In 2023, Switzerland’s population could increase by 148,000, the most it has ever risen in one year, according to a report by Wüest Partner, a real estate consulting firm. According to calculations by the consulting firm, Switzerland could break a population growth record in 2023 with a population increase of 148,000 people. The projected rise […]
Demand for workers pushes up EU migration to Switzerland
Over the first half of 2023, the number of foreign residents in Switzerland rose by 47,200. Most came from the EU to work, show recently published statistics. After deducting the number of people leaving Switzerland, a net 9,384 people were added to the resident population during the first half of 2023. Much of the movement […]
Swiss unions demands 4% pay hike
The Swiss union association Travail.Suisse is demanding salary increases of between 3.5% and 4.5%, depending on the sector, for all workers reported RTS. The organisation argues that the demanded hike is justified as a way to keep salaries aligned with cost of living increases and rising productivity. It says that costs such as healthcare and […]
Switzerland to reduce speeding penalties from 1 October
This week, Switzerland’s Federal Council announced the introduction of new rules for those caught speeding on Swiss roads. However, the changes will apply only in specific instances. Serious speeders will continue to face sanctions of one year in prison and the loss of their license for a minimum of two years. From 1 October 2023, […]
Switzerland tests new anti-wolf collar
An increasing number of livestock are being attacked by wolves in Switzerland as their numbers increase. Some environmentalists argue wolves are part of the natural ecosystem and therefore should be protected. However, many farmers object to having their livestock attacked. A new anti-wolf collar, that can be worn by sheep, goats and cows, may help […]
Swiss electricity company says it is not responsible for further planned price hikes in 2024
Christian Petit, the head of Romande Energie told RTS that the company is not responsible for impeding hikes in the price of electricity. The largest electricity provider in French-speaking Switzerland plans to raise electricity prices further in 2024 after roughly doubling prices in 2023. However, its boss argues the electricity company is not to blame […]
Government discusses creating a 27th canton for Swiss abroad
Around 800,000 Swiss citizens live outside Switzerland, and around a quarter of them report wanting to play an active part in Switzerland’s politics, according to an organisation representing Swiss abroad. Given this high number, some of Switzerland’s political parties advocate creating a political entity equivalent to a 27th canton to better represent this group. Switzerland’s […]
Enough signatures collected for vote on Swiss radio and TV licence
On 10 August 2023, the organisers of an initiative aimed at reducing the price of Switzerland’s radio and television licence submitted 128,000 signatures to the Federal Chancellery for validation. 100,000 is the minimum number of signatures required to hold a popular vote at the federal level in Switzerland. The initiative follows a failed referendum to […]
The high cost of protecting Swiss farmers
Swiss farmers are heavily supported by taxpayers. In addition to higher taxes, Swiss consumers must also dig deep to cover the import tariffs built into some food prices. Tariffs on meat are well known. But they are also significant on some vegetables, reports SRF. During Switzerland’s cherry tomato harvest season, which runs from May to […]
Demand for Emmental cheese falls sharply
In 2012, Switzerland produced close to 27,000 tons of Emmental, its famous holey cheese. By 2022, production had fallen to below 15,000 tons, a fall of around 45%, according to reports from the industry association representing the brand. The force behind lower production is lower demand. The cheese is coming under increasing pressure on the […]
