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Tobacco Geneva parliament votes to ban cigarette sales to minors

Geneva has joined most other Swiss cantons in banning the sale of cigarettes to minors and plans a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes to young people.

This content was published on January 17, 2020 6:42 PM Jan 17, 2020 - 18:42

Crypto Finance Conference Financial innovation boosts humanitarian aid: Swiss foreign minister

Swiss Foreign Minister believes that blockchain, plus the latest innovations in financial technology, can boost humanitarian relief in crisis areas.

This content was published on January 17, 2020 6:30 PM Jan 17, 2020 - 18:30

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Shopping habits Swiss Post posts parcels record

Swiss Post handled a record number of parcels in 2019, the company said on Friday. The number of letters sent however continues to fall.

This content was published on January 17, 2020 5:56 PM Jan 17, 2020 - 17:56

Not shipshape  Inquiry launched into huge Swiss navy losses

Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin has announced an administrative inquiry into huge government losses related to the Swiss merchant navy.  

This content was published on January 17, 2020 3:43 PM Jan 17, 2020 - 15:43

Opinion What Switzerland should consider when tracking cyber incidents

Swiss attorney Florian Roth offers perspective on what the Swiss legislator still needs to answer to track and respond to cyber incidents.  

By Florian Roth

Diplomatic history When Switzerland recognised the new China

Seventy years ago, Switzerland was one of the first Western nations to officially recognise the People’s Republic of China.

By Andrea Tognina

Cross-border transport Is the Léman Express on the right track with passengers?

One month after the launch of the Léman Express, swissinfo.ch jumps aboard to gauge public interest in the new cross-border rail network.

By Katy Romy & Emilie Ridard

Direct democracy Voters to have final say on digital ID

Campaigners have handed in the necessary signatures to challenge a decision for the creation of a digital identity of internet users in Switzerland.

This content was published on January 16, 2020 3:47 PM Jan 16, 2020 - 15:47

Opinion ‘Yes to an initiative promoting moderately-priced housing’

The free market in Switzerland has built housing units that remain empty because they are too expensive, says Marina Carobbio Guscetti.

By Marina Carobbio Guscetti, Senator and vice-president of the Swiss Tenants' Association

Opinion ‘No to an initiative that is dictatorial, costly and not focused on real needs’

The initiative on more social housing is not in keeping with real economic or environmental needs, says Fabio Regazzi.

By Fabio Regazzi, member of parliament and co-chair of the committee against "the extreme social housing initiative"

Poverty Swiss give ‘second Christmas’ to those in need

The Swiss public this year donated 61,170 unwanted or surplus presents for the “2 x Christmas” campaign.

This content was published on January 16, 2020 9:18 AM Jan 16, 2020 - 09:18

Climate crisis Should the Swiss National Bank invest in fossil fuels?

Environmentalists’ targets include not only private banks like Credit Suisse, but also the Swiss National Bank. 

By Luigi Jorio

Tokenised investment Slice of prime Zurich real estate sold on blockchain

A building on Zurich’s most exclusive shopping street has been converted into a blockchain-powered investment following its CHF130 million ($134 ...

This content was published on January 15, 2020 4:19 PM Jan 15, 2020 - 16:19

International finance Swiss franc climbs after US adds it to ‘manipulation’ watchlist

The US Treasury has called on the Swiss government to cut taxes and spend more public money.

By Sam Jones in Zurich and Eva Szalay in London

Animal welfare How well are Swiss animals protected?

Strict welfare legislation makes Switzerland one of the better places to have fur, fins or feathers. Here’s why.

By Susan Misicka

Safe slaughter Animal welfare rules not fully respected in some Swiss abattoirs

Conditions in some Swiss slaughterhouses still don’t conform to standards guaranteeing animal welfare, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary ...

This content was published on January 15, 2020 12:37 PM Jan 15, 2020 - 12:37

Climate crisis Why most Swiss buildings are environmentally inefficient

Buildings account for about a quarter of annual CO2 emissions in Switzerland. But progress has been slow to do more to save energy.

By Luigi Jorio

Tourism Château de Chillon sets visitor record

Château de Chillon, the most visited historical building in Switzerland, set a new record last year.

This content was published on January 14, 2020 4:31 PM Jan 14, 2020 - 16:31

Economic relations US places Switzerland on trade ‘watch list’

The US Treasury Department has put Switzerland back on a list of countries that are under observation because of large trade surpluses with the US.

This content was published on January 14, 2020 2:33 PM Jan 14, 2020 - 14:33

Russell Hardy Why Vitol boss will ‘kick butts’ to boost performance

If Vitol chief executive Russell Hardy’s sole focus were the company’s profit and loss account, he would have little to worry about.

By Neil Hume and David Sheppard

Fault at fault Swiss researchers identify means to reduce risk of man-made earthquakes

Identifying the kind of fault or tectonic forces in an underground reservoir can reduce the risk of tremors caused by geothermal energy.

This content was published on January 11, 2020 3:07 PM Jan 11, 2020 - 15:07