Switzerland’s largest supermarket chains, Migros and Coop, both recently announced plans to start charging for disposable plastic carry bags. From the 1 November 2016, Migros will charge customers 5 cents a bag. In Migros’ own magazine, Christine Wiederkehr-Luther, director of the Environnement at Migros, says in 2013 the measure was successfully introduced in the canton […]
Geneva votes to reduce tax deductions for costs of getting to work
Today, Geneva voted on whether to cap tax deductions for the costs of getting to work. The initiative was seen as a way to increase tax revenue. 57.66% of voters were in favour of the change. A map showing the districts voting yes in green, shows a possible correlation between proximity to Geneva’s centre and the chance of voting yes. Currently, […]
25 September 2016 Swiss referenda results – new surveillance powers approved
The only vote to pass today was the Intelligence Service Act referendum, which passed with 65.5% voting “yes”. Both the vote to increase state pensions by 10% (40.6% “yes”), and the Green initiative (36.4% “yes”), failed. These results are in line with the positions held by the Swiss federal council and parliament. The vote to increase state […]
The almost invisible machinery that uses Lake Geneva to heat 400 homes
Today, a new heating facility on the shores of Lake Geneva was inaugurated. Le News was shown around the plant by an engineer from the maker, Celsius Groupe e. The largest of its kind in Switzerland, it takes heat from the lake, and has enough capacity to heat around 400 buildings. Finding the facility is […]
World markets rally as cheap money policy continues
23 September 2016 – Swiss and global market roundup. Brought to you by Investec Switzerland. The Swiss Market Index is set to finish the week notably higher, although under-performing global stocks amid optimism that central banks will continue to support equities by keeping interest rates at historic lows and providing markets with additional liquidity. Global equities […]
Tough new Swiss rules on residency permits make it through parliament
Switzerland’s National Council, or parliament, voted in favour of strict new rules on Swiss residency permits last week. The project, which was started at the beginning 2014, looked like it might come to nothing after it was sent back for review after the successful 9 February 2014 vote to restrict mass immigration. Only a few […]
European mobile roaming charges to be axed. Pity the Swiss.
Yesterday the European Commission announced that EU residents should soon be able to make calls and use data without any additional charges while travelling in another EU country. Countries outside the EU, but within the European Economic Area (EEA), including Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland’s neighbour Liechtenstein, will be included in the deal. Günther H. Oettinger, […]
Swiss to vote on whether to give government snooping powers
On 25 September 2016, the Swiss electorate will vote on the Intelligence Service Act. If successful, the referendum will allow Switzerland’s Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) to monitor private communications, such as those by post, internet and telephone. The government says it needs these powers to protect the country from terrorism, cyber attacks and spying. Terrorist and cyber […]
Geneva waterfront closed to traffic on 25 September 2016
This coming Sunday, 25 September 2016, has been designated a car free day or “Journée sans ma voiture”. This means the main waterfront roads will be closed to traffic from 6am until 5pm. Closed streets include: L’avenue de France. Le quai Wilson. Le quai du Mont-Blanc. Le quai des Bergues. Le quai Besançon-Hugues. Le pont du Mont-Blanc. […]
Julius Baer CEO says Asia revenue may excede Europe’s in 5 years
Brought to you by Investec Switzerland. Julius Baer Group Ltd. said Asia may overtake Europe as its biggest revenue-generating region, as the Swiss wealth manager steps up hiring in Hong Kong and Singapore. “In the next five years, Asia could be the biggest region for us if we grow at double-digit” rates, Chief Executive Officer […]
