This week, the Council of States, Switzerland’s upper house, followed parliament and approved presumed consent for organ donation in Switzerland, reported RTS. In response to an initiative launched to put the question of presumed consent of organ donation to Swiss voters, the Federal Council came up with a counterproposal that presumes consent but gives those […]
Swiss women may soon join men to guard the Pope
Plans are reportedly afoot to include women in the currently all-male Swiss papal guard. Swiss women could be on guard from 2027 if the plan is ratified by the Pope, according to RTS. The move, which would be seen as symbolic, would also address the shortage of candidates. It is a decision that has been […]
Majority of Swiss support gay marriage ahead of vote
Ahead of a vote aimed at stopping a legal amendments to allow gay marriage in Switzerland, a survey suggests a majority of Swiss voters favour the changes. According to a survey by Tamedia, 64% of the population said they plan to vote in favour of accepting the government’s amendment to Switzerland’s civil code allowing same-sex […]
Most popular Swiss names in 2020
In 2020, the most popular baby names in Switzerland were Mia and Noah. Mia is a long time favourite, scoring the top spot in 2019 and 2020. Noah has had a good run in the top spot for boys. It came top in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. In 2019, the top […]
Hiking and biking gain popularity in Switzerland
In 2019, residents of Switzerland spent 200 million hours hiking and 2.4 millions went on an average of 15 bike rides, according to recently published data from Switzerland’s Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). In 2019, around 57% of residents aged over 15 went hiking, a figure 20 percentage points higher than in 2007. The steepest rise […]
Swiss supermarket Migros may soon sell alcohol
Currently, the Swiss supermarket Migros does not sell alcoholic drinks in its stores. Gottlieb Duttweiler, the retailer’s founder, instituted the policy to promote public health when the company was started in 1925. However, this autumn, the management of the cooperative is planning to vote on whether to allow alcohol on to the the company’s shelves […]
New call for compulsory military service for Swiss women
This week, the Swiss Officers’ Society, a military association, announced that it was in favour of extending compulsory military service to both men and women, according to 20 Minutes. The association submitted a report, which included the recommendation to include compulsory service to women to Viola Amherd, Switzerland’s minister in charge of defense. Society president […]
The last time Switzerland made it to the quarter-finals
On Monday, 28 June 2021, Switzerland knocked world champions France out of Euro 2020 after extended play and a shoot out in Bucharest to make it through to the quarter finals. The last time Switzerland made it to the quarter-finals of a major football competition was during the World Cup in 1954, 67 years ago […]
Switzerland knock France out of Euro 2020
On 28 June 2021, Switzerland defeated world champions France after extended play and a shoot out in Bucharest in the UEFA Euro 2020. Haris Seferović scored an early goal (15′) and Switzerland led at half time. However, in the second half France scored 3 goals and it looked like they were set to win. Benzema […]
Swiss parliament votes to raise retirement age for women
This week, Switzerland’s parliament voted in favour of raising the official retirement age for women. In Switzerland, the retirement age for women has long been 64, one year less than the retirement age of 65 for men, according to RTS. The parliamentary vote, of 124 versus 69 in favour, follows a vote in the upper […]
