With the arrival of the internet, gambling was transformed. It became easier to access and market gambling products. Data published this week show how this continues lure an increasing number of people in Switzerland to bet, which is pushing up the number of people with a gambling addiction. According to the report by an organisation […]
Health insurance expected to rise in 2025
This week, the price comparison website Comparis published an article containing estimates of health insurance premium rises next year. It expects premiums to rise by an average of 6% in 2025. Despite average premiums rising 8.7% in 2024, some insurance companies will have thin reserves by the the end of the year, forcing them to […]
New Swiss naturalisation process discriminatory, says study
Around a quarter of Switzerland’s population is not Swiss, a reflexion of how international the nation is and how difficult it is to become a citizen. In 2018, parliament changed the rules on who could naturalise. A study published this week shows how the new rules have changed the profile of those qualifying and eventually […]
Swiss canton bans sexist advertisement
Authorities in the canton of Vaud recently banned an advert they consider sexist, reported RTS. A study last year found half of advertising in Switzerland used discriminatory generalisations. The offending advert used a picture of a naked man walking in the mountains to advertise insurance. A Vaud government body tasked with combatting sexist advertising issued […]
Swiss to vote on pension reform and biodiversity in September
After a round of referenda in June, Swiss voters will be called on in September to decide on biodiversity and a government plan to reform work-related pensions to ensure their longterm financial viability, reported RTS. On 22 September 2024, the government’s plan to cut the work-related pension annuity rate from 6.8% to 6% will be […]
Switzerland set to share flight passenger data with police
This week, the Federal Council passed a plan to parliament to collect and provide passenger data to the police, reported SRF. The proposed law aims to make it easier for the authorities to combat terrorism and serious crime. The law would regulate which passenger data airlines must pass on to the Federal Office of Police […]
Gotthard pass to remain closed due to exceptional snow
The Gotthard pass, one of the key routes linking northern and southern Switzerland is often opened in mid-May. Last year, it was open by now. However, this year there is too much snow, reported SRF. Opening the pass before the second long weekend in May brings relief to many weary travellers. The pass provides drivers […]
4% of drivers in Switzerland drive under the influence of alcohol
According to a report published this week, 4% of drivers in Switzerland drive after drinking alcohol. However, only 0.4% have a level of alcohol at or above the legal limit. Drunk driving remains one of the greatest road safety risks in Switzerland, causing around one in every eight road accidents. In 2023, alcohol caused 506 […]
Gambian ex-minister given 20 years in prison by Swiss court
This week, Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court sentenced a former Gambian interior minister to 20 years in prison for multiple crimes against humanity, reported RTS. The ruling is historic. It is the first time a European court has convicted and sentenced someone for crimes committed against humanity outside Europe. Ousman Sonko came to Switzerland as an […]
FIFA may be preparing to leave Switzerland
This week, FIFA approved changes to its articles that make it easier for the organisation to move its headquarters from Zurich. A former sports minister told RTS that he thinks Swiss criticism of the organisation in recent years is a factor. Until recently, Zurich was specified as the home of FIFA in the organisation’s articles. […]
