Mercosur
An alliance opposing Switzerland’s free-trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc has begun collecting signatures for a referendum. Opponents say the deal could encourage rainforest destruction, forced labour and pressure on Swiss agriculture; they have until January 21, 2027, to gather 50,000 valid signatures.
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fireworks
nuclear power
healthcare
education
travel
transport
pensions
policing
climate
housing
privacy
aviation
Swiss Helicopter is under investigation after a facility manager allegedly reported fewer flight movements than actually took place over an extended period. The case followed complaints from residents about aircraft noise near Gsteigwiler, and the employee is presumed innocent.
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chocolate
Camille Bloch says sales fell by about 10% in 2026 compared with the previous year, with the summer heatwave adding to pressure from high prices and weak consumer demand. The chocolate maker says it will focus on efficiency and innovation rather than permanent discounts.
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Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned of a devastating civilian toll from recent attacks in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said more than 210,000 people have been displaced by violence in Yemen in the past month and urged all sides to protect civilians.
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Nestlé
The European Commission has approved Nestlé’s planned joint venture with US investment firm Platinum Equity to operate Nestlé Waters. Brussels said the deal, covering bottled water and related beverages, does not raise competition concerns.
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banking
Job vacancies at Switzerland’s ten largest banks fell 14% year on year in September and were down 27% from the same month in 2024. UBS recorded one of the most pronounced declines as the sector faces weaker demand for labour and rising unemployment among former bank employees.
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gender equality
Young women in Switzerland still earn 14% less than men despite narrowing gaps in education, labour-force participation and working hours. A University of Lausanne and FORS study analysed data on more than 215,000 people aged 25 to 34 between 1991 and 2024.
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industry
Family-owned industrial company Wagner is closing after an unsuccessful restructuring and investor search, with 69 jobs to be lost. Production will continue on a larger scale until March 2027 to fulfil additional customer orders before activities are transferred to other partners.
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UNHCR
UNHCR chief Barham Saleh says the agency’s work has become “impossible” as funding covers only 35% of its $8. 5 billion appeal for the year. Aid for 50,000 Sudan conflict survivors is at risk, while refugee registration has been suspended in Ethiopia.
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