This week, Switzerland’s federal court rejected a man’s case against his ex-girlfriend, who had undergone a late stage abortion, reported SRF. Abortions are legal in Switzerland if they take place in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. If a woman has an abortion later, except in cases where her health is at risk, she faces […]
Swiss national day holiday celebrates 30 year anniversary
Before 1993, Switzerland’s national day was not a public holiday. It took a vote on 26 September 1993 to make it that way. Up until 1977, surveys showed that Switzerland’s cantons were overwhelmingly against making the day a federal public holiday. However, on 26 September 1993, 83.8% of Switzerland’s voters agreed to make the 1st […]
Swiss trade unions argue against pension reform
On 22 September 2024, Swiss voters will decide whether or not to accept the latest round of government reforms to employee based pensions known as the second pillar pensions. Swiss trade unions are against the reform, which reduces the annuity rate from 6.8% to 6.0%. Instead they are calling for a higher rate to compensate […]
Switzerland’s youngest canton turns 50 on Sunday
On 23 June 1974, after a popular vote, Switzerland’s newest canton began the journey to being officially recognised in Switzerland’s constitution. In 1963, separatists blew up a branch of the Bern Cantonal Bank in Delémont after burning three farms. Growing numbers from the French-speaking Jura region of the largely German-speaking canton of Bern, were calling for […]
Swiss TV and radio licence fee to be cut
This week, Switzerland’s Federal Council decided to cut CHF 35 off the compulsory annual fee households must pay for public television and radio. The fee will fall from CHF 335 to CHF 300 by 2029, reported RTS. The fee reduction will happen gradually, falling to CHF 312 in 2027 and then to CHF 300 in […]
Swiss parliament votes against moving closer to NATO
Defence Minister Viola Amherd and Army Chief Thomas Süssli want to bring Switzerland closer to NATO, reported SRF. Historically, Switzerland’s interaction with NATO has been limited to peace support operations. In 1996, it started collaborating on the Peace Partnership, and in 1999 Switzerland joined the Kosovo Force led by NATO. Switzerland currently takes part in […]
Nearly all French-speaking cantons to receive support from the others
Swiss cantons have very different tax bases, tax rates and spending. Until 2008, all cantonal taxes remained within cantons. Since then rich cantons have been required to support poor ones via the national financial equalisation mechanism. Next year, every French-speaking canton, with the exception of Geneva, will receive a financial boost from their wealthier German-speaking […]
Federal Council wants to get tough on conscription choices to boost military
A shortage of military personnel is creating challenges for Switzerland’s leaders. This week, the Federal Council said it wants to make it harder for conscripts to opt for community service and to use some of those doing civil service for defense. However, the idea was met with resistance. Over the years, it has become easier […]
Commission wants to postpone pension hike funding question
After the successful vote to raise Swiss state pensions by one twelfth (a 13th month payment), the question of how to fund the extra CHF 4.2 billion a year required has been preoccupying many in Bern. This week, a parliamentary commission voted 13 versus 12 to postpone the question and to tackle it later during […]
Swiss cabinet members get to keep their perks
Recently, Federal Councillors, or cabinet members, lost their free ski passes. This week, parliament voted on whether they should be able to keep their other perks, reported RTS. These perks include free first class train passes for themselves and their partners, two cars – one for work engagements and another for private use, free phone […]
