According to various media reports, the Federal Council has summoned Martin Schlegel, president of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), for talks. At issue are the bank’s interventions in currency markets, which the United States has long viewed with suspicion. A March 31st deadline set by Washington for concluding a trade agreement with Bern has come […]
Swiss government presents counter-proposal to responsible business initiative
The Swiss government has opened a consultation on a counter-proposal to a new popular initiative on corporate responsibility, arguing that companies should respect human rights and the environment without undermining their competitiveness. A previous initiative failed in 2020, winning a majority of voters but not of cantons. A watered-down counter-proposal came into force in 2022, […]
Capping Switzerland’s population: simple in theory, tricky in practice
This week, the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP) launched what it hopes will be its political campaign of the year: an initiative to cap the population at 10m. Voters will decide on June 14th. Both the Federal Council and parliament oppose the plan and offer no counter-proposal. The idea is straightforward: Switzerland’s population, currently about 9m, […]
Gulf wealthy showing a rising interest in Switzerland
It is too early to speak of an exodus. But the signs are mounting: wealthy residents of Dubai and the wider Gulf are showing a growing interest in Switzerland—as a safe haven for their wealth and, potentially, to live. “The money transfers are under way,” says Patrick Akiki of PWC Switzerland, speaking to RTS. Opening […]
Middle East tensions disrupt Swiss holiday plans
Continuing tensions in the Middle East are reshaping Swiss travellers’ plans for the Easter break. Uncertainty over flights, coupled with official warnings, is prompting some to change destinations while others hold off on booking. At Zurich Airport, several routes to Gulf countries have been suspended. Two weeks after the start of joint Israeli-American strikes on […]
Swiss suspends some Gulf flights until October
Swiss has extended the suspension of its flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv until May 31st, citing security concerns amid persistent tensions in the Middle East. The move forms part of a broader decision by the Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Edelweiss and Lufthansa Cargo, to curtail operations […]
Swiss parliament backs road tolls for transit traffic
Foreign motorists passing through Switzerland without stopping may soon have to pay. This week, after the upper house, parliament also approved a proposal to introduce a transit toll, reported SRF. The move reflects growing concern about congestion on Switzerland’s trans-Alpine routes. Traffic through the Gotthard corridor regularly grinds to a halt on weekends and public […]
Swiss cuts summer flights amid pilot shortage
Swiss International Air Lines will cancel several hundred flights from its summer schedule, citing a shortage of pilots among other constraints. The airline said that due to operational constraints, including limited availability of cockpit crew, the airline has reduced its 2026 summer schedule. In total, 326 flights—less than 0.5% of the overall programme—will be cancelled. […]
Switzerland to bolster defences against drones and cyber attacks
Switzerland’s Federal Council plans to invest about CHF 3.4bn to strengthen the army, with a focus on long-range threats and cyberwarfare. On Friday it presented its latest army plan to parliament, which includes additional borrowing of roughly CHF 500m. A further CHF 562m is earmarked for modernising military infrastructure and improving noise protection. Presented by […]
Switzerland halts new arms exports to America
Switzerland will no longer approve new licences for arms exports to the United States, reported SRF. The Federal Council announced the move on Friday in response to the American war against Iran. The government said its decision was guided by Switzerland’s neutrality and the War Materiel Act. For the duration of the conflict, it argued, […]
