In 2021, the total number of bankruptcy proceedings opened against businesses and individuals rose by 9.1% compared with 2020, reported the Federal Statistical Office this week. At a cantonal level, Aargau recorded the greatest relative increase (+24.6%). The number of debt collection proceedings increased slightly, but remained within the average range of the past five […]
Swiss home ownership remains out of reach for many
A recent survey run by ZHAW finds that the price of housing is too high for the majority of people wishing to own their own home in Switzerland. Aspiring home owners would like to see greater support. Switzerland is a nation of renters, something reflected in low home ownership rates by international standards. Across Switzerland, […]
Chart of the week: Swiss public versus private sector pay
Recent statistics show the median pay for those working in the public sector compared to those working in the private sector in Switzerland. The difference is significant. In 2020, a median gross monthly salary for a public sector employee was CHF 8,012 compared to CHF 6,361 in the private sector. On average, a full time […]
Switzerland continues to lead on patents per capita
On 5 April 2022, the European Patent Office (EPO) released data on European patent applications for 2021. With 8,442 filings across the year, Switzerland was ranked seventh overall behind the US (46,533), Germany (25,969), Japan (21,681), China (16,865), France (10,537) and South Korea (9,394). However, on a per capita basis Switzerland was first by a […]
Swiss Catholic Church to open secret files to sexual abuse investigators
In late 2021, the Catholic Church in Switzerland instructed two historians to investigate sexual abuse within the organisation. The move followed evidence of sexual abuse on a staggering scale within the organisation in France. On 4 April 2022, a date was announced for the opening of the secret episcopal archives, reported RTS. Work will start […]
Swiss health insurance could jump by 9% next year
According to the newspaper Le Matin Swiss health insurance premiums could rise by 7% to 9%, reported RTS. The future rise in the cost of health insurance is estimated based on data on the rising healthcare costs being passed on to health insurance companies. According to the data, costs rose during the second half of […]
Kinder chocolates pulled from Swiss shelves over salmonella concern
The chocolate maker Ferrero has asked for its Kinder chocolates to be pulled from Swiss retail shelves over concerns they may contain the bacteria salmonella. Salmonella bacteria, which is typically associated with food contaminated by animal faeces, or by human faeces, such as by a food-service worker at a restaurant, can cause diarrhea, fever and […]
Swiss inflation rises further in March 2022
On 1 April 2022, Switzerland’s Federal Statistical Office published March inflation data, which show prices 2.4% higher than one year ago. Switzerland’s consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.6% in March 2022 compared with the previous month. Inflation was +2.4% compared with the same month of the previous year. Swiss prices were driven higher by […]
Electric bikes must now have lights on at all times in Switzerland
From 1 April 2022, electric bikes must have their lights on when ridden on the road, even during the daytime. Those who don’t comply with the measure, designed to make e-bikes more visible and improve safety, risk a fine of CHF 20. The new rule requires a headlight during the day. Taillights are also recommended. […]
Swiss anti-Covid movements fail to take votes in recent elections
Across the world, the Covid pandemic and responses to it quickly became political and gave birth to new political movements. Politics in Switzerland followed the same path with new anti-system movements emerging from the disruption felt by the population. However, recent elections in Switzerland show little support for these political movements born from pandemic discontent. […]
