Motorways across much of Switzerland are clogged at peak times. Recently, the federal government agreed to expand key trunk routes to six lanes. In response, members of the Green Party (and others) started organising a vote against spending CHF 5.3 billion on wider roads. This week, they reached the required number of signatures to call […]
New Swiss rape laws to start on 1 July
On 10 January 2024, Switzerland’s Federal Council announced that new laws on consent will come into force on 1 July 2024, reported RTS. The date reflects delays needed to prepare for the new rules agreed with Switzerland’s cantons. From 1 July, the principle “no means no” will apply to sex. Rape or sexual assault will […]
Inflation and poverty in Switzerland
This week, SRF held a discussion on poverty in Switzerland. Philipp Frei, Managing Director of the Swiss Budget Consulting Association, an organisation that helps people budget, voiced concern over shrinking disposable incomes. While economic historian Tobias Straumann spoke of the progress Switzerland has made on welfare and poverty’s often transient nature. In 2021, Switzerland’s poverty […]
Swiss Federal Council’s theme and photo for 2024
Every year, Switzerland’s Federal Council publishes a photograph reflecting the theme for the year, which is chosen by the new president. This year’s theme is optimism, solidarity and foresight. The photo shows the 7 Federal Councillors and the Federal Chancellor in front of a canvas with the outlines of well known mountain peaks in Switzerland, […]
Swiss set to vote on fur and fois gras bans
It is currently illegal to produce fois gras of fur in Switzerland. However, these products can still be imported into the country. Two referenda, which recently passed the 100,000 minimum signature hurdle, are now set to be put before voters, reported RTS. Both initiatives are aimed at reducing animal cruelty. Fois gras is produced by […]
Swiss Federal Council – some question free ski passes
Federal Councillors earn a salary of CHF 472,000 before tax. They also receive CHF 30,000 to cover expenses. In addition, they are given a Switzerland-wide ski pass costing CHF 4,000 + VAT. Some are now questioning whether the free ski pass makes sense given the government belt tightening going on currently. The question of free […]
Switzerland moves forward on EU discussions
On 15 December 2023, Switzerland’s Federal Council approved a draft negotiating mandate with the EU. Negotiations should begin as soon as the EU and Swiss government definitively approve the mandate, reported SRF. The draft mandate is the result of around 70 meetings between Switzerland and the EU at various levels.The document creates the conditions required […]
Switzerland’s cabinet changes at a glance
This week, votes were cast to reshape Switzerland’s cabinet, known as the Federal Council. The high profile Alain Berset, minister of health during the Covid-19 pandemic, was replaced and a new chancellor was elected, reported SRF. Beat Jans, Basel-Stadt Socialist Party district president Beat Jans will succeed Alain Berset and Viola Amherd will be Federal […]
Swiss widows pensions to be cut to remove discrimination
The rules around state pensions for widows and widowers are significantly different, something deemed discriminatory by a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in 2022. To remove the discrimination, the federal government plans to cut pensions for widows to bring them into line with those for widowers. Currently, women get a lifelong […]
International Olympic Committee drops Swiss bid
The Winter Olympics will not take place in Switzerland in 2030, decided the International Olympic Committee (IOC) this week, reported SRF. The IOC said it is refusing to allow the Swiss project to enter the next application phase, known as targeted dialogue. This means France will almost certainly be awarded the games for 2030, with […]