Switzerland Today

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­ 21/01/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, On the third day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, the much-awaited arrival of United States President Donald Trump caused a stir. In a 90-minute speech, he spoke at length about Greenland, which the US would like to acquire.   And, in a minor blunder made during the WEF, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared that Swiss President Guy Parmelin was a fantastic representative "for the French”.   Enjoy today's briefing, ­ ­ Emilie Ridard ­ Community journalist ­ ­ ­ Untied States President Donald Trump gave a 90-minute speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos. Keystone / Gian Ehrenzeller ­ ­ At the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, it was Donald Trump’s day. The US president’s long-awaited 90-minute speech alternated between praise for his own record and criticism of his predecessor Joe Biden, NATO, Canada and European countries. “If you don’t give us Greenland, we will remember it," Trump declared. He also referred to Switzerland and what he called a “small story” about a phone call with Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter. Trump’s delayed arrival in Davos – due to an electrical problem on Air Force One – did not affect the scheduled start of his speech at 2:30pm. He greeted the packed hall “in front of many friends and some enemies”. In his lengthy address, the US president complained about what he sees as a lack of international recognition for America’s role, from victory over Germany in the Second World War to what he described as eight wars he would end during his current term. “We probably won’t get anything in return unless we decide to use excessive force. We won’t – and I can hear sighs of relief in the room,” he said. Trump cited Switzerland as an example of a country that, in his view, benefits from the US. “Switzerland makes a lot of nice watches, but they weren’t paying anything to us,” he said, referring to what he described as a $41 billion (CHF32.5 billion) trade imbalance. “When we announced the tariff increase, I think the prime minister – a woman – called me,” Trump recounted, referring to Karin Keller-Sutter, the minister who then held the rotating Swiss presidency. “She kept saying: ‘Please don’t, we’re a small country.’ It rubbed me the wrong way. I put the tariffs at 39% and then all hell broke loose. Rolex called me, others called me. Now we’ve reached an agreement and reduced the rates – but now they’re paying. There are many countries like Switzerland.” A few hours before Trump gave his speech, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Europeans should avoid the "anger reflex" and listen to the US President's arguments about acquiring Greenland. He also praised Swiss President Guy Parmelin, saying that he was a fantastic representative "for the French". ­ More information on this topic: The liveticker on Swiss public broadcaster, SRF, RTS and RSI   Scott Bessent's blunder on 20 Minuten ­ The municipality of Crans-Montana has been accused of serious shortcomings in the fire controls at the Le Constellation bar, where 40 people died on New Year's Eve 2026. Keystone / Cyril Zingaro ­ ­ Fire inspection shortcomings at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana were more serious than initially reported, according to an investigation by Swiss public broadcaster RTS, based on official municipal documents from Crans-Montana. No proper fire safety inspections were carried out when Le Constellation was renovated in 2015. This emerges from dozens of archive documents reviewed by Swiss public broadcaster RTS’s investigative team. When contacted, both administrative and political officials declined to comment, saying they would reserve their statements for the courts. RTS found that the 2016 visit, which municipal authorities later described as a fire inspection during a press conference on January 6, was in fact limited to checking compliance with requirements linked to a building permit for a veranda on the terrace. Renovation work in the basement – including the installation of the ceiling’s acoustic foam later found to be flammable – was not checked. Inspection reports from 2018 and 2019 list several elements as not being “in order”, notably regarding maximum occupancy, staff training and evacuation drills. The final line of the reports notes the next inspection date simply as “to be determined”. ­ More information on this topic: Detailed explanations from Swiss public broadcaster, RTS   The Crans-Montana tragedy as seen by the international press   The Swiss public broadcaster, RSI article on hair donations to make wigs for those injured in the Crans-Montana fire   The Swiss public broadcaster, RTS summary of Tuesday's hearings of the bar managers by canton Valais Public Prosecutor's Office   The Keystone-SDA news report on Swissinfo ­ The Swiss are attached to neutrality, but it must be pragmatic. Keystone / Michael Buholzer ­ ­ The Swiss remain attached to their long-standing tradition of neutrality, but a majority would support supplying arms to Ukraine. This is one of the findings of an online survey of 2,088 people. The survey, conducted by the Sotomo research institute on behalf of the NeutRealität association – which describes itself as politically independent and advocates a neutrality “adapted to reality” – shows that around 56% of respondents believe Switzerland should be allowed to supply ammunition to Ukraine for defence against drone attacks. Economic sanctions against states that violate international law are supported by a clear majority of 75%. At the same time, support for neutrality remains strong: 80% want it maintained, and 85% oppose Switzerland’s participation in military conflicts. However, the survey also shows growing scepticism about armed neutrality alone. Some 74% doubt its protective effect. As a result, 83% favour cooperation with friendly states to ensure Switzerland’s security, while 58% would support NATO membership if the security situation were to deteriorate. The margin of error is ±2.2%. ­ More information on this topic: The SRF News article ­ Demonstrators took to the streets of Bern on Tuesday, January 20, to protest against the Syrian government. SRF ­ ­ Around 3,000 people demonstrated in several Swiss cities against the Syrian government on Tuesday. The protests were marked by a number of incidents. In Bern, nearly 2,000 people gathered on Tuesday evening to protest against the advance of Syrian government troops into Kurdish-controlled areas in northern and eastern Syria. The unauthorised demonstration was tolerated by police. Some participants wearing balaclavas attempted to breach a police cordon and threw projectiles at officers. In Winterthur, about 300 people assembled at the main railway station, according to municipal police. No material damage was reported, but traffic disruptions were significant. In Basel, an unauthorised gathering of around 500 people formed shortly after 6:30pm and marched through the city centre. A tram window was damaged and one passenger sustained head injuries. ­ More information on this topic: The Keystone-SDA news report on Swissinfo   The article by Watson   Swiss public broadcaster, RTS explains the latest developments in Syria ­ Translated using AI/amva ­ How we translate with AI We use automatic translation tools, such as DeepL and Google Translate, for some content.   Each translated article is carefully reviewed by a journalist for accuracy. Using translation tools gives us the time for more in-depth articles.    Learn more here about how we work with AI.  ­ Picture of the day ­ Aeronautics fans expecting the arrival of the American presidential plane Air Force One for the WEF in Kloten (Zurich) are going to be disappointed. Due to a "minor electrical problem", Donald Trump was forced to turn back and finally took off with another plane. Keystone / Michael Buholzer ­ Aviation enthusiasts waiting to see Air Force One land at Zurich Airport for the World Economic Forum were left disappointed. Due to a “minor electrical problem”, US President Donald Trump was forced to turn back and eventually travelled on a different aircraft. ­ ­ ­ The SWIplus app: your connection to Switzerland ­ Your quick and easy access to the most important news and information from Switzerland. ­ ­ Read more + ­

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­ 20/01/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is beginning amid shock. The United States’ demand to purchase Greenland is dominating talks in Davos. In their speeches, the Swiss president and the president of the European Commission both referred to geopolitical upheavals.   On a lighter note, a Swiss-backed study suggests that cows may be more intelligent than previously assumed. How did researchers reach this conclusion? ­ ­ Christian Raaflaub ­ Journalist, editor ­ ­ ­ Ursula von der Leyen and Guy Parmelin before a plenary session in Davos on Tuesday. Keystone / Laurent Gillieron ­ ­ The 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos is overshadowed by the Greenland crisis. US President Donald Trump’s demand to purchase the island, coupled with threats of new punitive tariffs against the European Union, has triggered diplomatic tensions, while protests against his policies led to violent unrest in Zurich. The forum opened amid extreme geopolitical strain. Despite the motto “A Spirit of Dialogue”, events have been dominated by Trump’s ambitions, particularly his push to acquire Greenland, which has sparked a trade dispute with the EU. Washington is threatening European countries with tariffs of up to 200%, while Denmark and other EU states are pushing back. In her speech in Davos on Tuesday afternoon, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would respond to Washington’s threats “firmly, united and with a sense of proportion”. Switzerland, meanwhile, is seeking to turn the situation to its diplomatic advantage. Economics Minister Guy Parmelin, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, wants to advance negotiations on a trade agreement with the US, with the aim of significantly reducing tariffs on Swiss goods. In his speech at the WEF, he stressed the importance of unity and strong international relations. At the same time, serious unrest broke out in Zurich on Monday evening. During an anti-Trump demonstration involving several thousand people, police used water cannon and rubber bullets against members of the so-called black bloc after shop windows were smashed and barricades erected. The activist group Campax criticised the WEF as a gathering driven purely by “money and power”. ­ ­ A soldier of the Swiss Army returns his service weapon when he is discharged. Keystone / Gaetan Bally ­ ­ The Swiss Federal Audit Office (FAO) has accused the army of wasting millions of francs of taxpayers’ money when decommissioning outdated weapons. Despite repeated warnings, binding rules for the economical use of military equipment remain lacking – a particularly sensitive issue at a time when the armed forces are seeking billions in additional funding. The Swiss Armed Forces have been heavily criticised by the FAO for wasting taxpayers' money on decommissioning obsolete weapons. In a critical report, the FAO notes that, despite a “Priority 1” recommendation, little progress has been made since 2020 in ensuring cost efficiency. According to the auditors, there are still no binding internal guidelines to guarantee the economical handling of military assets. One key criticism concerns the disposal of material. Instead of selling equipment with residual value, the army has often donated it to museums in the past. Given the ongoing calls for substantial new defence loans, the FAO describes this as a “systematic gap”. Defence Minister Martin Pfister wants to respond by strengthening financial oversight within the department. A first test case for the new approach will be the planned decommissioning of the F-5 Tiger fighter jets. In this case, the FAO expects the aircraft to be sold in order to comply with the legal requirement of economic efficiency, as reported by Blick. ­

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The article from Blick ­ More and more Swiss municipalities are turning to social media. APA / Hans Klaus Techt ­ ­ How much online presence should public authorities have? While Swiss municipalities are rapidly expanding their use of social media, the Social Democratic Party is calling on the government to withdraw from platform X. A recent survey shows that social media has become standard practice for local authorities. Almost every second Swiss municipality now uses at least one platform, with Facebook and Instagram leading the way, according to the Keystone-SDA news agency. Rural regions in particular often achieve surprisingly high reach and engagement. At the same time, political pressure is mounting on the federal government to leave X. The left-wing Social Democratic Party describes the platform as “dangerous to the public”, warning that continued presence risks indirectly supporting right-wing extremism, reports SRF News. The left-wing Green Party backs this position and is calling for stronger regulation to protect young people. Centre-right parties, including the Radical-Liberal Party and the Centre Party, oppose withdrawal. They argue that official Switzerland must remain present even in difficult digital environments. Leaving the platform, they say, would hand the space over to extremists, while active engagement helps maintain the state’s visibility. ­

