This week, Switzerland’s National Council (parliament) approved a new framework for supporting childcare through an allowance scheme targeting parents with children up to the age of eight, reported RTS. While the proposal largely mirrors the version endorsed by the Council of States, notable differences remain—chiefly regarding the role of the federal government. Under the plan, […]
Reports of racist incidents up nearly 40% in Switzerland
Switzerland recorded 1,211 cases of racial discrimination in 2024, an increase of 335 compared with the previous year, according to a report published by the country’s network of anti-racism centres. The 40% annual rise is the steepest in recent years. Most incidents occurred in schools and the number of reported cases has been climbing steadily […]
Study shows link between education and Swiss oral health
Despite widespread access to dental services, pronounced disparities in oral health persist in Switzerland. These differences extend beyond hygiene habits and dental outcomes to the actual use of services, according to a recent study by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). In 2022, over 70% of respondents rated the condition of their teeth and gums as […]
Popular initiative calls for 18 weeks of leave for each new parent
A left-leaning alliance, with some support from the centre, has launched a popular initiative calling for a total of 36 weeks of parental leave – 18 weeks per parent – following the birth of a child, reported RTS. The proposal, published this week in the Federal Gazette, aims to replace the country’s current system of […]
Switzerland slides in happiness ranking in 2025
In 2012, Switzerland was ranked the happiest nation on Earth. However, since then it has sadly slid from the top spot to 13th. While Switzerland continues to score well on GDP (3rd), healthy life expectancy, generosity (12th) and low perception of corruption (3rd), it has lost ground on social support (20th) and freedom (20th). The […]
Money remains main concern for Swiss families
The results of a survey on family life published on 20 March 2025 show that money remains the biggest concern among families in Switzerland. The survey sheds light on what families are currently concerned about and addresses the topics of family life, expectations, safety, retirement planning, pressure on parents and children, work-life balance, finances and […]
The best places to be a working woman in 2025 – Switzerland near the bottom
To coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March, The Economist publishes an annual study on the best places to be a working woman across the OECD. This year, Switzerland is ranked 26th out of 29 nations, the same position as last year. Only Japan, Turkey and South Korea rank lower. The main reason behind […]
Swiss tick-borne disease season starts early in 2025
Switzerland has experienced a particularly mild winter, with temperatures frequently 2 degrees above long term averages. This has brought forward the tick season. Already, 6 cases of tick-borne encephalitis have been reported by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). This number of infections by this point of the year has not been seen for […]
Swiss government to look at classroom phone ban
This week, the Federal Council said it would look at a proposal to ban access to social media in Swiss classrooms, reported RTS. The ban aims to effectively prevent the use of mobile phones in class and would apply to those under 16. The proposal is supported by politicians on both the left and the […]
Parental leave – federal government commission looking at new models
In Switzerland, paid leave for new parents is limited to 14 weeks for mothers and 2 weeks for fathers. However, the political push for more is growing, and some cantons are pressuring the federal government to extend paid leave. A commission for the federal Council of States is currently analysing some of the proposals put […]
