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 […]
Decline in marriage and children continues in Switzerland
Swiss society is undergoing a quiet demographic transformation. Marriages are declining, families are shrinking and children are increasingly seen as optional. New data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) confirm the trend: both birth and marriage rates are falling, with little sign of reversal. In 2024, women in Switzerland had an average of 1.29 children—down […]
Pro-Palestinian protests create havoc in Switzerland
Demonstrations in support of Palestinians created havoc in Switzerland this week. On Thursday evening in Zurich, protesters gathered near the Wiedikon train station in the Lochergut area. A rubbish bin was set alight and Zurich city police responded with a large force equipped with riot gear, according to SRF. Officers deployed water cannons, rubber bullets […]
Women much more likely to take obesity medication in Switzerland
Weight-loss injections are taking off in Switzerland. But despite obesity being more prevalent among men, it is women who are far more likely to be prescribed them. A newly published report from the Swiss Health Observatory (Obsan), part of the national healthcare atlas, reveals that demand for drugs such as Wegovy—produced by Danish firm Novo […]
Swiss union slams federal attack on minimum wages
Switzerland’s sometimes delicate balance between federal authority and cantonal autonomy is once again under strain. The Swiss Trade Union Federation (USS) has issued a stark warning: if the federal parliament proceeds with draft legislation that would curtail cantonal minimum wage laws, it will resist the measure with all available means, reported RTS. The controversy stems […]
Too many rooms – Switzerland’s housing shortage
Switzerland’s housing shortage is growing ever more acute. Yet many residents, particularly older ones, occupy more space than they need. If the population were more mobile, with downsizing more common, some pressure on the housing market might be eased—at least in theory. The mismatch between occupancy and need is pronounced. Among those under 44, households […]
Swiss military may tighten rules on conscientious objection
Switzerland’s military conscription currently offers young men an alternative: civilian service for those unwilling to bear arms. Yet this freedom of choice is now under political scrutiny. Several legislative proposals under discussion in parliament aim to make civilian service less appealing, according to Swiss public broadcaster SRF. Among them is a call to reinstate the […]
Eurovision – Israel rehearsal disrupted by political protest
Rehearsals for the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest were disrupted on Thursday afternoon by a small group of demonstrators targeting the performance of Yuval Raphael, the Israeli contestant, reported RTS. Six individuals, including members of a family, unfurled large Palestinian flags and used whistles during the performance. Security personnel swiftly removed them from […]
Swiss government plan to encourage later retirement
This week, Switzerland’s Federal Council unveiled the outline of a new plan to reform Switzerland’s state pension system. The initiative stops short of raising the statutory retirement age, but aims to make early retirement less attractive, encourage work beyond the age of 65, and strengthen the system’s long-term financial sustainability, reported RTS. The primary objective […]
Swiss digital surveillance plan heavily criticised
A proposed revision to Switzerland’s digital surveillance regulations has met with broad political and industry backlash, reported RTS. Critics say the draft, put forward by the Federal Council, threatens data privacy, allows disproportionate state intervention, and could undermine the country’s reputation as an innovation hub. In a consultation process that concluded on Tuesday, parties across […]
