Latest Federal Council news and updates from Switzerland. AI-curated articles covering Federal Council topics.
The Swiss government is moving to significantly bolster national security, proposing a 0.5% VAT hike to fund increased military spending and backing a plan to merge civil defence and civilian service, making security-related service compulsory for all male conscripts. This two-pronged approach addresses both financial needs and personnel shortages in the armed forces and disaster response units.
Switzerland's strict rules on retail hours may be loosened as the Federal Council has expressed support for allowing shops to open on more Sundays per year. The proposal is now set to spark a national debate on work-life balance and economic liberalisation.
The Federal Council has confirmed plans to scrap the controversial imputed rental value tax for primary residences by 2029, a landmark change that will significantly impact homeowners across the country.
The Swiss government has confirmed its timeline to abolish the imputed rental value tax for residential property. The transition is set for 2029, a date chosen after consulting cantonal finance directors to provide adequate time for local fiscal adaptation.
The Federal Council has officially sent a new package of agreements to parliament, a critical step aimed at stabilizing and developing Switzerland's long-term relationship with the European Union.
Citing its principle of neutrality, the Swiss Federal Council announced it will no longer approve new licences for arms exports to the United States for the duration of the current conflict in the Middle East.
The Federal Council has officially submitted its package of agreements with the European Union to parliament, initiating the next phase of debate on a plan to stabilize and develop Switzerland’s relationship with the bloc. President Guy Parmelin stated the package is in the nation's best interest.
The Swiss Federal Council has officially submitted a comprehensive package of agreements to parliament, marking a critical next step in stabilizing and developing future relations with the European Union.
The Swiss Federal Council has put forward a proposal to increase the country's minimum health insurance deductible by 100 francs, a move intended to curb rising healthcare expenditure by discouraging non-urgent medical consultations.
The Swiss Federal Council has formally come out against a popular initiative to cap the population at 10 million, arguing the proposal would harm the economy, create labor shortages, and endanger Switzerland's crucial bilateral relationship with the European Union.
In an effort to curb rising healthcare costs, the Swiss Federal Council has put forward a proposal to raise the minimum obligatory health insurance deductible by 100 francs, aiming to discourage non-urgent medical consultations.
The Swiss Federal Council has officially passed its comprehensive treaty package, known as "Bilaterals III," to parliament, marking a critical step in stabilizing and developing future relations with the European Union. The move aims to secure the bilateral approach amidst a tense geopolitical landscape.
The Swiss government has confirmed it will likely purchase only 30 F-35 fighter jets, down from the originally planned 36. Citing inflation, the government is forgoing a larger loan and will seek to acquire the maximum number of aircraft possible within the financial framework approved by voters in 2020.
The Federal Housing Office has announced a series of measures, including a significant funding increase for public housing loans, aimed at alleviating affordability issues for low and middle-income residents across Switzerland.
The Swiss Federal Council is planning a temporary 0.8-percentage-point increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) to finance a substantial CHF 31 billion boost in military and security spending over the next decade. The proposal aims to address national security preparedness, with a detailed plan expected in March.
The Federal Council has unveiled a long-term transport strategy focusing on significantly boosting rail capacity and introducing quarter-hourly services on key routes by 2035, while proposing to drop more than 30 planned road projects to reallocate resources.
The Swiss government has introduced its first-ever National Action Plan for 2026-2030, outlining 12 measures to protect LGBTIQ+ individuals from discrimination and violence, aiming to create a safer environment and improve safety for society as a whole.
The Swiss Federal Council has given the green light for formal negotiations with Washington on a trade agreement focused on eliminating industrial tariffs, signaling a major step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
The Swiss Federal Council has officially approved the final mandate to begin trade negotiations with the United States. This move comes as major Swiss supermarkets like Coop and Migros state they will not import US meat, while the catering industry shows interest.
With 21 living ex-presidents, Switzerland's political system is unique. This article delves into the annually rotating presidency and the role of the seven-member Federal Council, which functions as a collective head of state, with the president acting as 'first among equals' with no additional powers.
From trusted Swiss news outlets