Passing in the right on multiple-lane roads is illegal in Switzerland and the penalties for those caught are severe. However, confusion abounds when it comes to the application of the rule. As more cases are challenged in court the definition of what is acceptable and the penalties evolve. This week, another case concluded setting a […]
Switzerland to restrict use of electric vehicles
Switzerland’s federal government plans to restrict the use of electric vehicles if there is a serious shortage of electricity, reported RTS. Electric vehicles consume substantial amounts of electricity. An average Swiss car travels 13,500 km per year. An average electric cars consumes nearly 200 Wh/km. This means a household with two electric cars could be […]
An end-of-year meter reading could have a big impact on your electricity bill
Electricity prices are going up in Switzerland in 2023. For those expecting to consume less electricity in 2023 than in 2022, reading the meter at the end of 2022 could save you money. Most electricity bills are calculated by taking the difference between two meter readings and dividing total consumption by the number of days […]
Switzerland set to introduce stiffer penalties for noisy drivers
In 2019, noise was estimated to cost Switzerland CHF 2.8 billion, most of which (67%) was attributed to health. Around 80% of this was related to road noise. The government would like to reduce the problem and the Federal Council requested a commission look into it this week, reported RTS. The number of complaints related […]
Switzerland’s president in 2023
This week, Switzerland’s Federal Assembly elected Alain Berset as president in 2023, reported RTS. On 7 December 2022, Berset was elected when 140 out of a total of 181 valid votes were cast in his favour. Every year the Federal Assembly, which is made up of Switzerland’s parliament (National Council) and Council of States (upper […]
Swiss cantons to get most of extra company tax money
On 12 January 2022, Switzerland’s Federal Council decided to implement the minimum tax rate for companies that was agreed by the OECD and G20 member states in 2021. The 15% minimum tax, which will be applied to large companies from 1 January 2024, will generate extra tax revenue. This week, after a degree of wrangling, […]
Most searched terms in Switzerland in 2022
The most searched terms on Google in Switzerland in 2022 were “Ukraine”, “World Cup 2022” and “Wordle”, according to data published by the search engine. In fourth place was the tennis player “Novak Djoković”, followed by “Australian Open”, “Nations League”, “Jeffrey Dahmer”, a mass murderer, “Olympics 2022”, referring to the Beijing Winter Olympics, “Queen Elizabeth […]
Switzerland gets two new cabinet members
2022 brought the resignation of two members of Switzerland’s Federal Council, the nation’s seven member executive of cabinet who are elected for life. As the year comes to a close two replacements have been selected. First to resign was Ueli Maurer, Switzerland’s minister of finance, who announced his plan to step down on 30 September […]
Bern against federal plan to subsidise health insurance
A federal initiative aimed at subsidising health insurance premiums once they exceed 10% of disposable income met with resistance in Bern this week, reported RTS. The idea, which was put forward by the Socialist Party, would require the federal government to foot two thirds of the bill for the subsidy with cantons left to find […]
World Cup: Switzerland through to next round after beating Serbia
On 2 December 2022, Switzerland beat Serbia 3:2 to secure a place in the next round of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The three goals were scored by Xherdan Shaqiri (at 20 minutes), Breel Embolo (at 44 minutes) and Remo Freuler (at 48 minutes). 35 minutes into the match Switzerland was losing by one […]
