Since March 2024, Switzerland’s basic health insurance started reimbursing part of the cost of Wegovy, a weight-loss drug developed by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. The decision has led to a surge in uptake—and concern among insurers, reported RTS. Roughly 40,000 people received Wegovy under Switzerland’s mandatory health insurance in 2024, according an association representing […]
Geneva opens new crack consumption room
In the summer of 2023, Geneva’s supervised drug-consumption centre located behind Cornavin train station, banned crack use after a surge in violence overwhelmed the facility. Now crack smokers are being admitted again—this time to a purpose-built extension opened officially on Tuesday, reported RTS. The new space, which quietly began operations two weeks ago, is the […]
Switzerland’s next round of votes announced
Swiss voters will weigh in on three initiatives on 30 November 2025, the Federal Council announced on Tuesday. The proposals concern the introduction of universal civil service, a hefty inheritance tax to fund climate action, and expanded public subsidies for media outlets. The first initiative seeks to replace compulsory military service for men with a […]
Swiss nuclear power plant shuts down due to heat
Switzerland’s Beznau nuclear power plant, the oldest in the country, has shut down both its reactors due to rising river temperatures, reported SRF. The plant, located in the canton of Aargau, relies on the nearby Aare river for cooling. With the river’s water already warm, further discharge from the facility risked breaching environmental limits. Axpo, […]
Swiss inflation turns positive again
Inflation in Switzerland edged back into positive territory in June. Consumer prices rose by 0.1% year on year, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), reversing deflation of –0.1% recorded in May—the country’s first negative reading in over four years. Price growth in Switzerland has remained subdued for months. Since September 2024, inflation has stayed […]
Referendum launched against Swiss tax reform
Two weeks ago, Switzerland’s Parliament voted to end joint taxation for married couples, opting instead for individual tax assessments. The reform is designed to eliminate the so-called marriage penalty. This week, opponents struck back. A cross-party alliance—comprising the Centre Party, the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP), the Evangelical People’s Party (EPP), and the Christian-conservative EDU—announced plans […]
French strikes disrupt Swiss holiday makers
A strike by French air-traffic controllers (ATC) has disrupted the travel plans of tens of thousands across Europe just as the summer holidays begin. In Switzerland, Swiss International Air Lines cancelled 21 flights and was forced to rebook nearly 3,000 passengers, deploying larger aircraft on certain routes to absorb the pressure. Some connecting passengers were […]
Decline in faith and religious practice continues in Switzerland
Data published this week by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), show fewer people in Switzerland believe in God, and even fewer participate in organised religion. Secularisation continues to reshape Swiss society, with declining affiliation, attendance, and belief across all age groups—though religion still holds meaning in life’s more difficult moments. The share of the population […]
Swiss government scales back austerity plan
This week, Switzerland’s federal government announced it was cutting its savings targets slightly amid pressure from cantons and political opposition, reported RTS. The Federal Council announced revised savings targets, lowering the total volume of planned cuts to CHF 3.1 billion by 2029—down from the CHF 3.6 billion outlined in January. The adjustments follow criticism from […]
Swiss holidays are booming among the Swiss population
Hiking in the Jura, cycling in Valais, dining lakeside in Ticino: Switzerland remains a top destination—especially for the Swiss themselves. Once seen primarily as a tourist destination for foreigners, the country has increasingly become a year-round choice for domestic travellers, according to data published the week by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). Laura Meyer, chief […]
