Switzerland News - Swiss Observer

Early and Intense Flu Season Hits Switzerland

Swiss health authorities are reporting an unusually early and rapidly spreading flu season, urging the public to take precautions as case numbers rise.

The Local Switzerland

Early and Intense Flu Season Hits Switzerland

04:00 PM·Switzerland

Swiss Public Skeptical of US Tariff Deal, Poll Shows

A recent survey reveals that a majority of the Swiss population is opposed to the new tariff agreement with the United States, raising concerns about concessions on data flow and the potential for a digital services tax.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Swiss Public Skeptical of US Tariff Deal, Poll Shows

04:00 PM·Switzerland

Outgoing Army Chief: Switzerland 'Has Gone Back to Sleep' on Defence

In a stark warning, the departing head of the Swiss armed forces, Thomas Süssli, stated that the country has lost its sense of urgency regarding defence and security since the initial shock of the war in Ukraine.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Outgoing Army Chief: Switzerland 'Has Gone Back to Sleep' on Defence

12:00 PM·Switzerland

OECD Lauds Switzerland's Success in Immigrant Integration, But Notes Gender Gap

A new OECD study highlights Switzerland's effective integration of its immigrant population, noting a high employment rate and strong language acquisition efforts. However, the report also points to a persistent gender gap in the labor market for foreign-born women.

SWI swissinfo.ch +1 more

OECD Lauds Switzerland's Success in Immigrant Integration, But Notes Gender Gap

12:00 PM·Switzerland

Swiss-Made 'Transparent' AI Reveals Ingrained Societal Biases

Despite efforts to create a more open and transparent public AI, Switzerland's Apertus model has been shown to reproduce common gender and ethnic stereotypes. This raises critical questions about the challenge of achieving fairness in AI and the potential for automated systems to amplify discrimination.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Swiss-Made 'Transparent' AI Reveals Ingrained Societal Biases

12:00 PM·Switzerland

'Problem Wolves' in Switzerland to Face Year-Round Culling After Parliament Vote

Swiss parliament has voted to allow the shooting of so-called 'problem wolves' throughout the year, extending the hunting period. The decision aims to protect livestock but has been met with opposition from those who argue the recently revised hunting legislation should be given more time.

SWI swissinfo.ch

'Problem Wolves' in Switzerland to Face Year-Round Culling After Parliament Vote

12:00 PM·Switzerland

Swiss Parliament Approves Easing of Weapons Export Regulations

In a significant policy shift, both chambers of the Swiss parliament have voted to relax criteria for the export and re-export of war materiel. The move, which allows the government to deviate from standard rules in exceptional circumstances, has sparked debate about Switzerland's neutrality and its role in global conflicts.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Swiss Parliament Approves Easing of Weapons Export Regulations

12:00 PM·Switzerland

Swiss Economy Faces Headwinds with Subdued Growth and Zero Inflation

A confluence of factors, including a new economiesuisse forecast for subdued 1% growth in 2026, inflation dropping to zero in November, and announcements of job cuts, paints a challenging picture for the Swiss economy. This article will explore the implications for businesses and workers.

SWI swissinfo.ch +2 more

Swiss Economy Faces Headwinds with Subdued Growth and Zero Inflation

08:00 AM·Switzerland

Swiss Intelligence Surveillance Ruled Unconstitutional by Federal Court

The Federal Administrative Court has declared that the cross-border radio and cable surveillance conducted by the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) is incompatible with the constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, citing a lack of sufficient oversight and protection for sensitive communications.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Swiss Intelligence Surveillance Ruled Unconstitutional by Federal Court

08:00 AM·Switzerland

Corruption Complaint Filed After Swiss Business Leaders Gift Gold and Rolex to Trump

A criminal complaint for suspected corruption has been filed against Swiss business leaders who presented luxury gifts, including a gold bar and a Rolex clock, to former US President Donald Trump. A top Swiss official has downplayed the meeting, stating it was a 'private initiative'.

Le News +1 more

Corruption Complaint Filed After Swiss Business Leaders Gift Gold and Rolex to Trump

08:00 AM·Switzerland

Swiss Voters Reject 'Super-Rich' Climate Tax and Compulsory Civic Duty

In a recent national referendum, Swiss voters decisively rejected proposals for a new inheritance tax on estates over CHF 50 million to fund climate action, and a plan to replace male-only military conscription with a compulsory civic duty for all citizens.

The Local Switzerland +2 more

Swiss Voters Reject 'Super-Rich' Climate Tax and Compulsory Civic Duty

08:00 AM·Switzerland

Dignitas Founder Ludwig Minelli Dies by Assisted Suicide

Ludwig Minelli, the founder of the well-known Swiss assisted-dying organization Dignitas, has died by assisted suicide at the age of 92. This article will cover his life, the founding of Dignitas, and the ongoing debate around assisted dying in Switzerland.

