A left-leaning alliance, with some support from the centre, has launched a popular initiative calling for a total of 36 weeks of parental leave – 18 weeks per parent – following the birth of a child, reported RTS. The proposal, published this week in the Federal Gazette, aims to replace the country’s current system of […]
Switzerland edges toward revisiting nuclear power
Switzerland’s Federal Council is seeking to lift the country’s ban on new nuclear power plants. This week, it presented a counter-proposal to the “Stop Blackout” initiative aimed at securing the country’s energy supply, reported RTS. However, many political parties, cantons and energy stakeholders remain unconvinced. Opposition from the Green Party, the Green Liberals and the […]
Referendum to curb political lobbying in Switzerland
For many, serving as a member of parliament or as a State Councillor in Switzerland is a part-time role. While this keeps politicians connected to everyday life, it also raises concerns about conflicts of interest. Those working in specific industries often participate in parliamentary debates as experts in their field—where they may also have vested […]
EU migration pact opposed by Switzerland’s left and right
The Pact on Migration and Asylum, a new EU plan to manage migration agreed upon by EU countries last year and officially endorsed by Switzerland’s executive last week, faces resistance from both the left and the right, RTS reported. The pact requires more asylum applications to be processed in the countries where migrants first arrive […]
Switzerland should prepare for war, according to former US general
The withdrawal of US troops from Europe is a question of time, Ben Hodges, a former US general, told SonntagsBlick in an interview this week. Switzerland should prepare itself for war, he said. The best way to prevent war is to prepare for it, said Hodges. Not being prepared invites attack, said the retired general […]
The rapid rise of fare dodging in Switzerland
In 2024, more than 1 million cases of fare evasion were recorded in Switzerland, reported RTS. The number has more than doubled since 2019. Why? Data published by the public transport association Alliance Swisspass offer clues. Switzerland keeps good records. The names of those caught without a ticket on public transport are entered into a […]
Switzerland’s new cabinet minister
This week, Switzerland’s government chose who would succeed Viola Amherd, the outgoing head of defence, in its seven-member executive team, known as the Federal Council. On Wednesday 12 March 2025, Switzerland’s two chambers voted in favour of Centre Party member Martin Pfister. Martin Pfister, a state councillor in the canton of Zug, received 134 votes […]
The Swiss houses that must be demolished
Switzerland has strict zoning and construction laws. Federal land use planning laws (LAT) were first proposed in 1979. Since becoming law they have been through a number of modifications. A successful vote in 2013 tightened zoning rules further. This week, SRF reported on two houses that ended up on the demolition list. Despite municipal construction […]
Switzerland loses heads of army and intelligence along with defence minister
In mid-January Viola Amherd, Switzerland’s army and defence minister, announced her resignation from the Federal Council, effective at the end of March 2025. This week, it was reported that the heads of both the Swiss military and federal intelligence agencies resigned, reported RTS. Head of the Swiss military, Thomas Süssli, resigned at the end of […]
Switzerland rises three places in latest world democracy ranking
This year’s edition of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index is notably downbeat. It explores what’s wrong with representative democracy and why the democratic model developed over the past century is in trouble. Popular disaffection with democratic government is increasingly being expressed in an anti-incumbent backlash and rising support for populist insurgents. Some may […]