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The article by Keystone-SDA on Swissinfo   The article by SRF News   The news report on Bluewin ­ Veronika amazes the researchers: she can scratch certain parts of her body with a broom. Keystone / Antonio J. Osuna ­ ­ Forget everything you thought you knew about “stupid cows”. A cow named Veronika has demonstrated to researchers that cattle can do more than graze – they can also use tools in a targeted and strategic way. Veronika, an Austrian cow of the Swiss Brown breed, does not simply scratch herself with branches or brooms. Researchers observed that she deliberately uses the bristles of a broom for her back, while choosing the smooth handle for her more sensitive udder. Such flexible and purposeful tool use was previously thought to be almost exclusive to primates, particularly chimpanzees. According to researchers at the Research Institute for Human-Animal Interaction in Vienna with support of a Swiss foundation – many cows may be capable of similar behaviour. However, their daily lives in standardised barns offer little stimulation or opportunity to demonstrate such abilities, reports Germany’s Tagesschau. The findings suggest that our understanding of farm animals may need to change. If a cow can grasp how a broom works, the researchers argue, it raises broader questions about modern livestock farming, and whether animals are being underestimated. ­

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The Keystone-SDA news report on Swissinfo

The report from Tagesschau.de   The article in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) (paywall) with video ­ Translated using AI/amva/ts ­

How we translate with AI We use automatic translation tools, such as DeepL and Google Translate, for some content.   Each translated article is carefully reviewed by a journalist for accuracy. Using translation tools gives us the time for more in-depth articles.    Learn more here about how we work with AI.

­ Picture of the day ­ Keystone / Maxime Schmid ­ The strongest solar storm in two decades produced spectacular images over parts of Switzerland on Monday night – but only above a thick layer of fog. Pictured here are the Northern Lights above Monthey in canton Valais, as well as Bex and Aigle in canton Vaud. ­

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­ 19/01/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, Passing Bern railway station on Saturday, I was struck by the heavy deployment of riot police who swiftly blocked an unauthorised protest against the World Economic Forum (WEF), which opened today. Subtlety was clearly not the chosen approach. The police response can perhaps be read as a reflection of the current geopolitical tension, much of which centres on US President Donald Trump, who is also expected in Davos. ­ ­ Zeno Zoccatelli ­ Journalist ­ ­ ­ In 2025 Trump attended the WEF remotely. Keystone / Michael Buholzer ­ ­ The World Economic Forum (WEF) opened today in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos. Around 3,000 leading figures from politics, business and academia are attending, but media attention is focused almost exclusively on the United States. The presence of Donald Trump, accompanied by ministers, governors and the heads of major US companies, is “turning Davos into a ‘Little America’”, writes Swiss public broadcaster SRF. Blick estimates Washington’s spending in Switzerland for the trip at around CHF7 million ($8.78 million). The US president is scheduled to speak on Wednesday at 2:30pm. There is considerable anticipation over how he will present Washington’s global ambitions, at a time when transatlantic relations are tense. Trump’s desire to annex Greenland and the recent arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have further fuelled unease. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as repression in Iran, are also expected to feature prominently. Today the WEF cancelled the participation of Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, deeming his presence “inappropriate” in light of developments in the country. Protests on the sidelines of the forum have already begun. Around 600 people marched in Davos yesterday, while an unauthorised protest in Bern on Saturday was halted by a large police presence. Demonstrators denounced what they called the “undemocratic decisions” of the “oligarchs and warmongers” gathering at the WEF. ­

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The SRF article   The costs of the US trip, in Blick   The RTS liveticker ­ A Danish navy ship sets sail from Nuuk, Greenland, on Sunday. EPA/Mads Claus Rasmussen ­ ­ The prospect of new US tariffs, repeatedly raised by President Donald Trump against countries opposing Washington’s ambitions over Greenland, is also resonating in Switzerland. Le Temps asks today whether such measures could eventually affect the country. On Saturday Trump explicitly threatened Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland with tariff increases of up to 10%. According to investment experts cited by Le Temps, Switzerland, which is not politically or militarily involved in the dispute, does not face immediate retaliation. However, if tariffs become a lasting political tool, open economies with trade surpluses, such as Switzerland, could come under scrutiny. Joaquin Cascallar, head of investments at Tarfa 5 Advisors, says Switzerland has an interest in keeping a low profile and maintaining a cautious, non-aligned stance. So far, this appears to be the approach taken by the Swiss government. In parliament, however, voices of dissent are growing. Fabian Molina, a Social Democrat parliamentarian and member of the new Switzerland-Greenland friendship group, says Bern should “coordinate with the European Union to push back against this attack on multilateralism”. ­

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The article by Le Temps (paywall)   The RSI liveticker ­ (From left) Lawyer Patrick Michod, Le Constellation bar managers Jacques and Jessica Moretti, lawyer Yaël Hayat and lawyer Nicola Meier. Keystone / Jean-Christophe Bott ­ ­ The lawyers representing Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the couple who ran the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana where 40 people died in a New Year’s Eve fire, have spoken to the media for the first time since the tragedy. Yaël Hayat said she wanted to “restore a truth that has been distorted”, criticising what she described as excesses in the media coverage. She stressed, for example, that the closed door on the ground floor was not an emergency exit, as often reported, but a service entrance used by suppliers. Her colleague Patrick Michod said the soundproofing foam that caught fire had been purchased by Jacques Moretti in 2015. According to him, Moretti had told staff at the DIY store that the material was intended for use in a public building, and the packaging did not indicate that it was flammable. Moretti had never believed he was taking any risk, Michod said. The lawyers also sought to counter allegations regarding the origin of the funds used to acquire the couple’s properties in Crans-Montana. Contrary to claims made by several media outlets, they said the purchases had been financed through mortgages. ­

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The complete interview on RTS   The interview filmed in Italian and German by RSI and SRF   What the Morettis' lawyers dispute and what questions they leave open, on Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) (paywall) ­ If milk remains in the tanks for too long, it becomes unusable and must be disposed of. Keystone / Gaetan Bally ­ ­ When abundance turns into crisis: that is how the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) describes the current situation in the Swiss dairy sector, which is facing an unprecedented milk surplus and the risk of large-scale waste. In recent weeks, dairy processor Emmi has hired additional staff, introduced overtime shifts and prioritised products that require large volumes of milk. Even so, long queues of tanker trucks continue to form outside its site in Dagmersellen, canton Lucerne. “In 25 years, I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Stefan Kohler, director of the milk producers’ organisation IP Latte, citing the exceptionally high quality of fodder harvested in summer and autumn. From February, the price per kilo of high-quality milk (segment A) will be cut by CHF0.04 to CHF0.78 ($0.98), but the risk that tonnes of milk may have to be disposed of “is real”, Kohler warned. IP Latte has appealed to retailers to increase the share of Swiss dairy products on their shelves. According to the NZZ, Migros says it will follow up on the request, while Coop says it will “do what it can” but does not expect immediate changes. ­

More information on this topic:

The Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) article   The in-depth SRF article on Swissinfo: Why there is too much milk in Switzerland

­ Translated using AI/amva/ts ­ How we translate with AI We use automatic translation tools, such as DeepL and Google Translate, for some content.   Each translated article is carefully reviewed by a journalist for accuracy. Using translation tools gives us the time for more in-depth articles.    Learn more here about how we work with AI.

­ Picture of the day ­ Keystone / Gian Ehrenzeller ­ More than 120 dignitaries are attending this year’s World Economic Forum, requiring an unprecedented level of security. Pictured here is a security officer positioned on the roof of the Congress Centre in Davos. ­

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­ 23/01/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, Many concessions and handshakes were made at the WEF this year. The Swiss government remains largely quiet on US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Peace Council” in order to preserve good relations with Washington amid ongoing tariff negotiations. One concession Switzerland is not prepared to make is giving up Davos as the home of the WEF. And as WEF participants leave the mountain resort, others in Switzerland are booking their holidays. Where are Swiss travellers heading – and which region is seeing fewer Swiss visitors? Sunny regards from Bern, ­ ­ Alexandra Andrist ­ Team Swiss Abroad ­ ­ ­ Will Davos lose WEF? The Swiss federal government will fight to keep the forum in Switzerland. Keystone / Michael Buholzer ­ ­ Switzerland may be small, but Davos is smaller still – and the mountain resort is increasingly reaching its limits. This pressure could see Davos lose the World Economic Forum. While more than 50 years of hosting the WEF have been a success for both the federal government and local organisers, the steady growth in participants and side events has pushed the town’s infrastructure “to breaking point”, reports the Blick. Larry Fink, co-president of the WEF, told The Financial Times that alternative host cities are being considered, including Detroit, Dublin, Jakarta and Buenos Aires. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stated that, “The WEF is enormously important for Switzerland. The Federal Council is very clear that it will do everything in its power to keep the WEF in Switzerland.” So far, however, no public comment has come from Fink’s Swiss counterpart, André Hoffmann. According to Blick, plans are being discussed to ban most private vehicles from Davos during WEF week. Non-residents and guests without special accreditation would have to park at security checkpoints further down the valley. Yet while governments and organisers debate the forum’s future location, much of the “real WEF” continues to take place behind the doors of private residences. In an interview with the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), which dubbed him “the WEF’s secret host”, Marc Wegenstein offered a rare glimpse behind the façades of Davos’s residential properties where VIP guests stay and schmooze.  He has catered to all kinds of requests: fermented horse milk, anti-dandruff shampoo and the occasional serving of caviar (though this is less in demand since Russians stopped attending, says Wegenstein). If the WEF ever relocates, one thing seems certain: it would be hard to replicate the Alpine village charm that has long shaped Davos’s offstage diplomacy . ­

