cost of living
Why more Swiss middle-class households are struggling to make ends meet
Swiss households are facing mounting pressure from fixed costs, insurance and everyday prices despite stable employment and incomes.
8 days ago · 1 source
Vaud
Vaud voters approve major income and wealth tax cut
A 12% reduction in Vaud’s income and wealth taxes has been approved by voters, though the canton will remain a relatively high-tax jurisdiction. The result has implications for public finances, inter-cantonal competition and household budgets.
Le News
Vaud
Vaud approves major income and wealth tax reduction
Vaud voters have approved a 12% reduction in income and wealth taxes. Although the decision will lower the canton’s tax burden, Vaud is expected to remain above the Swiss average, making the vote a significant test of cantonal tax competition rather than a transformation into a tax haven.
Le News
Vaud
What Vaud’s tax-cut vote means for residents and cantonal competition
Vaud voters have approved a 12% reduction in income and wealth taxes, although the canton will remain above the Swiss average tax burden.
Le News
ski resorts
Protected wetland forces Swiss ski resort to scale back snowmaking
A major snowmaking project in the Leysin-Les Mosses region has been scaled back after federal environmental rules blocked 175 planned snow cannons in a protected wetland.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Vaud
Vaud voters will decide whether to cut cantonal income and wealth taxes by 12% on September 27. The article would set out the competing claims over purchasing power, business competitiveness and the potential impact on public finances before the vote.
Le News
Vaud
Voters in Vaud will decide on September 27 whether to cut cantonal income and wealth taxes by 12%. Supporters describe the proposal as a boost to purchasing power, while opponents warn that it could damage public finances.
Le News
climate
A Swiss environmental group is testing sheep-wool blankets as a lower-impact alternative to synthetic tarpaulins used to slow glacier melt. Early observations at Glacier 3000 suggest the natural material may offer a similar protective effect while reducing reliance on plastic-based coverings.
SWI swissinfo.ch
EPFL
The first EPFL buildings, constructed between 1969 and 1984, will receive historic-monument protection under an agreement designed to preserve their architectural character while allowing the research campus to evolve.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Ukraine
Canton Vaud has moved to withdraw emergency assistance from roughly 40 Ukrainians whose applications for S permits were rejected. Several decisions have been appealed, while aid organisations and political parties have condemned the measure and questioned how vulnerable people will be supported during the legal process.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Law
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against Switzerland for violating the right to family life. The court found that authorities in Vaud unjustly denied a man the right to visit his pregnant partner while she was in pre-trial detention.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Environment
Despite its rich biodiversity, the ecosystem of the Lavaux vineyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is extremely fragile, according to a comprehensive multi-year biological study hailed as 'disappointing in a good way' by researchers.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Crime
Thefts of high-end cars have nearly doubled since the pandemic, with cantons like Geneva and Vaud disproportionately affected. Insurance company Axa reports annual damages reaching CHF5 million, suggesting organized criminal activity exploiting proximity to borders.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Crime
A new report from Axa insurance reveals that thefts of high-end vehicles have sharply increased, with damages nearly doubling since pre-pandemic levels. The cantons of Geneva and Vaud show the highest incidence rates.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Swiss Politics
An official inquiry has found that Vaud government minister Valérie Dittli used public money in a deal to withdraw a criminal complaint against her, leading her government colleagues to declare that trust has been compromised.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Politics
An official investigation has revealed that Vaud minister Valérie Dittli brokered a secret deal involving a CHF 10,000 payment of public money to have a criminal complaint against her withdrawn, leading the government to declare its trust is 'compromised'.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Art
The Musée Artistes Femmes (MAF), Switzerland's first museum exclusively dedicated to showcasing the work of women artists, has opened in Lausanne, addressing the historical underrepresentation of female artists in cultural institutions.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Lausanne
An investigation into the Lausanne police force has uncovered 'discriminatory messages and sexist situations', leading to urgent calls for reform. A report by a former police commander highlights the need to strengthen the force's managerial, social, and ethical standards to address systemic issues.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Public Safety
In a direct response to the deadly New Year's fire, the canton of Vaud has announced an immediate ban on all pyrotechnic devices inside public venues, a move aimed at preventing similar tragedies and tightening fire safety standards.
Le News · +1 more
Vaud
A new report from the Grand Council of Vaud highlights significant managerial shortcomings, communication breakdowns, and a lack of accountability within the canton's Finance Department, stemming from issues surrounding former minister Valérie Dittli.
SWI swissinfo.ch
