers of refugees. Over the last 20 years, the nation’s population has risen by 20%, far more than in France (10%), Austria (12%), Italy (3%) and Germany (2%) over the same period. In addition […]
Sharp rise in racism in Swiss schools
The number of incidents of discrimination reported in Switzerland jumped 24% to 876 cases in 2023, according to a report published by a human rights organisation helping victims of harassment and discrimination. Of the total, roughly half involved expressions of discrimination and the rest discriminatory treatment. The most common place these events occured was at […]
Might record snow levels increase Swiss flood risk?
Winter and recent spring snowfalls have brought record amounts of snow to Switzerland. Experts ponder whether this could lead to floods as it did in 1999. Snowfall in Switzerland this winter was contrasted by altitude. Down low (below 2,000m) there was significant rain, leaving many low altitude ski resorts short of snow. However, above 2,000m […]
Commission wants to postpone pension hike funding question
After the successful vote to raise Swiss state pensions by one twelfth (a 13th month payment), the question of how to fund the extra CHF 4.2 billion a year required has been preoccupying many in Bern. This week, a parliamentary commission voted 13 versus 12 to postpone the question and to tackle it later during […]
