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 […]
Swiss government announces wish to work more closely with NATO
On 7 September 2022, Switzerland’s Federal Council published a report on its military plans, which include more antitank weapons and closer cooperation with NATO. By attacking Ukraine, Russia has destroyed the foundations of peace in Europe, wrote the Federal Council. Switzerland therefore intends to cooperate more closely with international organisations on security and defence while […]
The 3 biggest current concerns in Switzerland, based on survey
According to a recent survey, health costs, pensions and climate change and the three greatest concerns among Switzerland’s population. The online survey published by Tamedia on 26 August 2022 looks at support for the main political parties along with the main concerns of voters. Since the previous survey on 5 January 2022, support for the […]
Switzerland’s population older than ever, shows recent data
In Switzerland, almost 1.7 million people were aged 65 or older at the end of 2021, a figure that makes up 19% of the population, according to data published on 28 August 2022. In 2021, one woman in five and one man in six was aged over 64, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). […]
Winter electricity cuts feared, says head of Swiss commission
Electricity cuts lasting several hours are predicted this winter in Switzerland, according to Laurianne Altwegg, vice president of the Federal Electricity Commission. This winter we should ensure we have enough candles and wood for a wood stove for those who have one, advised Altwegg in an interview with RTS. Outages may not occur, but it […]
Covid and Ukraine aid push Switzerland’s deficit deeper into the red in 2022
On 17 August 2022, Switzerland’s government announced a new net spending estimate for 2022 showing a deficit of CHF 5 billion, more than double the budget deficit of CHF 2.3 billion announced in December 2021. The two main drivers of the higher estimated loss for 2022 are higher spending related to the Covid-19 pandemic (+3.2 […]
Swiss plan to register air passenger details sparks criticism
Switzerland’s federal government wants to create a database containing the personal details of air passengers to counter terrorism and crime, reported RTS. However, the project has drawn serious criticism. After the terrorist attack in the US on 11 September 2001, America’s federal government demanded access to passenger data. Destination, name, passport number, birth date and […]