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The fight for WEF article on Blick   “The fixer”: the interview with Marc Wegensteins in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ)  (paywall) ­ Economics Minister Guy Parmelin, who also holds Switzerland’s rotating presidency this year, shakes American President Donald Trump’s hand following a bilateral meeting, in which Parmelin announced there was a trade surplus in the US Favour. Keystone / Laurent Gillieron ­ ­ To be the proverbial fly on the wall in a Davos residence might be the only way to gauge Switzerland’s true reaction to Donald Trump’s proposed “Peace Council”. Officially, the Swiss government has communicated that it will examinate the matter. Its primary focus remains on securing a trade agreement with Washington. The trade balance between Switzerland and the US was too heavily skewed in Bern's favour, which last summer led to the implementation of punitive tariffs of up to 39%. Bern is now keen to lock in the reduced 15% tariff rate in a binding agreement and is taking measures to avoid antagonising President Trump, reports Swiss public broadcaster SRF. During a bilateral meeting at the WEF, Economics Minister Guy Parmelin, who also holds Switzerland’s rotating presidency this year, placed trade firmly at the centre of talks. “We note that the imbalance you mentioned in your speech is being corrected,” Parmelin told Trump. “According to our latest statistics, we now have a surplus of $8.8 billion (CHF6.96 billion) in favour of the United States.” The development appeared to catch the US president off guard. Trump turned to his delegation for confirmation. “I think that in recent months, the trend has begun to reverse,” said US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Parmelin later acknowledged that the data reflected only a “snapshot in time”. Swiss companies boosted exports earlier this year in anticipation of higher tariffs, smoothing the figures temporarily. On Thursday, the Swiss economics minister said that a first round of technical negotiations would take place in Bern as soon as possible. ­

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Why doesn't the Federal Council say no to Trump's "Peace Council"?: the article in SRF   The article on the US trade surplus in RTS   Loud Trump in quiet Switzerland: the WEF analysis on Swissinfo ­ The “clique” cellar of the Laelli Clique in Basel is among the venues facing new fire safety rules and mandatory inspections by fire inspectors ahead of Fasnacht. Keystone / Georgios Kefalas ­ ­ Two days of training and a checklist: in some cantons, fire safety inspections are carried out by volunteers and “amateurs”. Now, ahead of Basel’s Fasnacht, authorities have imposed a ban on open flames in certain “clique”-cellar establishments. The thoroughness of fire safety inspections in restaurants, cafés and bars varies widely across Switzerland, with notable differences between cantons. In Jura and Geneva, inspectors undergo a mandatory one-week training course followed by an exam before qualifying as fire safety specialists. In smaller municipalities of canton Neuchâtel, inspections may be carried out by elected members of the local legislature. These officials are responsible only for buildings deemed low risk, venues not exceeding a capacity of 300 people. Training in such cases may last just one or two days, supplemented by periodic refresher courses. “They work with a checklist,” Pascal Chapuisod, mayor of Boudry and head of security told Swiss public broadcaster, RTS. “They check that emergency exits and stairwells are clear, and that firefighters can access the building.” As awareness grows, several municipalities are now looking to hire private-sector specialists, according to RTS. Crans-Montana itself has reportedly commissioned an external company to support inspections. The deadly New Year’s Day fire continues to shape safety measures across Switzerland. Ahead of Basel’s carnival on February 23, cantonal fire authorities announced they would inspect publicly accessible cellars in addition to carrying out random checks during the festivities. A fire ban has also been imposed on these establishments. ­

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The full article with video by Swiss public broadcaster, RTS   The 20 Minuten article on the same topic    The article on preventative measure in anticipation of the Basel carnival ­ The Swiss love to travel, especially to far away locations. Keystone / Andreas Becker ­ ­ Where are you planning your next trip, dear Swiss Abroad? I’ll be heading to Marseille in February for the sea urchin festival – winter being peak season for many seafood delicacies. Travel within Switzerland is losing ground. The number of Swiss residents spending their holidays at home is declining. So where are they going instead? The Swiss appetite for travel remains strong, with both short breaks and long-haul trips on the rise. On average, Swiss residents are planning more than two trips abroad per person in 2026, according to a report published late last year. Swiss travellers are increasingly drawn to distant destinations, says Andrea Beffa, CEO of the Swiss Travel Association, in an interview with SRF. Asia is particularly popular, with Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan topping the trend lists. Mediterranean destinations are also making a comeback, with Greece high on the list. For European trips of under six hours, trains are gaining ground as a preferred mode of transport. Beffa notes that Swiss travellers tend to favour independent travel and close contact with local culture. She does not expect significant price rises but advises booking early “to secure a good deal”. ­

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Read or listen to the full interview on SRF

The Keystone-SDA news report on Swissinfo

­ ­ ­ Picture of the day ­ Afp Or Licensors ­ Soldiers carrying weather balloons walk through the snow during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on January 22, 2026. ­

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­ 22/01/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, Once again today, the world’s attention was on Davos and the World Economic Forum. After Donald Trump made headlines at home and abroad with his speech yesterday, he followed up today by unveiling his controversial “Peace Council”.   Switzerland and most European countries are not among the signatories. Much remains unclear, said Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis today, as he gave the media an initial assessment of his meetings and impressions at the WEF.   Good reading! ­ ­ Claire Micallef ­ Journalist ­ ­ ­ Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis: "The world is so uncertain that the need for more dialogue is enormous." Keystone / Laurent Gillieron ­ ­ This morning, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis took stock of his encounters and impressions at the World Economic Forum in Davos – and spoke in clear terms. “The world is so uncertain that there is an enormous need for more dialogue,” Cassis told the media. He described a “struggle for meaning” at the WEF, while stressing that much remains unclear. For Cassis, this is his ninth WEF – and he said it feels like a completely new world. “Nothing is definite, which is incredibly difficult for Switzerland.” Cassis also commented on Trump’s speech at the WEF yesterday and his remarks about Switzerland and former Swiss president Karin Keller-Sutter. “It is unacceptable to be treated like that,” he said. Although Switzerland was not the only country targeted, he added that this was little consolation. The Federal Council has raised the issue with those responsible. Trump himself formally launched his “Peace Council” in Davos today. Aside from Hungary, Bulgaria and Kosovo, no European countries are among the initial signatories. Critics view the body as an attack on the United Nations. For Cassis, many aspects of the initiative remain unclear. Originally, the Council was part of a peace plan for Gaza, which Switzerland continues to support, he told the media. However, this link is not reflected in the written documents, which suggest the initiative could have a far broader scope. The Swiss government will now examine the matter, Cassis said. The arrival of Volodymyr Zelensky at the WEF also drew considerable attention today. After a meeting with Trump, the US president told reporters that his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin was that the war in Ukraine must end. ­

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The article on CH Media   The WEF ticker at SRF ­ Once again there is criticism. This time it's not about the F-35 fighter jet itself, but about the infrastructure required for it. Keystone / Christian Beutler ­ ­ Once again, the procurement of American-made F-35 fighter jets is raising red flags. This time, however, the criticism is not aimed at the aircraft itself, but at the infrastructure required to operate it. According to the defence ministry, the first F-35 is scheduled to be delivered to Switzerland in mid-2027. To deploy the aircraft, new infrastructure will be needed, including hangars and simulator facilities for pilot training. The conversion of the three military airfields must therefore be completed on time – something the Swiss Federal Audit Office (FAO) is now questioning. Construction work at Payerne airbase, for example, began six months late. At the other two bases, Meiringen and Emmen, delays already amount to around a year. Reassurance comes from the Federal Armaments Office, Armasuisse: construction projects and aircraft commissioning are being coordinated, said Marcel Adam, head of the real estate division responsible for the projects. There is also criticism over costs. Parliament approved a credit of CHF120 million ($151.5 million) in 2022, but the conversion projects are now expected to cost around CHF200 million. The defence ministry explains that the original estimate was made three years before the F-35 was selected and therefore without detailed knowledge of operational and maintenance requirements. A supplementary credit will be required and is expected to be submitted this year. ­

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The article on SRF   CH Media, the Tages-Anzeiger and the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) have also reported on the topic (paywall)   From our archives: Renewed controversy in Switzerland over US fighter jets – explained ­ People can visit and live in the mountain village of Brienz in Graubünden again from Monday. Keystone / Gian Ehrenzeller ­ ­ After more than a year, residents of Brienz are being allowed back into their homes. The entry ban and evacuation have been lifted, the municipality of Albula announced today. The mountain village in canton Graubünden had been threatened by rockfall for months. Last November, parts of the Plateau Ost broke off and thundered into the valley, pushing debris ahead of them. Since then, however, the mountain has stabilised and the situation is no longer considered dangerous, according to data analysed by a team of geologists. The return will take place in two phases. From Friday night, the so-called orange phase applies, allowing residents to stay overnight in the village again for the first time. On Monday, the green phase begins, lifting the entry ban entirely – including for visitors. According to the municipal bulletin, agricultural land may again be cultivated freely, and the PostBus connection between Lenzerheide and Davos will once more run via Brienz from Monday. Initial reactions are already coming in. “People are really looking forward to returning,” Christian Gartmann from the Albula Alvra municipal management team told Swiss public broadcaster, SRF. It remains to be seen how many residents will return on Monday and how many will settle back in Brienz permanently. ­

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The report on SRF   The article in the Tages-Anzeiger ­ According to the Swiss foreign ministry, almost half of the Swiss pensioners who died abroad were living in Thailand. Keystone / Gian Ehrenzeller ­ ­ More and more Swiss pensioners are emigrating after retirement – a decision that can also bring administrative challenges, particularly in the event of death. According to Blick, the Swiss foreign ministry provided assistance in 321 such cases in 2024 – a record. One reason is demographic change: older people are more mobile, travel more and are therefore more frequently exposed to medical emergencies abroad. Almost half of the Swiss pensioners who died abroad were living in Thailand, the foreign ministry said. “The Swiss foreign ministry provides support in locating relatives so that they can take care of the funeral and the administrative steps involved in settling the estate.” Who pays for this assistance? If Swiss nationals die in their country of residence abroad, the local authorities there are generally responsible, Blick writes. If the Swiss foreign ministry nevertheless has to step in to provide support, the costs are charged. If death occurs outside the country of residence, for example while travelling, assistance is provided free of charge. Support is not limited to cases of death. If Swiss nationals abroad fall seriously ill, develop dementia or lose their capacity for judgement, they may lack sufficient support in their country of residence. In such cases, Swiss representations step in and provide organisational assistance, for example for re-registration in Switzerland. ­

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The article in Blick   From our archive: The question of transporting the body back to Switzerland   From our archive: What to consider with inheritance across national borders ­ Translated using AI/amva ­

