On 23 November 2022, Switzerland’s Federal Council adopted the latest round of EU sanctions against Russia. In response to Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, as well as Russia’s continued efforts to destabilise and undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and security, the European Union (EU) adopted new measures against Russia on 6 October as part […]
Inter-cantonal tax transfers to rise 5 percent in 2023
On 16 November 2022, Switzerland’s federal government announced the sums that will be transferred between the nation’s statelets or cantons in 2023, a mechanism aimed at ensuring wealthy cantons support those with weaker economies. In 2023, CHF 5.6 billion will be transferred, a sum CHF 290 million greater than in 2022 (+5%). The total sum […]
Qatar 2022: Swiss broadcaster reveals evidence suggesting vote buying
An inquiry presented this week by RTS reveals evidence of likely vote buying related to the choice of Qatar for the 2022 Football World Cup due to start on 20 November 2022. A cloud of corruption has hung over FIFA since 2010 when Qatar was chosen by 14 votes to 8 as the place for […]
Initiative launched aimed at restoring Swiss neutrality
Switzerland’s government says the nation remains neutral. However, some believe that the adoption of sanctions against Russia implemented by the EU has undermined the country’s neutrality. To redress this, a group has started the process of collecting signatures to launch a federal vote on the issue, reported RTS. Switzerland’s current approach to foreign policy is […]
Swiss environment and energy minister resigns
On 2 November 2022, Simonetta Sommaruga, Switzerland’s minister for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication, a role she’s held since 2019, tendered her resignation. Sommaruga said the reason for her departure was personal and related to the health of her husband. The minister had already taken a week away from her duties to be with […]
Record numbers leave Catholic Church in Switzerland
In 2021, 34,182 people left the Catholic Church, a record number, reported RTS. The figure represents 1.1% of worshipers. Departures in 2021 exceeded the previous annual record of 31,410 in 2019 by 2,772. 31,410 people left in 2020. Leading reasons cited for leaving the Catholic Church in Switzerland included differences of opinion on public issues […]
Swiss fines for face covering reduced to 1,000 francs
On 7 March 2021, a vote to ban face covering at a federal level was accepted by 51.2% of Swiss voters. Since then the government has been working on implementing the decision. This week it presented the details. After the latest consultation on the subject the Federal Council decided on Wednesday on a maximum fine of CHF 1,000 instead of […]
Switzerland’s finance minister resigns
On 30 September 2022, Ueli Maurer, Switzerland’s minister of finance surprised many by tendering his resignation. Maurer, a member of the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP), became a Federal Councillor, roughly equivalent to a cabinet member, in 2009. He started off as minister of defence before taking up the role of finance minister in 2016. Maurer’s […]
Swiss F-35A fighter jet deal signed
On 19 September 2022, National Armaments Director Martin Sonderegger and the Swiss F-35A Program Manager Darko Savic signed the procurement contract at armasuisse in Bern. This means the deal to buy 36 US built Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets is contractually agreed. The aircraft will be delivered between 2027 and 2030 and will replace the […]
Swiss parliament validates purchase of F-35 fighter jets despite opposition
Switzerland’s government cut a deal to buy 36 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets for CHF 6,035 billion, but there is opposition to the purchase in some political quarters and a referendum has been launched to stop it. However, the deal expires on 31 March 2022 and a new deal is likely to be more expensive […]
