Switzerland relies heavily on it’s neighbours to keep its lights on and its electricity supply remains exposed to uncertainty, according to the Federal Electricity Commission (ElCom). In a press briefing on Thursday, the regulator warned that electricity reserves will continue to be necessary in the medium term, despite a broadly secure outlook for the coming […]
Swiss government favours simple majority vote on EU deal
This week, the Federal Council said it favours putting its new package of agreements with the European Union to an optional referendum, requiring only a simple majority of voters—not the double majority of both voters and cantons required in a mandatory referendum, reported RTS. The decision, announced by the Federal Council on Wednesday, now passes […]
Switzerland’s underground cargo project switches track
Cargo Sous Terrain (CST), Switzerland’s long-planned underground freight network, has been in the making for more than a decade. The concept is simple: instead of clogging up roads, goods would be transported via automated wagons moving through subterranean tunnels, loaded and unloaded at designated hubs. Yet enthusiasm for the project has cooled. Last year, municipalities […]
The strange departure of Klaus Schwab
Klaus Schwab, 87, the founder and long-time figurehead of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has resigned as chairman, marking the end of an era for the organization he created in 1971. His departure was announced on 20 April 2025, following an extraordinary board meeting, according to a WEF official statement. Interim CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, a […]
Swiss Citizens’ Assembly backs sugar tax in health push
The Citizens’ Assembly, a group of citizens chosen at random to discuss and find common ground on contentious issues, has backed a proposal to introduce a tax on sugary foods and drinks as part of a broader push to improve public health in Switzerland. The measure is one of six reforms endorsed by the 100-member […]
Upcoming vote puts Switzerland’s wealthy under the spotlight
Switzerland is a wealthy nation, but as elsewhere, wealth is not evenly distributed. According to SRF, nearly 400,000 Swiss residents have assets exceeding CHF 1 million. The richest 1% of taxpayers hold 45% of the country’s total wealth, while the bottom 62% own just 3%. The remaining 37% of taxpayers own the remaining 53%. To […]
Toblerone reclaims its Swiss identity
Since shifting part of its production to Slovakia in 2023, Toblerone has no longer qualified to claim it is Swiss made. The iconic Matterhorn vanished from its packaging, replaced by a generic peak. Now, its owner, the US multinational Mondelez, plans to reconnect the product with Switzerland, reported SRF. After losing the right in 2023 […]
Swiss exporters brace for US tariff blow
The 31% tariffs announced by the Trump administration this week, were described by some analysts as like taking a sledgehammer to Swiss trade. Some industries are already eyeing alternative markets to cushion the blow, reported RTS. However, Switzerland’s industry sectors will feel the impact of new American tariffs unevenly. While the pharmaceutical industry has so […]
Swiss government decides against a direct response to US tariffs
Following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 31% tariff on Swiss goods, the Federal Council has opted for diplomacy over retaliation, it announced on Thursday. It said it will closely examine the measures and their implications but has no immediate plans to introduce countermeasures. The Swiss government expressed concern over the steep tariffs, describing them […]
Switzerland edges toward revisiting nuclear power
Switzerland’s Federal Council is seeking to lift the country’s ban on new nuclear power plants. This week, it presented a counter-proposal to the “Stop Blackout” initiative aimed at securing the country’s energy supply, reported RTS. However, many political parties, cantons and energy stakeholders remain unconvinced. Opposition from the Green Party, the Green Liberals and the […]