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­ Picture of the day ­ Keystone / AP ­ Media frenzy at the World Economic Forum: Journalists ask questions to President Donald Trump, as he walks up a stairwell. ­

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­ 26/01/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, Switzerland normally enjoys good relations with its neighbours. However, the situation with Rome has become tenser in recent weeks. At the weekend, Italy recalled its ambassador to Switzerland over the Crans-Montana tragedy. Find out why in today’s news briefing. Today’s selection also takes a look at Vaud lawmakers, some of whom have been accused of problematic alcohol consumption during parliamentary sessions. Enjoy today's selection, ­ ­ The owner of the Le Constellation bar, Jacques Moretti, on his way to a Valais court hearing on January 9. Keystone / Alessandro Della Valle ­ ­ Italy summoned its ambassador to Switzerland back to Rome at the weekend in protest at the release of Jacques Moretti, the owner of the Le Constellation bar, who had been in custody for the ongoing Swiss investigation into the devastating New Year’s Eve fire. Three weeks after the tragic fire, Crans-Montana remains a widely followed and highly emotional issue in Italy, which was badly affected by the blaze; six Italians died out of a total of 40, and more than a dozen were seriously injured, out of a total of 116. Jacques Moretti’s recent release from custody is not going down well in Italy. “This is an act that constitutes a real affront to the feelings of the families who have lost their children,” commented Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on the social media platform X. Recalling an ambassador is a powerful diplomatic statement, but one that is rare. According to the Swiss public broadcaster RTS, the last time an ambassador posted to Switzerland was recalled was in 2009. Tel Aviv applied this measure to protest against a meeting in Geneva between the Swiss president and his Iranian counterpart. The only other recorded case dates back to the 1930s, when the USSR protested against the acquittal of the killer of a Soviet diplomat in Lausanne. For its part, Switzerland has twice recalled its ambassador: to denounce the Syrian regime in 2011 and the execution of trade unionists by the Franco regime in 1975. Swiss officials have reacted diplomatically to Italy’s recall, demanding further explanations. In Rome, the Swiss ambassador explained that the fact that an accused person remains free as long as he or she has not been convicted is a fundamental principle of Swiss criminal law, and that the judiciary acts independently. Swiss President Guy Parmelin has also insisted on the separation of powers but expressed his understanding of the Italian point of view. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, for his part, assured his Italian counterpart that Switzerland, too, intends to get to the bottom of this tragedy. ­

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Article on SRF about Italy giving Switzerland a "yellow card" Same article on Watson Article on RTS on Swiss official reaction Article on RTS about Italy summoning ambassador Crans-Montana news on Blick ­ Guy Parmelin met Ursula von der Leyen at the WEF in Davos last week. Keystone / Laurent Gillieron ­ ­ Bern has lodged an official complaint with Rome over an Italian bill designed to benefit European machine manufacturers. Switzerland’s machine industry is a major pillar of its export sector and Italy’s move is seen as direct discrimination against Swiss companies. Economics Minister Guy Parmelin described Italy's new rules in favour of European manufacturers as "worrying", prompting the Swiss government’s reaction. In an interview in the NZZ am Sonntag, Parmelin said he had personally raised the issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen when they met at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos last week. The new Italian rules, which could come into force at the end of January if no solution is found, would come on top of heavy tariffs that the European Union has erected to protect its steel sector. “I have made it clear that this is not acceptable,” Parmelin told the Sunday newspaper, which said such a development gave ammunition to the opponents of the Bilaterals III, which "is not pleasant for the Federal Council". In the interview, Parmelin also spoke about his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the WEF. While he refused to comment on what Trump had said, he said the talks had gone well, pointing out that "the tone was very different from that of Trump's speech". ­ ­ Vaud cantonal parliament. Keystone / Cyril Zingaro ­ ­ A debate over alcohol consumption in the Vaud parliament is back in the news after a young Green lawmaker called for it to be regulated. Oleg Gafner wants to introduce an alcohol limit on parliamentarians that is similar to that imposed on drivers. He argues that alcohol can impair the quality of parliamentary debates and the ability to vote conscientiously. His motion calls for a rule prohibiting the over-consumption of alcohol during parliamentary working hours. The blood alcohol limit of cantonal lawmakers should not exceed 0.5 per thousand, it says. However, the text does not specify how this limit can be enforced. Swiss public television, RTS, visited the Vaud parliament to find out more. Several lawmakers confirmed that certain behaviour is problematic, citing confused speeches or inappropriate remarks linked to alcohol. Other politicians disputed this, saying that parlimentarians were serious and that the image of people spending too much time in the parliament bar was a thing of the past. Gafner's motion will be debated on Tuesday. It will be a Swiss first if it is accepted, as no cantonal parliament has ever formally regulated this issue. ­

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RTS article RTS Mise au point reportage ­ The situation in Switzerland's refugee reception centres eased slightly last year. Keystone / Christian Beutler ­ ­ The number of new asylum applications in Switzerland continued to fall in 2025, down 7.1% compared to the previous year. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) registered 25,781 applications, mainly from Afghan, Eritrean and Turkish nationals. Other applications, linked to births, family reunifications or repeat applications, accounted for almost 4,800 cases. For 2026, the authorities predict around 25,000 applications, a figure closely linked to the situation in Turkey and the Mediterranean migration route. Departures from Switzerland have also changed. Voluntary departures increased slightly last year, with 2,548 people returning voluntarily to their own country or to a third country. Compulsory repatriations rose to 2,400 people. But transfers to “Dublin countries” fell significantly, along with special deportation flights. Overall immigration is slowing. The permanent resident foreign population rose again, but less strongly than in 2024. Net immigration amounted to 75,000 people, a decline of 10% covering both EU/EFTA and non-EU nationals. At the same time, emigration rose: almost 83,000 people left the country. A total of 2.4 million foreign nationals were living in Switzerland at the end of 2025. ­

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Article in 20 minutes Official statement by SEM ­ Translated from French using AI/sb ­

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­ Picture of the week ­ Keystone / Laurent Gillieron ­ US President Donald Trump gestures after a signing ceremony on his “Board of Peace” charter at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Thursday. (Keystone/Laurent Gillieron) ­

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­ 27/01/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, The flow of news surrounding the Crans-Montana tragedy continues. Deleted video recordings are now raising fresh questions about the New Year’s Eve fire.   Meanwhile in Ticino, parliament is turning to its strongest oversight tool. A parliamentary commission of inquiry is to examine the “Hospita” affair and shed light on possible political entanglements. ­ ­ Melanie Eichenberger ­ Community journalist ­ ­ ­ In Crans-Montana, there are around 250 cameras in the village - only six hours of the Silver Star night were secured (symbol image). Keystone / Jean-Christophe Bott ­ ­ Unanswered questions continue to multiply in the investigation into the Crans-Montana fire disaster. As the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) reports today, video recordings from at least 250 public surveillance cameras were deleted – despite being potentially central to the investigation. According to the NZZ, the municipal police of Crans-Montana no longer have access to public surveillance footage from around New Year’s Eve. While the cantonal police secured recordings from January 1 between midnight and 6am, additional footage from December 31 and later hours has since been deleted. The fire at the Le Constellation bar broke out at 1:26am. The public prosecutor’s office reportedly requested further footage only on January 15 – after the automatic deletion period of seven days had elapsed. The deletion also raises legal concerns. Municipal police regulations require recordings to be retained for investigative purposes. Cantonal data protection guidelines and federal court practice further allow storage periods of up to 100 days in criminal cases. It remains unclear whether the municipal police assumed their mandate had been fulfilled once the six-hour window had been secured by cantonal authorities. Crans-Montana is considered a pioneer of video surveillance in canton Valais and has long highlighted its benefits. Private video surveillance at the bar raises additional questions. The owner couple stated that the system had failed shortly before the fire. This is contradicted by a police report, which explicitly cites video footage from inside the bar to reconstruct events. Research by Swiss public broadcaster RTS also suggests that the premises were already in a precarious condition days earlier: video and audio messages show ceiling elements coming loose and being fixed with makeshift materials. These recordings are now regarded as key evidence by lawyers representing the victims’ families. ­

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The investigation by the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, NZZ (paywall)   Swiss public broadcaster RTS reports on the foam installation in the Constellation that detached from the ceiling   ‘Crans-Montana blaze exposes cracks in Switzerland’s image’: article on Swissinfo

The Keystone-SDA news report on Swissinfo

­ The PUK is to investigate the extent to which the two Lega members were involved. Keystone / Karl Mathis ­ ­ Ticino’s parliament has activated its most powerful oversight instrument. On Monday, lawmakers approved the creation of a parliamentary commission of inquiry (PUK) to conduct a political investigation into the “Hospita” affair. The decision passed with 66 votes in favour – a rare step in Ticino. Former cantonal parliamentarian Sabrina Aldi and current lawmaker Norman Gobbi are central figures in the case. Both belonged to the Lega party at the time. The inquiry will examine whether political office was used to advance private business interests, Swiss public broadcaster SRF reports. At the heart of the case is the election of a public prosecutor in March 2024. Aldi, then vice-president of the justice commission, proposed Alvaro Camponovo as the Lega’s sole candidate without disclosing that he was the son of her direct superior at Hospita. Camponovo was subsequently elected. Ticino media report that a business lunch involving Lega representatives, Hospita managers and Camponovo took place in October 2023. Shortly afterwards, Aldi joined Hospita and Camponovo was formally nominated by the party. Criminal proceedings are running alongside the political inquiry. The former head of Hospita is accused of embezzlement and the company is now in receivership. Gobbi’s role has also drawn criticism: he is accused of initiating an internal party investigation before official inquiries began. According to SRF, critics argue this may have been an attempt to influence a sensitive network linking politics, business and the judiciary. ­

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The Swiss public broadcaster, SRF report   Swiss public broadcaster, RSI also reports on the establishment of the PUK

