Swiss Politics

Swiss unions seek 2% pay rise, employers back 1%

Travailsuisse is calling for a 2 per cent pay rise for 2027

This content was published on Aug 17, 2026 Trade union umbrella group Travail.Suisse on Monday called for a general wage increase of 2% next year. The Swiss Employers' Union (UPS), however, said an average pay rise of around 1% would be more in line with the economic outlook.

All parties except the SVP reject the neutrality initiative

Swiss Politics

Most political parties reject Swiss neutrality initiative

This content was published on Aug 17, 2026 All major Swiss political parties except the right-wing Swiss People's Party oppose the neutrality initiative ahead of the September 27 vote, arguing that it would weaken Switzerland's security and foreign policy flexibility.

Economiesuisse attributes the high costs largely to Switzerland's failure to expand winter electricity production in recent years.

Swiss Politics

Economiesuisse: Switzerland faces CHF4bn bill to avert power shortages

This content was published on Aug 16, 2026 Preventing electricity shortages over the next two decades will cost Swiss consumers about CHF4 billion, according to an estimate by business federation economiesuisse cited by NZZ am Sonntag.

The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves, is one of Ukraine's most important religious and cultural landmarks.

Foreign Affairs

Switzerland allocates CHF600,000 to restore Kyiv monastery

This content was published on Aug 16, 2026 Switzerland will provide CHF600,000 ($737,000) to help secure and restore the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a historic 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyiv, Ukraine, damaged in a recent Russian air strike.

Association of Towns and Cities calls for a national action plan to tackle heatwaves

Climate adaptation

Swiss cities association seeks nationwide response to heatwaves

This content was published on Aug 16, 2026 The head of the Swiss Cities Association has called for a national strategy to help municipalities adapt to climate change, warning that many urban areas were designed for weather conditions that no longer exist.

The increase may be partly due to growing numbers of people heading into the mountains, particularly for mountaineering and rock climbing.

Swiss Politics

More mountain emergencies keep Swiss rescue service busy

This content was published on Aug 15, 2026 The Swiss air rescue service Rega carried out 323 missions linked to mountain accidents between the start of the year and mid-August, 39 more than during the same period in 2025.

Cyber attacks have risen significantly, according to Marlene Amstad, chair of the FINMA's board of directors.

Swiss Politics

Swiss financial regulator warns over rising cyber attacks and AI risks

This content was published on Aug 15, 2026 The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) has warned banks and insurers about the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence and cyber threats.

Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin says existing laws provide sufficient tools to support farmers and that there is no need to declare a state of emergency.

Swiss Politics

Parmelin defends government support for Swiss farmers amid drought

This content was published on Aug 15, 2026 With drought-related losses in agriculture expected to reach record levels, Swiss Agriculture Minister Guy Parmelin has defended the government's response.

Europe tightens rules for freight wagons following the Gotthard accident

Swiss Politics

Europe tightens freight wagon rules after Gotthard rail accident

This content was published on Aug 15, 2026 Three years after the Gotthard Base Tunnel accident, European authorities and the rail industry have agreed to tighten safety checks for freight wagons.

Foreign Affairs

Swiss parliament can decide on the Compass Initiative

This content was published on Aug 13, 2026 Swiss Parliament will review the Compass Initiative, which seeks mandatory referendums on international treaties.

Swiss Politics

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