On March 18th 2026 a gondola detached from a ski lift at the Engelberg resort in Switzerland and fell to the ground. A 61-year-old woman, the sole occupant of the gondola, was killed. Initial investigations indicate that the system was in sound technical condition. The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) has stated that there […]
Swiss government submits EU agreements package to parliament
The Federal Council has sent a package of agreements with the European Union to parliament, allowing lawmakers to begin debating a plan aimed at stabilising and developing Switzerland’s relations with the bloc. Presenting the proposal in Bern, Guy Parmelin, the president of the confederation, said the package was in Switzerland’s interest. Strengthening the bilateral approach, […]
Winter returns to Switzerland after early spring warmth
After an unusually mild spell, winter is set to return to Switzerland this weekend. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply—by about 10°C—between Friday night and Saturday, according to MétéoSuisse. Snow is also forecast to return, although the snowline and expected amounts remain uncertain. Spring had seemed to arrive early this year, with trees budding and […]
Henniez forced to avoid some water sources after filtration scandal
After revelations that its mineral water had been filtered, Henniez can no longer use the activated-carbon filters that once removed traces of pesticides. The Swiss bottler, owned by Nestlé Waters, must now stop using part of the water from some springs and instead adjust the blend of remaining sources so that the final product complies […]
Geneva public-sector workers threaten strike over budget cuts
Public-sector workers in Geneva have issued a strike notice for April 23rd in protest against expected cuts in the cantonal budget, reported RTS. On Thursday evening the general assembly of the Cartel Intersyndical, an umbrella group of unions, also approved plans for a demonstration a week earlier. The cantonal government is due to present a […]
Government plan to bolster Swiss wine draws criticism from industry
Swiss wine faces falling consumption and stiff competition from abroad. The federal government now wants to intervene. But its proposed rules have met resistance from parts of the industry, reported SRF. At present, wine imports operate on a first come, first served basis. Each year a fixed quantity of wine can be imported under preferential […]
Summer camps qualify for childcare tax deductions, decides Swiss court
Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court has ruled in favour of parents seeking to deduct certain summer-camp costs from their taxes, reported RTS. The case arose in the canton of Geneva, where a couple enrolled their children in creative courses at a private language school. The sessions took place every Wednesday from 9am to 1pm. During school […]
Swiss voters reject plan to cut broadcasting fee and back individual taxation
Swiss voters rejected an initiative to slash the national radio-television fee while approving a reform introducing individual taxation for married couples. They also backed a government counter-proposal on cash in the constitution and rejected a climate fund. Broadcasting fee initiative rejectedVoters rejected the initiative “200 francs is enough!”, which proposed cutting the radio-television fee from […]
Swiss government rejects Greens’ solar initiative
Switzerland’s government has rejected a popular initiative by the Green Party of Switzerland that would make solar installations mandatory for all new buildings and major renovations, reported RTS. On Friday the Federal Council of Switzerland dismissed the proposal without offering a counter-proposal, arguing that it would infringe on private property rights. The government acknowledged that […]
Swiss politicians launch initiative to curb big tech
A cross-party committee has launched a popular initiative aimed at holding technology companies legally accountable if they fail in their duty of care, reported RTS. Among other measures, the proposal would require large digital platforms to appoint a legal representative in Switzerland. The initiative, presented on Tuesday by the Guido Fluri Foundation, seeks to make […]
