AI-curated news about Switzerland
Trade
China and Switzerland have signed an update to their trade deal that removes tariffs on almost all Swiss exports to China. The leaders of both countries hailed the agreement at a signing ceremony on Friday.
13 minutes ago · 1 source
Housing
Rising rents are prompting more residents to leave expensive Swiss cities such as Zurich, Geneva and Basel for neighbouring cantons, according to The Local. New arrivals from abroad are increasingly filling the resulting gaps in city populations.
The Local Switzerland
Government
Switzerland’s new biometric identity card is being introduced on November 2, according to The Local’s report on the launch. The change gives residents a new national ID option alongside existing identity documents.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Society
A national conference in Bern is examining the risks associated with the ‘manosphere’ after a study found that one in five men surveyed in Switzerland endorsed a form of masculinity based on domination. The study also found particularly high scores among young men.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Foreign affairs
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has visited North Korea and attended the reopening of Switzerland’s office in Pyongyang as the country seeks to revive political dialogue. The trip has prompted differing views among Swiss foreign-policy experts about the risks and value of the diplomatic effort.
The Local Switzerland · +2 more
Business
Bitcoin Suisse says Switzerland has lost ground as a cryptocurrency hub and is moving some operations and jobs abroad. The Zug-based company has announced cuts to 60 of its 120 Swiss jobs and says it is shifting its focus towards wealth management.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Crans-Montana
Jacques Moretti, who is under investigation over the deadly Constellation bar fire, faced further questioning in Sion on Monday. Prosecutors postponed the planned questioning of his wife, Jessica Moretti, until December 2, citing her fragile mental state.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Environment
Graubünden says it relocated about 5,000 fish from small watercourses during this summer’s severe drought, but several hundred died despite rescue efforts. The canton reported historically low water levels across most river basins and significant effects on agriculture and the alpine economy.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Alps
Two hikers were found dead after a search operation in Göschenen, Uri, while an American climber died in a rockfall on the Matterhorn. The circumstances of the Göschenen deaths are under investigation.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Business
Spanish pharmaceutical group STE Pharmaceuticals plans to convert a former factory in Couvet, Neuchâtel, into a 15,000-square-metre production and research site by 2032. The company says the expansion is intended to create skilled jobs, although it has not yet estimated how many.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Transport
Swissport ground-staff unions say negotiations on a new collective agreement at Zurich Airport have broken down and are threatening industrial action, including a strike. The current agreement expires at the end of the year.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Science
ETH Zurich is developing a small research satellite, Ethos, to improve forecasts of how solar activity affects the upper atmosphere and satellites in low Earth orbit. The university says the mission is scheduled to begin in 2030.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Zurich
After weekend rioting in Zurich, the Swiss People’s Party in the cantonal council is calling for a review of whether cantonal police should take over the city force. Other parties also condemned the disturbances, while the proposal puts policing responsibilities at the centre of the political response.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Climate
Two UN reports warn that warming beyond 1.5°C could cause irreversible damage to glaciers, sea ice and other frozen regions. The reports say some impacts are already visible in Switzerland.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Childcare
The Swiss Association of Playgroup Leaders is calling for binding standards covering safety plans, staff-to-child ratios and staff qualifications at playgroups and childcare centres. It says requirements vary between cantons and that qualified early intervention can help children, particularly with language development.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Pensions
A new foundation is asking better-off pensioners to donate their first 13th monthly state pension payment, due in December, to support people in need. It says the money will help tackle poverty among older people and support younger generations.
Le News
Ukraine
Ukrainian authorities say components made by Swiss companies continue to turn up in Russian drones and missiles. A Ukrainian presidential adviser is urging Switzerland to do more to stop the flow.
Le News
Transport
Switzerland is considering lowering motorway speed limits to 80km/h as low Rhine water levels and geopolitical disruption put fuel supplies under pressure. The government has drawn on compulsory reserves.
Le News
Business
Migros is considering merging its ten regional cooperatives as financial pressure and uneven performance drive a restructuring. Members will have the final say on the proposed changes.
Le News
Social affairs
About a quarter of single-parent households in 20 Swiss cities received social assistance in 2023, nearly five times the rate for households overall. Children from single-parent families made up 59% of minors receiving assistance.
Le News
