Prosecutors in the Swiss canton of Valais have opened a criminal investigation into the managers of a bar in Crans-Montana where a fire killed 40 people and injured 119 others. The two suspects, a French couple, are being investigated on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence, the prosecutor’s […]
Crans-Montana fire: latest from press conference
On 2 January 2026, following the New Year’s Eve fire at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, the Valais cantonal police and public prosecutor provided an update on the identification of victims, the progress of the investigation and the work being done. The inquiry continues with the aim of establishing the causes of what authorities describe […]
Crans-Montana fire tragedy: what is a flashover?
Flashover fires—such as the one that struck the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve—are well known to firefighters but little understood by the public. A flashover is the moment at which a developing fire spreads suddenly and engulf an entire room. The process typically unfolds in stages: 1. In the initial phase, one […]
Switzerland’s last commuter paper prints its final edition
20 Minutes, Switzerland’s free commuter newspaper, appeared in print for the last time on Tuesday, ending a 26-year run, reported the newspaper. Its publisher, TX Group, had announced the decision in the summer. The closure also consigns to history the blue distribution boxes that once stood at railway stations and tram stops across the country. […]
Bern’s parliament condemns violence but quarrels over policing
Bern’s municipal parliament unanimously condemned the violence that erupted during last Saturday’s pro-Palestinian protest, but disagreed sharply over how the authorities handled it, reported SRF. The demonstration, held without authorisation, degenerated into clashes that left 18 police officers injured. Pro-Palestinian groups said several hundred demonstrators and bystanders were also hurt. Property damage is estimated in […]
Bern professor dismissed after praising Hamas
This week, a professor at the University of Bern was dismissed after publishing messages on X praising the attacks on Israelis by Hamas, reported RTS. On Tuesday, the university announced its decision to terminate the professor’s employment, describing the incident as unacceptable while underlining that it condemns all forms of violence. In addition, the university […]
Swiss Catholic Church to open secret files to sexual abuse investigators
In late 2021, the Catholic Church in Switzerland instructed two historians to investigate sexual abuse within the organisation. The move followed evidence of sexual abuse on a staggering scale within the organisation in France. On 4 April 2022, a date was announced for the opening of the secret episcopal archives, reported RTS. Work will start […]
Swiss government says no to EU deal
At its meeting on 26 May 2021, Switzerland’s Federal Council evaluated the results of Switzerland’s negotiations with the EU around the institutional framework agreement, an agreement aimed at replacing the country’s current patchwork of agreements with the bloc, and decided not to sign the document as it stands and communicated its decision to Brussels. The […]
Parliamentarian wants reference to God removed from Swiss constitution
Fabian Molina, a member of Switzerland’s National Council, has put forward a motion to have the wording of the preamble to Switzerland’s constitution changed, according to 20 Minutes. Molina, a member of the young socialists from Zurich thinks the wording of the preamble to the constitution, which opens with the words “In the name of […]
Swiss government wants more women in the army
In Switzerland, all able bodied male citizens are required by law to serve in Switzerland’s military. For Swiss women there is currently no such obligation. A recently published defence ministry report outlines measures to encourage the integration of more women in the Swiss army, who currently make up only 0.9% of Switzerland’s military personnel. Thomas […]
