Swiss politics

Zurich

Zurich backs school headscarf ban in closely divided vote

Zurich’s parliament has backed a ban on religious head coverings for female pupils and teachers in state schools and nurseries. The article should explain the proposed legal process, arguments from supporters and opponents, and the likely constitutional and equality challenges.

SWI swissinfo.ch

neutrality

Russia seeks to influence Switzerland’s neutrality vote

Reports that Russia is attempting to influence Switzerland’s September 27 neutrality vote raise questions about foreign interference in direct democracy. The story should distinguish documented influence efforts from political claims and outline what the neutrality initiative would change.

SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more

Zurich

Zurich lawmakers back proposed headscarf ban in schools

Zurich lawmakers have narrowly backed a ban on religious head coverings for female pupils and teachers in state schools and nurseries. The article should explain the proposed law, the arguments over equality and secularism, and the likely legal challenges concerning religious freedom and discrimination.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Swiss referendums

Swiss voters will decide whether to strengthen the country’s locally produced food supply at the September 27 referendum. The article should explain the proposal, its implications for farmers, consumers and food security, and the arguments over costs, self-sufficiency and trade commitments.

The Local Switzerland

Swiss politics

Nine major Swiss parties reported CHF24.6 million in income for 2025, down from the previous year. This analysis should explain the new transparency rules, compare party finances and assess what the figures reveal about money in Swiss politics.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Swiss politics

Swiss voters will decide on the neutrality initiative on September 27, amid reported Kremlin efforts to influence the campaign. The article should examine the allegations, Switzerland’s constitutional debate and the implications for sanctions and foreign policy.

SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more

road safety

A Swiss lawmaker is seeking tighter rules for elderly drivers, reopening debate over age-related medical checks and road safety. The proposal could affect licensing requirements for older motorists, though no legislative change has yet been adopted.

The Local Switzerland

Aargau

Aargau’s parliament has instructed the cantonal government to draft legislation banning headscarves for schoolgirls aged 16 and under. The proposal passed despite the government warning that it could conflict with constitutional protections and Federal Court precedent.

SWI swissinfo.ch

immigration

A Swiss parliamentary committee is proposing an immigration levy on EU workers if migration rises sharply after the Bilateral Agreements III take effect. The idea would only be activated under specified conditions and is likely to intensify debate over labour mobility and Switzerland’s relationship with the EU.

Le News

Swiss politics

Switzerland’s campaign over a proposal to enshrine perpetual armed neutrality in the constitution is heading towards a likely rejection, according to the first opinion poll. A separate food-policy initiative remains undecided ahead of the September vote, making the poll an important early indicator of the referendum campaign.

The Local Switzerland · +1 more

neutrality

Switzerland’s first nationwide poll ahead of September’s neutrality vote suggests voters are likely to reject a proposal to enshrine perpetual and armed neutrality in the constitution. The result would preserve room for the government to adapt its foreign and security policy, though the campaign is still under way.

The Local Switzerland · +2 more

European Union

A Council of States committee is proposing an immigration levy on EU workers if migration rises sharply after the Bilateral Agreements III package takes effect. The idea adds a politically sensitive condition to Switzerland’s debate over closer relations with the European Union.

Le News

nuclear energy

A Swiss Academies report estimates that a new nuclear power station could cost between CHF14 billion and CHF43 billion, highlighting the scale of public financial support potentially required.

SWI swissinfo.ch

Swiss politics

The first poll on the September 27 neutrality initiative suggests 54% of voters would reject it, while the campaign remains closely tied to party loyalties and Switzerland’s wider debate over its international role.

SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more

Swiss politics

In its spring session, the Swiss parliament significantly softened the government's proposed austerity package, preserving federal funding for services for the Swiss Abroad. In a separate key decision, lawmakers approved the introduction of a new road toll for foreign vehicles transiting through the country.

The Local Switzerland · +3 more

referendum

The Swiss government has set June 14th as the date for a national referendum on a popular initiative from the Swiss People's Party (SVP) that seeks to curb the country's population growth.

The Local Switzerland · +1 more

SBC

Ahead of the March 8 vote, Swiss cultural associations are raising alarms over the 'CHF200 is enough!' initiative, arguing that slashing the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation's budget would jeopardize cultural diversity, media plurality, and thousands of jobs in the creative sector.

SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more

naturalization

A House of Representatives committee has voted against a popular initiative aimed at simplifying the naturalization process by transferring regulatory power to the federal government and shortening the residency requirement to five years.

The Local Switzerland · +1 more

climate policy

Swiss government announces major policy shift focusing on incentives and emissions trading system instead of carbon taxes to achieve 75% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2040

SWI swissinfo.ch