Passengers flying with Swiss or Edelweiss will need to rethink how they charge their devices. From January 15th 2026, both airlines prohibit the use of power banks on board. Only two may be carried per passenger, and only in hand luggage. Checked baggage has long been off limits. Phones, tablets and laptops may now be […]
Swiss government confirms US tariff deal
Switzerland’s long-mooted trade negotiations with the United States can now proceed. On Wednesday the Federal Council approved the final negotiating mandate for a tariff agreement, clearing the way for formal talks with Washington, reported RTS. Parliamentary foreign-affairs committees and the cantons were consulted in advance. On the basis of their feedback, the government made modest […]
Swiss cash initiative – different ways to reach same goal
On March 8th Swiss voters—and the cantons—will be asked to decide the fate of cash. On the ballot are a popular initiative, Cash is Freedom, and a direct counter-proposal backed by the federal government and parliament. Both aim to entrench the role of physical money in the constitution, but they go about it in different […]
Tensions rise in Bern over implementing the nursing initiative
Tempers are flaring in Bern over how to implement Switzerland’s initiative on nursing care, reported RTS this week. Following a successful vote (approved by 61% of voters) in 2021 to improve life for nurses, Switzerland’s federal government has put forward a package of measures aimed at improving nurses’ working conditions, including shorter hours and better […]
Swiss climate vote: the 1% of GDP question
The cost of inaction is enormous, says the committee behind Switzerland’s proposed climate fund. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, its members urged voters to back the initiative on March 8th, arguing that it is essential to protect future generations. Alpine Switzerland is particularly exposed to the effects of climate change, according to the […]
Swiss left mobilises city voters to get night trains back on track
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 […]
