Switzerland Today

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Swiss neutrality is back in the spotlight today. The government says Switzerland will not change its policy of political neutrality despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The question whether neutral Switzerland should re-export Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine to be used in its war against Russia has also raised its head again.

This content was published on October 27, 2022 - 18:00

4 minutes

I am a climate and science/technology reporter. I am interested in the effects of climate change on everyday life and scientific solutions. Born in London, I am a dual citizen of Switzerland and the UK. After studying modern languages and translation, I trained as a journalist and joined swissinfo.ch in 2006. My working languages are English, German, French and Spanish.

Gepard tank. — Keystone / Morris Macmatzen / Pool

In the news: Swiss neutrality, tank ammo and Afghan writers.

The seven-member Federal Council has agreed that Switzerland’s current approach to neutrality as defined in 1993 remains valid and should not be adapted. The government had examined Swiss neutrality in the light of the war in Ukraine in response to a question by the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.
Switzerland must “absolutely” allow ammunition deliveries so the 30 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks (photo above) that Germany has sent to Ukraine can protect grain exports, Germany Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht told her Swiss counterpart, Viola Amherd, in a letter sent last week, the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper reports.External link In April Switzerland had vetoed the re-export of 12,400 rounds of Swiss-made ammunition used in Gepard anti-aircraft tanks that Germany sent to Ukraine.
Some 40 Afghan writers and their family members have managed to flee to Switzerland since the Taliban takeover, helped by a campaign by Swiss authors.
Eight European countries have met in Switzerland to forge a plan of action towards net–zero emissions in passenger and freight transport in the Alps.
The Neuchâtel city authorities have unveiled a plaque and artwork aimed at informing the public about David de Pury, a well-known 18th-century entrepreneur and benefactor, who is accused of amassing part of his fortune via the exploitation of African slaves. In 2020 local people called for the removal of a bronze statue of De Pury from the city. The authorities instead chose to install the plaque and artwork.

Credit Suisse unveils new strategic overhaul.

Embattled Credit Suisse has unveiled a newstrategyExternal link aimed to overcome a string of costly scandals. The second major restructuringExternal link in 12 months involves cost cuts, staff reductions, steps to lower risk and a CHF1.5-billion cash infusion via a share purchase from the Saudi National Bank.

As part of its new strategy, the Swiss bank said on Thursday it would also revive the CS First Boston investment bank brand, as it reported a CHF4 billion ($4.1 billion) loss in the third quarter. It announced plans to raise funds by issuing new shares to some investors, including the Saudi National Bank.

Credit Suisse said it plans to slim down from a current headcount of 52,000 to 43,000 by the end of 2025. The job cuts will start this year with an initial tranche of 2,700 posts being axed.

Credit Suisse has suffered a string of setbacks in recent years by being on the wrong end of soured business deals and courtroom battles.

The new strategic direction is intended to bring costs down by 15% in the next three years and place a greater emphasis on the group’s wealth management and Swiss-based operations. Significant parts of the group’s investment banking activities, mainly based in the United States, will be sold off to both raise cash and reduce its exposure to risk.

A quarter of the Swiss population lack digital skills.

Whether it’s chatting to friends, looking for an apartment, applying for a job or contacting local authorities, today many tasks require a basic knowledge of how computers or smartphones work.

But Federal Statistical Office figures show that around a quarter of the Swiss population of all ages lack basic digital skills and have difficulty accessing online offerings, Isabelle Lüthi from Caritas Zurich recently toldExternal link Swiss public radio, SRF.

One of the problems is the cost. In Switzerland owing a mobile phone, laptop or printer and securing internet access can be expensive – an average of CHF280 per month, according to the statistics office. This represents a sizeable outlay for people on low incomes.

But even once people get the basic equipment, some kind of regular training is required to keep up to date – which can be tricky for less qualified people who require time, money and support.

“The digital divide is getting bigger and bigger,” warns Lüthi, adding that there is a risk that low-skilled people could be pushed into precarious jobs. Caritas Zurich offers special digital training courses for people in need.