The Keystone-SDA news report on Swissinfo

­ The Swiss franc is still considered a safe haven. Keystone / Gaetan Bally ­ ­ The Swiss franc is gaining ground, benefiting from rising uncertainty on global financial markets. As the Luzerner Zeitung reports, investors are once again seeking safe havens amid political turmoil in the United States. Over the past year, the US dollar has lost more than 14% of its value against the Swiss franc. In recent days alone, it has fallen by more than 2%. At the same time, gold prices have reached a new record high of over $5,000 (CHF6,484) per troy ounce (the standard mass unit for precious metals in industry and in trade) – another signal of investors’ retreat from the dollar. According to the Luzerner Zeitung, the latest market movements are driven less by monetary policy than by political uncertainty under US President Donald Trump. Tensions with allies, renewed tariff threats and unilateral foreign policy moves have fuelled doubts about the United States’ economic reliability. Expectations of falling US interest rates are adding further pressure on the dollar. The market reaction recalls Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” in spring 2025, when abruptly announced tariffs sent the dollar tumbling. Economists are warning of a lasting loss of confidence. For many investors, the US is no longer seen as a stable anchor – unlike the Swiss franc, which is once again in strong demand as a safe haven. ­

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The report in the Luzerner Zeitung (paywall)

The Keystone-SDA news report on Swissinfo

­ A resident of Brienz brings belongings back to his house. Keystone / Gian Ehrenzeller ­ ­ After more than a year, residents of Brienz/Brinzauls are finally returning home. The municipality had already announced last week that the evacuation order would be lifted. The roughly 80 residents are now allowed back after geologists gave the all-clear. Municipal president Daniel Albertin spoke of “great relief” but urged continued caution. On the ground, the village remains quiet, as a report by Swiss public broadcaster SRF shows. Many shutters are still closed and only a handful of residents have returned so far. The long months of absence have reshaped lives and plans. Some returnees are collecting belongings or visiting family graves, while others remain hesitant. “Brienz is accessible again – but the new beginning is proceeding carefully and cautiously,” SRF reports. ­

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The report from Swiss public broadcaster, SRF

The Keystone-SDA news report on Swissinfo

From our archives: ‘Why do Swiss mountains collapse? It’s complicated’ ­ Translated using AI/amva/ts ­

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­ Picture of the day ­ Keystone / Michael Buholzer ­ Emergency services from Protection and Rescue Zurich dismantle parts of the historic Freemasons’ Centre near the Lindenhof in Zurich’s old town on Monday. The building, which was severely damaged by a fire overnight, remains at risk of collapse. ­

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­ 28/01/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, It is rare for all political parties in the Swiss parliament to be in agreement. Yet this is precisely what is happening in the wake of the international, diplomatic and political fallout from the deadly fire in Crans-Montana. Day by day, relations with Rome are becoming more strained.   One decision that is far less likely to command broad consensus, however, is the federal government’s announcement today that it intends to raise VAT to finance an armaments fund.   Happy reading! ­ ­ Zeno Zoccatelli ­ Journalist ­ ­ ­ The currently planned financial resources are no longer in line with the reality of the armaments market, the government estimates. Keystone / Andreas Becker ­ ­ The Swiss federal government has decided to temporarily increase value added tax (VAT) from 2028 for a period of ten years. The aim is to replenish an armaments fund and significantly strengthen Switzerland’s security and defence capabilities. According to the government, additional resources of around CHF31 billion ($40.4 billion) will be needed for civilian entities performing security-related tasks, as well as for the army. The planned VAT increase amounts to 0.8 percentage points. The Swiss federal government has therefore instructed the defence ministry to prepare a draft proposal for consultation by the end of March. “The world has become more unstable and less secure,” the government writes. “Switzerland is also affected by these developments and is already confronted with hybrid forms of conflict, including cyberattacks and disinformation.” The currently planned increase in military spending – reaching 1% of GDP by 2032 – is considered insufficient to ensure the protection of the population and to avoid Switzerland becoming “a security risk within the European defence architecture”. ­

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The articles by Swiss public broadcaster, SRF, RSI and RTS   “Value added tax: the Swiss government’s all-purpose tool” article on Swissinfo   The press release by the Swiss federal government ­ Italian ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. ­ ­ Last week, Rome recalled its ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, following the news of the release of the Le Constellation bar owner Jacques Moretti from detention. Italy has made the return of its ambassador to Switzerland conditional on the creation of a joint investigation team into the New Year’s Eve fire in Crans-Montana. Italy’s conditions to Switzerland have sparked strong reactions across the Swiss political spectrum. Lawmakers from all major parties have expressed indignation, with some describing the move as “blackmail”. “These are very serious threats to the rule of law, unworthy of relations between Western states,” said left-wing Social Democratic Party parliamentarian Jessica Jaccoud. Critical voices have also come from the right-wing Swiss People’s Party: “Italy’s demand is absurd. Cooperation is possible, but exerting political pressure in this way seems completely inappropriate,” said parliamentarian Piero Marchesi. Centre Party parliamentarian Giorgio Fonio struck a similar note: “Giorgia Meloni is speaking to her electorate. This affair may be being instrumentalised for electoral purposes – and that is problematic.” Other parliamentarians have called for restraint and support the Swiss federal government’s cautious approach. The Swiss foreign ministry has reiterated the importance of the separation of powers, stressing that the case falls under the responsibility of the Valais cantonal judiciary. The cantonal authorities in Valais are expected to respond to Italy’s request for cooperation, which had been submitted before the ambassador’s recall, by the end of the week. ­

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The article by Swiss public broadcaster, RTS and SRF   An in-depth look at the tensions between Rome and Bern by Swiss public broadcaster, RSI   "We have confidence in the Swiss justice system," a French public officer tells Blick  “Crans-Montana blaze exposes cracks in Switzerland’s image”: the article by Swissinfo ­ The non-payment of benefits causes further difficulties for many people who are already in a precarious economic situation. Keystone / Gaetan Bally ­ ­ The rollout of a new IT system at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) at the beginning of January is causing delays in the payment of unemployment benefits across Switzerland. According to Swiss public broadcaster RTS, the situation is affecting hundreds, possibly thousands, of households, in some cases with serious consequences. The new software, SIPAC 2.0, has suffered major technical problems since its launch, delaying the processing of claims by unemployment offices. As a result, jobseekers in all cantons are not receiving benefits on time. “I couldn’t pay my December rent,” an unemployed woman from Fribourg told RTS. “Fortunately, my husband could cover it, but I’ve already received reminders for other bills, with additional fees.” Many others are in a similar situation. There is no formal avenue of appeal, as neither the federal government nor cantonal authorities can be held liable for late payments, RTS explains. Those affected are advised to seek understanding from creditors or, if necessary, apply for social welfare assistance. SECO says the technical problems are being addressed and insists that benefit payments are guaranteed. However, SECO acknowledges that several thousand people may continue to face delays until the system is fully stabilised. According to staff members at the unemployment office cited by RTS, this could still take several months. ­

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The article by Swiss public broadcaster, RTS   The news reported by Corriere del Ticino and Blick

The article by Le Temps (paywall)

"Little self-criticism from SECO", the article by Swiss public broadcaster, SRF ­ Sanija Ameti and her lawyer on their way to the courtroom, January 28. Keystone / Claudio Thoma ­ ­ The Zurich district court has found Zurich city councillor and former Liberal Green Party member Sanija Ameti guilty of disturbing freedom of belief and religion. In 2024, Ameti fired around 20 shots at an image depicting the Madonna and Child and later posted a photograph of the bullet-riddled page on Instagram. The court imposed a suspended monetary penalty of 60 day fines of CHF50 ($65) in lieu of prison, a lighter sentence than the 100 day fines of CHF100 and additional fine of over CHF2,500 that the prosecution had asked for. According to the indictment, the public staging of the shooting was unjustifiably derogatory and offensive to millions of Christians and risked disturbing religious peace. Although Ameti had quickly deleted the post and issued an apology, the images had already gone viral and were widely shared by the media. The incident also had political and professional consequences. Ameti lost her job at a public relations agency, and Liberal Green Party president Jürg Grossen called for her expulsion. She ultimately left the party of her own accord last January. ­

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The article by Swiss public broadcaster, SRF ­ Translated using AI/amva ­

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­ Picture of the day ­ Keystone / Claudio Thoma ­ Work underway in Adliswil (canton of Zurich) to expand the high-voltage grid supplying the city of Zurich from the south. ­

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­ 29/01/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, As my colleague predicted yesterday, disagreements are indeed emerging across the political spectrum over the defence minister’s proposed VAT increase. Defence needs strengthening, but who should foot the bill? An eternal question on Switzerland’s political battlefield.   Also in money news, taking the pulse of the economy: The Swiss watch industry continues to struggle, while Swiss exports hit record highs in 2025 – and rents keep climbing.   Sunny regards from Bern

­ ­ Alexandra Andrist ­ Team Swiss Abroad ­ ­

­ How will the government fund Switzerland’s defence costs? Keystone / Anthony Anex ­ ­ Switzerland’s political parties are divided over the proposed 0.8 percentage point increase in value added tax (VAT), though their objections (and alternatives) differ widely. Yesterday’s briefing covered the federal government’s decision to commission a draft proposal for consultation by the end of March, calling for a temporary ten-year VAT increase from 2028. Now the parties have also made their positions known. The defence minister appears to have the backing of his Centre Party. Party president Philipp Matthias Bregy told the Tages Anzeiger that a VAT increase would be preferable to higher national debt. The party’s vice-president, Yvonne Bürgin, however, stressed that essentials such as food and medicine should not be affected. The Swiss People’s Party, Social Democrats and Radical-Liberal Party all oppose a higher VAT, but for very different reasons. The Swiss People’s Party doubts the increase would remain “temporary”, pointing to the federal tax introduced in 1940. Instead, it calls for cuts to asylum spending, development aid and federal personnel. The Social Democrats focus their criticism on Switzerland’s long-term dependency on the US defence sector. The Radical-Liberal Party, meanwhile, wants broader action beyond defence financing alone. “Switzerland must finally react. Railway lines are being sabotaged in Poland, drones are circling over Munich and Putin is becoming increasingly aggressive,” said Radical-Liberal parliamentarian Heinz Theiler at yesterday’s press conference. One point of consensus remains: Switzerland needs to better protect itself against future security threats. How to finance that protection is far from settled. ­