Le News +2 more

Dignitas Founder Ludwig Minelli Dies by Assisted Suicide

04:00 PM·Politics

Swiss Activists in Gaza Flotilla Billed by Government for Consular Aid

Swiss participants in last autumn's Gaza flotilla who were detained by Israeli authorities have received bills from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) to reimburse the costs of consular protection and emergency assistance.

Le News

Swiss Activists in Gaza Flotilla Billed by Government for Consular Aid

04:00 PM·Health

World AIDS Day: Swiss Health Advocates Decry Persistent Discrimination

On World AIDS Day, the Swiss AIDS Federation highlights that discrimination and prejudice remain significant challenges for people living with HIV in Switzerland, despite medical advances that prevent transmission.

SWI swissinfo.ch

World AIDS Day: Swiss Health Advocates Decry Persistent Discrimination

12:01 PM·Defense

Swiss Defence Minister Visits Belgium for F-35 Briefing

A Swiss parliamentary delegation led by Defence Minister Martin Pfister is visiting a Belgian military airfield to gain operational insights into the F-35 fighter jet, which Switzerland is in the process of purchasing. The visit also includes a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss Swiss-NATO cooperation.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Swiss Defence Minister Visits Belgium for F-35 Briefing

12:01 PM·History

11th-Century Castle Structures Uncovered in Thurgau

Archaeologists in canton Thurgau have discovered the remains of a previously unknown castle site dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries near Uesslingen-Buch. The find is of significant historical interest, though no immediate excavations are planned, with the structures being preserved for future research.

SWI swissinfo.ch

11th-Century Castle Structures Uncovered in Thurgau

08:00 AM·Crime

Switzerland Forms Taskforces to Combat French-Based Car and Arms Theft Rings

Swiss federal authorities are collaborating with cantonal police to create new taskforces aimed at tackling a rise in gang-related crime, specifically targeting groups from France involved in car and weapons theft. The Federal Office of Police (Fedpol) will coordinate efforts to combat the criminals, who are reportedly recruited via social media.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Switzerland Forms Taskforces to Combat French-Based Car and Arms Theft Rings

08:00 AM·Politics

Swiss Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Inheritance Tax and Compulsory Civic Duty

A comprehensive overview of the national referendum results on November 30, 2025, where Swiss voters decisively rejected proposals for a new inheritance tax on the super-rich and the introduction of a compulsory civic duty for all citizens. The article will explore the final vote percentages, cantonal breakdowns, and initial reactions from both proponents and opponents.

SWI swissinfo.ch +7 more

Swiss Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Inheritance Tax and Compulsory Civic Duty

08:00 AM·Switzerland

Ludwig Minelli, Founder of Assisted-Suicide Group Dignitas, Dies at 92

Ludwig Minelli, the founder of the Swiss assisted-suicide organization Dignitas, has died by assisted suicide at the age of 92. This article covers his life, his decades-long campaign for right-to-die advocacy, the legal battles his organization faced, and the legacy he leaves behind.

SWI swissinfo.ch +2 more

Ludwig Minelli, Founder of Assisted-Suicide Group Dignitas, Dies at 92

Switzerland

Parliament Greenlights Scrutiny of Foreign Investments, with an Eye on China

Early and Intense Flu Season Hits Switzerland

Swiss Public Skeptical of US Tariff Deal, Poll Shows

Outgoing Army Chief: Switzerland 'Has Gone Back to Sleep' on Defence

OECD Lauds Switzerland's Success in Immigrant Integration, But Notes Gender Gap

Swiss-Made 'Transparent' AI Reveals Ingrained Societal Biases

'Problem Wolves' in Switzerland to Face Year-Round Culling After Parliament Vote

Swiss Parliament Approves Easing of Weapons Export Regulations

Swiss Economy Faces Headwinds with Subdued Growth and Zero Inflation

Swiss Intelligence Surveillance Ruled Unconstitutional by Federal Court

Corruption Complaint Filed After Swiss Business Leaders Gift Gold and Rolex to Trump

Swiss Voters Reject 'Super-Rich' Climate Tax and Compulsory Civic Duty

Dignitas Founder Ludwig Minelli Dies by Assisted Suicide

Swiss Activists in Gaza Flotilla Billed by Government for Consular Aid

World AIDS Day: Swiss Health Advocates Decry Persistent Discrimination

Swiss Defence Minister Visits Belgium for F-35 Briefing

11th-Century Castle Structures Uncovered in Thurgau

Switzerland Forms Taskforces to Combat French-Based Car and Arms Theft Rings

Swiss Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Inheritance Tax and Compulsory Civic Duty

Ludwig Minelli, Founder of Assisted-Suicide Group Dignitas, Dies at 92

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