This week, Switzerland’s government chose who would succeed Viola Amherd, the outgoing head of defence, in its seven-member executive team, known as the Federal Council. On Wednesday 12 March 2025, Switzerland’s two chambers voted in favour of Centre Party member Martin Pfister. Martin Pfister, a state councillor in the canton of Zug, received 134 votes […]
Self-driving cars legal in Switzerland but no cars approved
On 1 March 2025, new laws allowing the use of self-driving cars came into force in Switzerland. The only catch is that no self-driving vehicle has been approved for use on Swiss roads, reported RTS. The new law makes it legal to use self-driving technology on specified stretches of roads specified by Switzerland’s cantons. At […]
The Swiss houses that must be demolished
Switzerland has strict zoning and construction laws. Federal land use planning laws (LAT) were first proposed in 1979. Since becoming law they have been through a number of modifications. A successful vote in 2013 tightened zoning rules further. This week, SRF reported on two houses that ended up on the demolition list. Despite municipal construction […]
Planning a trip to the UK? Don’t forget a visa
From 2 April 2025, travelling to the United Kingdom will require a visa. EU and EFTA nationals, including Swiss passport holders, can now (from 5 March 2025) apply online for an U.K. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA costs £10 and lasts for 2 years from the date of issue. Currently, only citizens of EU […]
Swiss rent cuts possible following fall in reference rate
Every three months the Federal Housing Office (FHO) adjusts the reference rate used to set rents in many rental contracts. If it goes down some renters have the right to request a decrease in rent. This time it dropped 0.25% to 1.50%. The reference rate is based on average mortgage interest rates. At 31 December […]
The best places to be a working woman in 2025 – Switzerland near the bottom
To coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March, The Economist publishes an annual study on the best places to be a working woman across the OECD. This year, Switzerland is ranked 26th out of 29 nations, the same position as last year. Only Japan, Turkey and South Korea rank lower. The main reason behind […]
Switzerland loses heads of army and intelligence along with defence minister
In mid-January Viola Amherd, Switzerland’s army and defence minister, announced her resignation from the Federal Council, effective at the end of March 2025. This week, it was reported that the heads of both the Swiss military and federal intelligence agencies resigned, reported RTS. Head of the Swiss military, Thomas Süssli, resigned at the end of […]
Swiss tick-borne disease season starts early in 2025
Switzerland has experienced a particularly mild winter, with temperatures frequently 2 degrees above long term averages. This has brought forward the tick season. Already, 6 cases of tick-borne encephalitis have been reported by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). This number of infections by this point of the year has not been seen for […]
Switzerland rises three places in latest world democracy ranking
This year’s edition of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index is notably downbeat. It explores what’s wrong with representative democracy and why the democratic model developed over the past century is in trouble. Popular disaffection with democratic government is increasingly being expressed in an anti-incumbent backlash and rising support for populist insurgents. Some may […]
Most Muslims in Switzerland don’t report racist incidents
A recently published report shows that only a tiny percentage of rascist incidents affecting Muslims in Switzerland are reported. Around a third (35%) of Switzerland’s 450,000 Muslims report being victims of racism. However, only around 60 people a year report such incidents to Switzerland’s official racism reporting centres. Marianne Helfer, head of the Federal Office […]