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A recap in yesterday’s briefing     The article on Swiss public broadcaster, SRF   More quotes from politicians as well as a heated debate in the comment section on 20 Minuten   The live-ticker from yesterday’s press conference in the Tages Anzeiger ­ While Swiss exports performed exceptionally well in 2025, the watch industry struggled. Keystone / Peter Klaunzer ­ ­ From punitive Liberation Day tariffs, to a trade surplus in Washington’s favour, and now record Swiss exports in 2025: An economic saga. During a bilateral meeting with the US delegation at the WEF last week, Economics Minister Guy Parmelin, who also holds Switzerland’s rotating presidency this year, announced a trade surplus of $8.8 billion (CHF6.96 billion) in favour of the United States. Despite the American tariffs, Swiss exports showed no sign of slowing. The Federal Office for Customs reported yesterday that total exports rose by 1.4% in 2025, reaching a record CHF287 billion. Exports to the US also grew, up 3.9% compared with 2024. What is likely to displease US president Trump, however, is the decline in Swiss imports from the US, which fell by 5.7%. Export growth was driven mainly by pharmaceuticals and chemical products, which accounted for 53% of all Swiss exports in 2025. There is, however, disappointment for Swiss watch enthusiasts (our team lead Sam Jaberg among them) – Swiss watch exports fell by 1.7%. "US trade policy weighed heavily on the sector’s exports to its largest market, marking an end to the steady growth seen over recent years," the Swiss watch industry association said in a press release. China remains the biggest concern, with exports down by more than a third over the past two years and no recovery expected in 2026. ­

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The Swiss Federal Office for Customs press release The Keystone-SDA news report Roche’s 2025 revenue on Swissinfo   The Keystone-SDA news report on falling watch exports on Swissinfo ­ Rail upgrades on the horizon: Which regions in Switzerland stand to benefit most? Keystone / Gaetan Bally ­ ­ Road and rail: An unlikely union. For the first time, the Swiss government plans to bundle rail, road and urban transport into a single proposal. A VAT surcharge here is also being floated to help fund the package. Transport Minister Albert Rösti presented plans at a press conference yesterday, including improved rail links within the French-speaking region, 15-minute interval connections between Bern and Zurich, and more reliable regional services. On the roads, the government wants to prioritise projects that can be implemented quickly. More than 30 motorway projects are set to be dropped. To ease congestion, authorities plan to rely instead on operational measures, such as temporarily opening emergency lanes to regular traffic. The reactions from across the country are mostly positive with the eastern and central regions pleased with the projects set to be implemented. Fabian Peter, director of Public Works for canton Lucerne, said it was “a good day for central Switzerland”. However, Bern cantonal authorities regret the lack of commitment to build the Bern-East bypass in the coming decades. To finance rail upgrades, the government proposes extending the VAT surcharge that supports the Rail Infrastructure Fund (BIF) beyond 2030. This could generate an additional CHF8 billion ($10 billion) by 2045, bringing the total rail expansion budget to CHF24 billion. A public consultation is due to begin in June. ­

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An in-depth overview on Swiss public broadcaster, SRF The report in the Handelszeitung From our archives: “How to behave on a Swiss train” Take part in the debate: “Should public transport be more affordable and more subsidised?” ­ Not the postcard view many expect of Switzerland: High rental costs mean making sacrifices. Keystone / Alessandro Della Bella ­ ­ Location, location, location – the three golden rules of real estate. But rising costs in Switzerland are forcing renters to look elsewhere. Would you prefer life in the mountains, by a lake, in a city centre, or, like more than 800,000 Swiss citizens, perhaps abroad? For many, the dream postcode simply doesn’t match the available bank balance. What is the average rental cost of Zurich’s ‘gold coast’? Watson has compiled data showing the most and least expensive rental locations in Switzerland. According to the figures, the average rent for a three-room (two bedrooms and a living room) apartment ranges from CHF890 ($1,159) in Bonfol (canton Jura) to more than CHF4,750 ($6,187) in Agra (canton Ticino). There are also significant differences between major urban centres: A four-room apartment costs just under CHF2,100 in the centres of Aarau and Thun, but almost CHF5,000 in Zurich’s city centre. As Watson notes, “the rise in housing costs in Switzerland seems unstoppable”. Rents rose across the country by 2.3% in 2025, after already experiencing increases in 2024 and 2023 by 3.2% and 4.7% respectively. In some cantons, rents jumped by as much as 10%. One interesting development noted by Watson is that in many Swiss towns and villages, not a single rental advertisement appeared in 2025 – another symptom of the housing shortage that Switzerland has been suffering from for several years. Personally, I will occasionally play the lottery in the hopes of one day securing my lakeside villa. ­

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The full article and interactive map on Watson   Articles on the topic from our archives: “New arrivals make do with the dregs of the Zurich’s housing market” and “Housing shortages – what works and what doesn’t”

­ Picture of the day ­ Keystone / Claudio Thoma ­ Work underway in Adliswil (canton of Zurich) to expand the high-voltage grid supplying the city of Zurich from the south. ­ ­ ­ The SWIplus app: your connection to Switzerland ­ Your quick and easy access to the most important news and information from Switzerland. ­ ­ Read more + ­

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­ 30/01/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, Do you know how you plan to vote for the four national proposals – the SBC initiative, the climate fund initiative, the "Cash is freedom" initiative and on individual taxation – on March 8?   The first SBC survey, which was published today, offers an early snapshot of what to expect on the year’s first voting Sunday. It suggests that clear majorities are already emerging for three of the four proposals.   Good reading! ­ ­ Claire Micallef ­ Journalist ­ ­ ­ A view inside an SBC media room: Information Minister Albert Rösti speaks out against the media licence fee reduction initiative. Keystone / Peter Klaunzer ­ ­ On March 8, Switzerland will vote on four very different proposals. According to the first SBC vote poll, clear majorities are emerging for the climate fund initiative, the "Cash is freedom" initiative and on individual taxation. The SBC initiative, however, remains wide open. The poll was commissioned by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (Swissinfo’s parent company) and conducted in mid-January by the gfs.bern research institute. It shows that, at first glance, the SBC initiative – which aims to reduce the licence fee for the SBC from CHF335 to CHF200 ($260) – may be rejected (52% are against the proposal). “But with a margin of error of 3%, the rejection rate could also be as low as 49%,” cautions gfs.bern political scientist Martina Mousson, warning against drawing early conclusions. It is worth noting that voting intentions among Swiss Abroad and voters in Switzerland are very similar regarding this initiative. According to gfs.bern, opinions on the SBC initiative are already relatively fixed. The decisive factor may therefore no longer be persuasion, but which camp succeeds in mobilising its supporters. The picture is clearer for individual taxation – the abolition of the so-called “marriage penalty”. The proposal enjoys majority support across the political spectrum. Swiss citizens abroad are even more favourable, with 74% backing the change. Support was also high for the "Cash is freedom" initiative, with 65% in favour. However, Mousson notes that opinions here are less stable than for the other proposals. The outlook is different for the climate fund initiative, which appears unlikely to succeed. “If an initiative does not have majority support at the start of the campaign, it has usually already failed,” says gfs.bern’s Lukas Golder. ­

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The Swissinfo article on the first SBC survey   Blick, CH-Media and Swiss public broadcaster, SRF have also reported on the topic   You can find a summary of the four proposals from March 8 on Swissinfo ­ People mourn the death of Alex Pretti, a nurse who was shot by two federal officers following his refusal to move out of the street after being ordered by a customs officer. Keystone / EPA / Craig Lassig ­ ­ Since federal officers fatally shot a US citizen in Minneapolis last weekend, global attention has been focused on the Minnesota city. How are Swiss citizens in the region experiencing events on the ground? Karin Stricker and David Mörker, two Swiss expatriates who have lived in Minnesota for decades, describe their experiences to the Tages-Anzeiger – from notably different perspectives. “We fight back wherever we can,” says Stricker, who emigrated to Minneapolis 25 years ago and now lives there with her American husband. “As soon as an ICE vehicle turns into the street, the whistling starts – whistle brigades against ICE authorities.” Many residents carry whistles, she says, and every encounter is filmed and documented. Stricker herself avoids protests. “My green card expires in two years. I don’t want to risk my residence permit under any circumstances.” Her husband, however, regularly takes part in demonstrations. “It’s important to us that people in Switzerland understand what conditions are like in Minneapolis,” she says. “We are not ‘heading towards a fascist regime’ – we are already living in one.” Mörker, president of the Twin Cities Swiss American Association for 21 years and a board member of Swiss Community in America, strikes a more neutral tone. “I’m there for everyone. I stay neutral and try to keep the church in the village,” he says. For Mörker, the two major parties “function almost like sects”. “There is little rational debate. You are expected to take one side or the other, without nuance.” This, he says, fuels irreconcilability and aggression. His wish is that people in Minneapolis sit around a table and listen to all voices – “not only those from their own bubble”. ­

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The article in the Tages Anzeiger

The article on Swiss public broadcaster, SRF

The article in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) ­ Commemorating the victims of the Crans-Montana fire disaster: Swiss ski star Marco Odermatt lays a rose during the downhill training in the Swiss resort. Keystone / Jean-Christophe Bott ­ ­ World Cup Alpine ski races have been taking place in Crans-Montana under special circumstances following the fire disaster a month ago. On Friday, the women’s downhill had to be cancelled after three crashes. The decision to cancel the race was taken after less than an hour. It had been snowing heavily in Crans-Montana, and only three of the six racers who started reached the finish. The other three – Austria’s Nina Ortlieb, Norway’s Marte Monsen and US skier Lindsey Vonn – crashed. A super-G is scheduled for Saturday in canton Valais. At the time of writing, however, it was still unclear whether the race could go ahead due to the poor weather conditions. The World Cup events in Crans-Montana have become a delicate balancing act between mourning and sport in the wake of the New Year’s Eve fire tragedy. Light grey posters replaced the usual colourful advertising at the finish area, bearing the message “Our thoughts are with you” in four languages. Daniel Bollinger of the organising committee told Swiss public broadcaster SRF that cancelling the races had been discussed in advance. The decision was ultimately made to proceed, but without festivities or loud race celebrations, he said. Crans-Montana tourism director Bruno Huggler added: “There can be positive emotions without forgetting the tragedy of New Year’s Eve.” ­

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The article on the cancelled race at Watson

The article on Swiss public broadcaster, SRF

20 Minuten captured the atmosphere before the ski races in Crans-Montana ­ The Swatch watch group has suffered a massive slump in profits. Keystone / Peter Klaunzer ­ ­ The Swatch Group has endured a difficult year, reporting significantly lower sales and profits for 2025. Sales fell by 5.9% year on year to CHF6.28 billion ($8.17 billion), the company announced on Friday. Operating profit dropped from CHF304 million to CHF135 million, leaving a margin of just 2.1%. Net profit totalled CHF25 million – a decline of 89%. According to Swiss public broadcaster SRF, weak demand in China and Asia more broadly is the main reason for the downturn. The watch business in the region had already struggled in the first half of the year, a trend now reflected in the full-year results. The Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) also points to foreign trade figures, showing that watch exports were hit hard by Switzerland’s punitive tariffs in 2025. Despite the slump, Swatch plans to pay shareholders a dividend of CHF4.50 per bearer share, unchanged from the previous year. The group remains cautiously optimistic, citing positive momentum in the second half of the year and acceleration in the final quarter. This trend continued into January, it said. For 2026, Swatch expects “positive development in sales and volumes”. ­

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The article in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ)   Swiss public broadcaster, SRF and the Tages Anzeiger also reported ­ Translated using AI/amva/sb ­

How we translate with AI We use automatic translation tools, such as DeepL and Google Translate, for some content.   Each translated article is carefully reviewed by a journalist for accuracy. Using translation tools gives us the time for more in-depth articles.    Learn more here about how we work with AI.

