On 22 March 2023, the Federal Tribunal, Switzerland’s highest court, decided that Uber drivers are employees and the companies that employ them must deduct and pay social security taxes, according to a press release. The decision concerns drivers for UberX, UberBlack, UberVan and UberPop working for Uber B.V. and Rasier Operations B.V. and the money […]
Swiss Green Party slides most in latest election poll
On 22 October 2023, Switzerland will hold its four-yearly parliamentary federal election. A poll published on 23 March 2023 suggests the biggest loser, compared to the last vote in 2019, could be the Green Party. The Swiss People’s Party (26.6%) and Socialist Party (17.8%), which continued to lead the poll, both progressed by 1 percentage […]
Swiss central bank hikes interest rate half a percent
On 23 March 2023, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) lifted its policy rate by 50 basis points (half a percent) to 1.50%. The SNB said that it was tightening its monetary policy further to counter the renewed increase ininflationary pressure. In addition it said that it could not rule out additional rises as part of […]
Swiss economic growth to be significantly below average in 2023
On 16 March 2023, Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) published updated economic forecasts for the year. A team at SECO focused on business cycles largely reaffirmed its previous assessment. Growth for the Swiss economy is projected to come in significantly below average at 1.1% in 2023, rising to 1.5% in 2024. The energy […]
Empty Swiss cemeteries find a new life
Swiss cemetery plots are not forever. High fees and time limits ensure regular plot turnover. With rising numbers of cremations some cemeteries are emptying, reported RTS. A single burial plot in a cemetery in Lausanne can only taken out for up to 30 years with the possibility of renewal for a further maximum of 30 […]
Deadly week of avalanches in Switzerland
Avalanches can be deadly. This week was a tragic reminder of just how easily they can take lives. This week two skiers were taken in a space of two days at the Verbier ski resort. On 14 March 2023, three skiers were caught in an avalanche in Verbier. According to Valais Police, the three were […]
Removal of marriage tax penalty fails to find broad party support
Married couples in Switzerland are taxed together on their combined income, something that is not applied to unmarried couples who are taxed individually. This often acts as a tax disincentive for one member of a married couple to work, disproportionately affecting women. Politicians and organisations focused on improving women’s career chances would like to see […]
Narrow majority of Swiss favour closer NATO relationship
The war in Ukraine has forced Switzerland to reflect on its neutrality. Alongside rising pessimism is a growing willingness to cooperate with international agencies. A study published this week shows that 55% would like to see greater Swiss alignment with NATO. The study, published by the Military Academy (MILAK) at ETH Zurich and the Center […]
Sharp rise is serious road accidents in Switzerland
Last year, 241 people lost their lives in a traffic accident and 4,002 people were seriously injured in Switzerland, according to the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). The number of deaths was 20.5% higher than the year before and the number seriously injured was 55% higher than the previous 5-year average. The marked increase in the […]
UBS and Credit Suisse both opposed to a tie up
It’s been a tough week for share and bond owners of Switzerland’s second largest bank. Shares in Credit Suisse Group started the week at CHF 2.46 and ended the week at CHF 1.86, a fall of 24%. However, at one point they were down 37% at CHF 1.56. On 15 March 2023, the Swiss National […]
