The rules around state pensions for widows and widowers are significantly different, something deemed discriminatory by a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in 2022. To remove the discrimination, the federal government plans to cut pensions for widows to bring them into line with those for widowers. Currently, women get a lifelong […]
Switzerland’s birth rate – from baby boom to bust
Before the pandemic, the number of births in Switzerland was falling. Then the number shot up as the pandemic waned. Between 2020 and 2021 the birthrate rose by 4%. However, in 2022, the rate fell by nearly 10%, according to Switzerland’s Federal Statistical Office (FSO). In 2022, the birth rate was lower than it has […]
Every third Swiss childcare centre loss making
Finding a place in a Swiss nursery is difficult. Running one is also challenging. Around a third are failing to breakeven, reported SRF. A study by the Swiss childcare association Kibesuisse found that a third of the nurseries surveyed made a loss. In addition, the centres lacked qualified staff. 95% of the daycare centres surveyed […]
International Olympic Committee drops Swiss bid
The Winter Olympics will not take place in Switzerland in 2030, decided the International Olympic Committee (IOC) this week, reported SRF. The IOC said it is refusing to allow the Swiss project to enter the next application phase, known as targeted dialogue. This means France will almost certainly be awarded the games for 2030, with […]
Zurich world’s most expensive city (again)
According to the Economist’s annual ranking of cities, Zurich came out top in the report published on 29 November 2023. Tied in first place this year were Singapore and Zurich. Singapore is no stranger to the top spot: it has ranked as the priciest place to live in nine of the past 11 years. Groceries, […]
Swiss deficit: federal government discusses higher taxes
Switzerland, a nation with a reputation for well managed finances, like much of the world is struggling to cover rising costs. Projected spending on the military and state pensions are key challenges. Spending on refugees and healthcare are additional head winds. The federal government has been looking hard for savings. However, this week talk turned […]
Swiss rents set to rise after mortgage rate rise
On 1 December 2023, Switzerland’s Federal Housing Office announced the reference mortgage interest rate for rental agreements will rise from 1.50% to 1.75%. The reference rate is mentioned in many Swiss tenancy agreements. If the rate goes up landlords can increase rents. If the rate goes down tenants can demand lower rent. The rate is […]
Switzerland to make USB-C standard
This week, Switzerland announced it is introducing USB-C as a uniform charging standard from 1 January 2024. The revision was approved by the Federal Council on 22 November 2023. From 2024, consumers in Switzerland will be able to use the same charging power supply for devices from different manufacturers. The rules will apply to mobile […]
Places in Switzerland where the sun doesn’t shine (in winter)
Mountains are beautiful. But they can also leave you in the shade. Several corners of Switzerland are so well tucked away in Alpine valleys the sun does not shine on them for several months, reported SRF. In the municipality of Oberterzen in the canton of St. Gallen the sun made its final appearance on Tuesday […]
Rising Swiss health premiums reduce disposable income once more
Since 1999, the cost of health insurance has more than doubled. Basic compulsory insurance is now 2.36 times what it was in 1999, while complimentary optional insurance is up by 30%. Overall, disposable income has been reduced by 5.3% by the rising cost of insurance over the last 25 years. Six of the last 25 […]