­ Picture of the day ­ AFP ­ Swiss army soldiers prepare the slope ahead of the last training session of the Women's World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana on January 29. The race was ultimately cancelled after three crashes. ­

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­ 02/02/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, Every year, many young Franco-Swiss dual nationals living in Switzerland avoid Swiss military service by attending a single information day in France. Swiss politicians now appear determined to put an end to this.   We also look at how the Crans-Montana tragedy is casting a shadow over what is usually a carefree carnival season – before turning to canton Aargau, which could become the first in Switzerland to regulate speed cameras at constitutional level. Happy reading! ­ ­ Zeno Zoccatelli ­ Journalist ­ ­ ­ For French-Swiss dual citizens, participation in an information day in France is enough to avoid military service in Switzerland. Keystone / Michael Buholzer ­ ­ It could become more difficult for young people with dual nationality living in Switzerland to get out of Swiss military service. Political momentum is building to change the rules, as the daily 24heures reports. The focus is on Swiss–French dual nationals. Around 1,000 young people each year avoid both military service and the military exemption tax in Switzerland simply by taking part in a civic information day in France. A motion calling for an end to this exemption for Swiss–French dual nationals was adopted by a clear majority in the Senate. The House of Representatives, however, is pushing for a broader solution that would also apply to dual nationals from other countries. According to 24heures, positions are unlikely to shift in the March parliamentary session. The House of Representatives will therefore have to decide in June whether to align itself with the Senate or to maintain the status quo – the former appears the more likely option. Defence Minister Martin Pfister wants to resolve the issue more quickly than parliament. Official talks with Paris are planned in the coming months. Switzerland could also act unilaterally by no longer recognising the French information day as a sufficient alternative to military service. Any change in practice would not apply retroactively. ­

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The 24heures article (paywall)   Mauro Poggia’s motion   The current situation as described in this article by tvsvizzera.it ­ Hundreds of people, including the families of the victims of the Crans-Montana fire, took part in a silent march in Lutry on Saturday to demand justice and truth. AFP ­ ­ The toll of the Crans-Montana fire disaster rose again over the weekend with the death of a young man who had been hospitalised in Zurich. The tragedy is also affecting carnival celebrations across Switzerland. The latest victim was an 18-year-old Swiss national from Lutry in canton Vaud, who died at Zurich University Hospital. This brings the death toll from the New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar to 41. Five other people injured in the blaze remain in critical condition in Zurich. Carnival events taking place across the country until the end of February are being held under heightened security. Additional safety measures have been announced for most celebrations, including the three largest carnivals in Basel, Lucerne and Bellinzona. In Sierre, canton Valais, organisers cancelled the traditional burning of the winter effigy. “Here, everyone knows someone affected by the tragedy,” said Jérémie Zuber, president of one of the town’s three carnival committees. “But we also have a mission to bring smiles back to people’s faces and help them get through this difficult period.” ­

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The news of the 18-year-old's death on RSI and RTS   The consequences for carnival celebrations on RTS   The SRF page dedicated to the tragedy ­ Speed checks and the resulting fines are a frequent topic of discussion in Switzerland. But in canton Aargau it reaches another level. Keystone / Urs Flueeler ­ ­ A long-standing stereotype in Switzerland portrays residents of canton Aargau as particularly poor drivers. It is therefore somewhat ironic that voters there will decide on March 8 whether to restrict the use of speed cameras – known locally as “radars”. As the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) notes, no other canton debates speed cameras as intensely as Aargau. Local media revisit the issue regularly, and politicians return to it at least every two years. Voters will decide on an initiative launched by the youth wing of the centre-right Radical-Liberal Party entitled “Stop the radar excesses!”. If accepted, Aargau would become the first canton to regulate speed cameras in its constitution. Under the proposal, the installation of speed cameras and fixed traffic-light detectors would require cantonal authorisation. Currently, this responsibility lies with municipalities. The initiative, supported by both the cantonal government and parliament, would also require devices to be signposted. Semi-stationary cameras could only be used for a maximum of 72 hours. Given the intensity of the debate, one might assume that Aargau is saturated with speed cameras. In fact, only one permanent radar is currently in operation – in Baden. ­

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The article by the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ)   The page of the local newspaper Badener Tagblatt dedicated to speed cameras shows how intense the debate on the subject is ­ Tim Guldimann was the first Swiss Abroad (he lived in Berlin) to be elected to parliament, where he held a seat from 2015 to 2018. Keystone / Alessandro Della Valle ­ ­ Tim Guldimann, a former parliamentarian and former Swiss ambassador to Iran and Germany, has spoken out in Schweizer Illustrierte about the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Trump administration and how Switzerland should respond. He doesn’t mince his words. He describes US President Donald Trump as “a scoundrel without a conscience” and sees Washington’s actions in Venezuela and its ambitions regarding Greenland as signalling the end of a rules-based world order. “The US government is no longer interested in treaties or international law,” he says. Guldimann doesn’t believe Switzerland should mirror the White House’s tone, but he argues it should adopt a clearer position. “Federal President Guy Parmelin, for example, has not ruled out joining Trump’s controversial Board of Peace. A simple ‘we don’t see the need’ would have been enough,” he says. On relations with the European Union, Guldimann welcomes the agreement on Bilaterals III, but he warns that initiatives such as the Neutrality Initiative or the proposal of a population cap known as the “No to a 10 million Switzerland” initiative could undermine it. “What is missing is leadership from the federal government,” he says. “It should explain how these projects interact and what truly matters. Instead, it hides behind the supposed will of the people – and that creates uncertainty.” ­

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The Schweizer Illustrierte article, also in the Blick   Tim Guldimann also discussed the situation in Iran and the role of the federal government with Swissinfo ­ Translated using AI/amva/ts ­

How we translate with AI We use automatic translation tools, such as DeepL and Google Translate, for some content.   Each translated article is carefully reviewed by a journalist for accuracy. Using translation tools gives us the time for more in-depth articles.    Learn more here about how we work with AI.

­ Picture of the day ­ In Switzerland, especially north of the Alps, the game of Jass is a real passion, which also occasionally turns into solidarity. The prizes from this tournament held in Zurich go into a fund to help refugees in the region. Gaetan Bally / Keystone ­ In Switzerland, particularly north of the Alps, the card game Jass is a true passion, and sometimes a vehicle for solidarity. Proceeds from this tournament in Zurich are being donated to a fund supporting refugees in the region. ­

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­ 03/02/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, Today’s briefing is largely about money. Wage costs at the Swiss federal administration are rising, milk prices are falling, and unemployment in Switzerland is expected to ease slightly this year for the first time in two years.   We also look at why Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis is expected in Moscow on Friday, following his visit to Ukraine.   Best wishes from Bern

­ ­ Christian Raaflaub ­ Journalist, editor ­ ­

­ Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky (left) welcomes Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in his function as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Kyiv. Keystone / EDA ­ ­ Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has travelled to Kyiv in his role as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, seeking to strengthen the organisation’s role as a platform for peace. Amid a deep crisis within the OSCE, he is pursuing direct dialogue with both Ukraine and Russia to ensure readiness in the event of a possible ceasefire. At the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual gathering in Davos in January, Cassis underlined the need for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to deploy monitoring teams within 24 to 48 hours should a ceasefire be agreed. According to the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), he aims to position the organisation as an indispensable technical instrument for implementing future peace agreements, despite current political blockades. Following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Cassis is due to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday, according to Russian sources – a meeting since confirmed by the OSCE. The talks are intended to help find a way out of the organisation’s existential crisis, which has been paralysed by Russia’s war against Ukraine and the resulting polarisation, including over budget decisions. Key negotiations are not currently taking place in Switzerland, but in countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. According to the NZZ, Switzerland is struggling to maintain its traditional role as a mediator under the current US administration, while new diplomatic actors are gaining influence and are less inclined to follow established diplomatic conventions. ­

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The article by the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) (paywall)   Blick calls the foreign minister's visit a "historic double trip"   The Swiss foreign ministry press release   Cassis also hit the headlines because of a business trip – 20 Minuten   A report by Watson   Economics Minister Guy Parmelin is also on the road, currently attending the World Governments Summit in Dubai ­ The market-oriented system that the federal government wants to introduce in 2027 will lead to much higher entry-level wages. Keystone / Gaetan Bally ­ ­ You can earn an average salary of CHF130,000 ($167,117) if you work for the Swiss federal administration. But a reform planned for 2027 is set to change the system. The Tages-Anzeiger reports on why starting salaries are rising sharply despite savings pressures – and what this means for the job market. Federal employees currently earn an average of more than CHF10,000 per month, around 11.6% more than comparable positions in the private sector. Some benefit from annual pay increases of up to 4%. These automatic rises are increasingly under scrutiny, as they are seen as distorting competition with private employers. From 2027, the federal government plans to introduce a more market-oriented pay system. Paradoxically, entry-level salaries are set to rise sharply to attract young talent, while career progression will be flatter. This is expected to generate additional costs of around CHF10 million in the first year, with savings of CHF35 million anticipated only in the medium term. Business leaders such as UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti have criticised the federal government for recruiting skilled workers straight after graduation with attractive salaries and job security. “We must ensure that more well-trained people work in the private sector and help alleviate the skills shortage there,” he told the Tages Anzeiger newspaper. ­

