Left-wing parties in Switzerland’s largest cities are trying to revive international night trains—by leaning on the federal government and, if need be, filling the gap themselves. This week, socialist and Green politicians are tabling motions in Geneva and Lausanne, as part of a coordinated push with Zurich, Basel and Bern, reported RTS. The aim is […]
Could Donald Trump’s drug plan push up Swiss prices?
Donald Trump wants Americans to pay less for prescription medicines. To that end, the US president has struck deals with several multinational drugmakers, among them Swiss giants Roche and Novartis. The companies have agreed to cut prices on new, patented drugs in the United States and to invest more heavily there. In return they will […]
Crans-Montana fire: who missed what?
As investigations into the tragedy progress lapses in oversight are emerging. The authorities appear to have been lax in their enforcement of rules. A licence despite a convictionInvestigations into one of the managers of the Constellation bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana have raised uncomfortable questions about regulatory oversight. Why was Jacques Moretti, one […]
Switzerland pauses to mourn those who perished in Crans-Montana
At 1.59pm on Friday, Switzerland fell silent. Across the country, people observed a minute’s silence in memory of those killed and injured in the New Year’s Eve fire in Crans-Montana. Many remained quiet for far longer, reported RTS. They chose not to speak—not just for a minute, but for almost half an hour, said Véronique […]
Taiwan becomes “super-aged”. Switzerland close behind
Taiwan has crossed a demographic threshold. For the first time, more than 20% of its population is aged 65 or over, officially classifying the island as a “super-aged” society under United Nations criteria, reported Focus Taiwan. According to government figures released on Friday, 4.67m people in Taiwan were aged 65 or above last year, accounting […]
Pyrotechnics and acoustic foam: a lethal mix in nightclub fires
Nightclub fires, like the recent tragedy at Le Constellation in Switzerland, have once again highlighted a grim reality: indoor pyrotechnic devices and combustible acoustic insulation dramatically increase the lethality of fires in entertainment venues. An examination of the 15 deadliest nightclub fires since 2000 shows how frequently these two factors recur. In 80% of cases, […]
Swiss Green Liberals target fuel-tax break for piste groomers
In Switzerland the fuel used by piste groomers to prepare ski slopes is cheaper than that used by most other vehicles. The reason is a refund of the mineral oil tax—a levy that, in practice, does not apply to machines that operate off public roads. The arrangement has drawn the ire of the Green Liberal […]
Switzerland’s flu season set to intensify
Influenza activity in Switzerland is set to intensify further. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) says the 2025–26 flu season is shaping up to be a severe one, with the viral peak yet to be reached.Last week, 33.5 laboratory-confirmed flu cases per 100,000 inhabitants were reported. That figure is 4.6% lower than the previous […]
Federal Council freezes any assets held in Switzerland by Maduro
Bern, 5 January 2026 — The Swiss Federal Council has ordered a precautionary freeze on any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolas Maduro and people associated with him, effective immediately. The move, intended to prevent a flight of capital amid political upheaval in Venezuela, does not apply to members of the current Venezuelan government. Should […]
Nestlé recalls contaminated infant formula
Nestlé has launched a large recall of infant formula after detecting a potential contamination with a toxin. The move affects products sold in several countries, including Switzerland, Germany and Austria, and ranks among the biggest recalls in the company’s history. The products concerned are marketed mainly under the Beba brand, as well as specialist formulas […]
