Switzerland’s federal government will buy only 30 F-35 fighter jets rather than the 36 originally planned. To do so it is asking parliament for an additional credit of CHF 394m ($500m). It is also examining the possibility of acquiring a second ground-to-air defence system. Speaking to the media, the defence minister, Martin Pfister, noted that […]
Swiss government presses ahead with VAT rise to fund army despite opposition
The federal government is sticking to its plan to raise value-added tax (VAT) by 0.8 percentage points over ten years to finance the army, despite heavy criticism. The increase is intended to generate an additional CHF 31bn ($40bn) for defence and security. To strengthen Switzerland’s security and defence capabilities, the government proposes to raise VAT […]
Aargau rejects blanket headscarf ban in schools
The government of the canton of Aargau has rejected calls for a general ban on headscarves in primary schools, arguing that such a measure would likely violate Switzerland’s constitution, reported SRF. Instead, it says it is willing to examine guidelines aimed at protecting girls from religious coercion. The issue arose from a motion in the […]
Swiss lawmakers step up trade diplomacy in Washington
A delegation from Switzerland’s federal parliament travelled to Washington this week for talks with members of Congress and American economic officials, with the prospect of a bilateral trade agreement high on the agenda, reported RTS. The visit had been planned for some time but has acquired greater urgency amid renewed turbulence in American trade policy. […]
EU member states back new accords with Switzerland
Member states of the European Union have approved the signing of a package of agreements with Bern, giving their political blessing on Tuesday. The next step, according to the Council, is expected in March. The decision marks a logical step in strengthening our long-standing relations, said Marilena Raouna, Cyprus’s deputy minister for European affairs, in […]
What is Switzerland’s broadcasting levy?
Redevance (or Medienabgabe in German) is a word much heard since the launch of the “200 francs is enough!” initiative, on which voters will decide on March 8th. The levy is a compulsory annual charge paid by every household in Switzerland, whether or not they consume radio or television. Some firms pay it, too. Collection […]
Swiss finance minister defends austerity despite surprise surplus in 2025
Switzerland’s federal government closed 2025 with a financing surplus of CHF 0.3bn, rather than the CHF 0.8bn deficit forecast in the budget. The improvement of more than CHF 1bn was largely due to temporary additional tax revenue from the canton of Geneva. Ministers caution that the windfall should not be mistaken for a change in […]
Swiss federal government posts surprise surplus in 2025
Switzerland’s federal government ended 2025 in the black, recording a surplus of CHF 300m, despite having forecast a deficit of CHF 800m. The result is CHF 1.1bn better than expected. Even so, the Federal Council insists that its planned austerity programme remains necessary. The improvement stems largely from higher-than-anticipated tax receipts from Geneva, Finance Minister […]
Political polarisation on the rise in Switzerland since 1990
Political polarisation has become a hallmark of many democracies, as parties harden their positions and voters sort into rival camps. Switzerland, long regarded as a model of consensus politics, has not escaped the trend. Signs of strain have been visible since the 1990s, according to RTS. Parties at opposite ends of the political spectrum share […]
Swiss government wants discounts on popular drugs to curb health premiums
Switzerland’s Federal Council and parliament are seeking to slow the relentless rise in health-insurance premiums by cutting the cost of the country’s bestselling medicines. The government estimates the move could save CHF 350m ($450m) a year, reported RTS. Nearly a year ago lawmakers approved a package of measures aimed at containing health spending. On Thursday […]