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The article in the Tages Anzeiger (paywall)   The federal government press release ­ An information session at a regional employment centre (symbolic image). Keystone / Christian Beutler ­ ­ After two years of rising unemployment, signs now point to a turnaround in 2026. Current indicators suggest a gradual recovery and improving job prospects. While the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) puts Switzerland’s unemployment rate at 3%, the internationally comparable figure calculated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) stands at 5% – an increase reminiscent in scale of the 2008 financial crisis. Nonetheless, there are growing signs that the Swiss labour market is easing: the KOF economic barometer and employment indicator have been rising for several months, according to Watson. The main driver of this cautious optimism is improved business sentiment. More companies are planning to expand their workforce than to cut jobs. The construction sector in particular is acting as a growth engine and has reached record levels, while retail and hospitality continue to lag behind. Overall, the outlook for 2026 is one of measured confidence. The Swiss economy appears to have bottomed out, even though the recovery remains uneven across sectors. ­

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The article by Watson ­ Switzerland produces too much milk, which is now processed into butter. Keystone / Martin Rütschi ­ ­ Falling milk prices may sound appealing, but they are a symptom of a deeper crisis: Switzerland is producing far too much milk. A system without effective volume controls is pushing farmers to the brink, while surplus butter piles up and resources are wasted. Thanks to favourable weather conditions and high-quality feed, Swiss cows produced 126 million kilograms of excess milk last year. With the European Union also struggling with overproduction, prices are falling globally. To ease pressure on the domestic market, Swiss butter is now being subsidised with millions of francs and exported at rock-bottom prices – a last-ditch attempt to reduce surplus stocks. Critics such as Werner Locher, secretary of the Interest Group for a Fair Milk Market, argue that the abolition of quotas in 2009 removed the system’s “brake”. Production is geared towards growth, leaving individual farms with little room to react quickly. Under planned measures, any producer delivering more than 105% of the previous year’s volume would receive only around CHF0.20 per kilogram for the excess – far below production costs. For many farmers, the situation threatens both livelihoods and mental well-being. Reducing herd sizes to curb overproduction is often seen as a last and painful resort. This trend could ultimately undermine grassland-based agriculture, economist Mathias Binswanger of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland told the Swiss public broadcaster SRF. ­

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The article in the Tages-Anzeiger (paywall)   The article from 24Heures (French, paywall)   The Keystone-SDA news report on Swissinfo ­ Translated using AI/amva/sb ­

How we translate with AI We use automatic translation tools, such as DeepL and Google Translate, for some content.   Each translated article is carefully reviewed by a journalist for accuracy. Using translation tools gives us the time for more in-depth articles.    Learn more here about how we work with AI.

­ Picture of the day ­ Keystone / Cyril Zingaro ­ A ballet dancer prepares backstage for her performance at the Prix de Lausanne at the Théâtre de Beaulieu. The international competition for dancers aged 15 to 18 has been held since 1973 and has launched the careers of many world-renowned artists. ­

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­ 04/02/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, The takeover of Credit Suisse appears to be paying off for UBS. The banking giant reported a 53% rise in profits last year, with shareholders set to receive generous dividends. At the same time, UBS is being confronted in the United States with a dark chapter of history, following the discovery of hundreds of former Credit Suisse accounts alleged to have links to the Nazi regime.   Meanwhile, the tragedy in Crans-Montana continues to weigh on relations between Switzerland and Italy. Tensions are particularly palpable in canton Ticino.   Enjoy your reading, ­ ­ Katy Romy ­ Journalist ­ ­ ­ Senator Chuck Grassley, who is overseeing the investigation into Credit Suisse accounts, on behalf of UBS. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. ­ ­ UBS is facing renewed scrutiny in the US over Credit Suisse, which it officially took over in 2023, and the bank's possible hidden role in Second World War crimes. The US Senate has identified 890 former Credit Suisse accounts that may have had links to Nazi Germany. Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee questioned UBS executives. Committee chair Chuck Grassley said the findings suggest that Credit Suisse’s ties to the Nazi regime were more extensive than previously known. According to an investigation, Germany's wartime SS economic office held an account at the Swiss bank. Credit Suisse is also allegedly connected to a scheme to help Nazis flee to Argentina. Some of the bank accounts, some of which reportedly stayed open until 2020, were previously unknown. The Senate said they belonged to institutions including the German Foreign Ministry, an arms manufacturer and the German Red Cross. Lawmakers also criticised UBS for failing to fully disclose information requested during investigations dating back to the 1990s. UBS Americas President Robert Karofsky defended the bank, saying it had cooperated with authorities and was committed to clarifying the matter. He added that financial claims were settled in 1999 as part of a global settlement on dormant assets. ­

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The article on Swiss public broadcaster, RTS   The 20 Minuten article   The article in Le Temps ­ Olivier Botteron, commander of the Lausanne municipal police, speaks at a press conference held by the city of Lausanne on the reforms of its police force. Keystone / Cyril Zingaro ­ ­ The city of Lausanne has published two reports on its police force, which has been shaken by a series of recent scandals. The findings released on Wednesday confirm the need for reforms, especially to identify and address discriminatory behaviour. The launch of an anonymous reporting system has resulted in testimonies from around 20 police officers. Their accounts point to problematic attitudes within the force, including discrimination, stereotypes linked to origin or religion, and repeated sexist behaviour across different levels of hierarchy. A second report highlights organisational shortcomings. Its analysis, which still requires further examination, underlines “the need to strengthen the managerial, social and ethical dimensions of police work”. Restoring public trust in the police is identified as a central challenge. The Lausanne police force was rocked by several crises last year. These included revelations about WhatsApp groups containing racist and sexist content, which sparked public outrage, and clashes between demonstrators and police after the death of a teenager who fled officers on a scooter. ­

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The Keystone-SDA dispatch on Swissinfo   Our interview with a criminologist in Switzerland   From our archives: ‘Racist chats among Lausanne police – an isolated case in Switzerland?’ ­ The Russian embassy in Bern. Keystone / Peter Schneider ­ ­ Parliament’s Audit Delegation has warned that Switzerland is becoming a hub for espionage. It has called for tougher measures by the Swiss federal government and the foreign ministry, according to reports by Tamedia newspapers today. Under the cover of diplomacy, dozens of employees of foreign embassies are spying in Switzerland, with the knowledge of the Swiss federal authorities. This is the conclusion of the latest annual report by parliament's business audit delegation, published last Friday. The report warns that Switzerland is becoming an international “hot spot” for foreign spies. The report notes that in recent years the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service has more frequently recommended rejecting suspicious residence applications. However, the Swiss foreign ministry “fails to follow these recommendations in a significant number of cases”. The delegation believes that there is "a considerable need for action". Last year, the supervisory body highlighted problems in the fight against espionage. While cooperation between federal agencies has improved since earlier warnings, it says progress remains insufficient. ­

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Read Tamedia's article in the Bund   An article in 24 heures on the increase in Russian espionage in Switzerland   An article in Le Temps on the measures taken against espionage (paywall) ­ Diplomatic tensions have arisen between Switzerland and Italy following the fatal fire in a bar in Crans-Montana: pictured is the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the scene of the tragedy. Keystone / Jean-Christophe Bott ­ ­ The fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, which killed 41 people on New Year’s Eve, continues to fuel political tensions between Switzerland and Italy. In canton Ticino, frustration is particularly strong over alleged political and media exploitation of the tragedy, reports Le Temps. Sensationalist articles published by some Italian media and the political use of the disaster have sparked a backlash south of the Alps. The handling of the tragedy by Swiss authorities has triggered heated exchanges on television and social media. Lugano city councillor Filippo Lombardi, for example, clashed live on air with a presenter on Italy’s Rete 4, accusing him of spreading misinformation. In recent days, Ticino parliamentarian Giorgio Fonio filed a criminal complaint against an Italian journalist who wrote to him on Facebook stating: “You are disgraceful, accomplices of murderers.” Radical-Liberal Party lawmaker Alex Farinelli has also described how two Italian journalists camped outside his parents’ home, waiting to photograph and question him. Swiss People’s Party parliamentarian Piero Marchesi has spoken about his decided to boycott Italian television programmes, which he accuses of turning the tragedy into a spectacle. While he attributes this in part to Italy’s media culture, he also warns of political instrumentalisation: “Giorgia Meloni has understood how sensitive people are to this tragedy and is riding this wave to gain political support.” ­

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Read the article in Le Temps (paywall)   ‘Crans-Montana tragedy highlights limits of Swiss federal system’: on Swissinfo   ‘Crans-Montana blaze exposes cracks in Switzerland’s image’: on Swissinfo ­ Translated using AI/amva ­

How we translate with AI We use automatic translation tools, such as DeepL and Google Translate, for some content.   Each translated article is carefully reviewed by a journalist for accuracy. Using translation tools gives us the time for more in-depth articles.    Learn more here about how we work with AI.

­ Picture of the day ­ 2026 Kevin Voigt ­ The Italian town of Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy is preparing to host the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics from February 6 to 22. Here, Swiss curlers Briar Schwaller-Hürlimann and Yannick Schwaller pose in the Olympic Village. ­

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­ 05/02/2026 - View in browser ­ ­ ­ ­ Switzerland Today ­ Dear Swiss Abroad, “Clear skies” is a phrase that passengers like to hear coming from the cockpit. When the same words come from air traffic control, however, something is wrong.   In recent years, incidents at Switzerland’s air navigation service provider Skyguide have repeatedly caused flight delays and, in some cases, the temporary closure of Swiss airspace. A new report now points to the need for corrective action.   Kind regards from Bern, ­ ­ Janine Gloor ­ Journalist and content manager ­ ­ ­ Skyguide air traffic control must be able to resolve incidents more quickly, says a report. Keystone / Martial Trezzini ­ ­ After another airspace closure, a report has revealed shortcomings in Skyguide's safety system – which the air navigation services firm does not deny. Do you sometimes have computer problems at work? They are frustrating and time-consuming. In some sectors, however, IT failures can have far more serious consequences. Last week, Switzerland’s air navigation service provider Skyguide was forced to close the airspace over Geneva for an hour due to a faulty software update. A report by the Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO), cited by Swiss public broadcaster SRF, has now identified shortcomings in Skyguide’s safety systems. Incidents cannot be completely ruled out, an SFAO representative said. What matters is how quickly Skyguide responds to ensure air traffic control is not interrupted. Skyguide does not dispute the findings but points to chronic underfunding. Media have repeatedly reported on financial problems at the air navigation service in recent years. Skyguide says it now intends to take action: infrastructure projects such as an alternative control tower in Zurich are planned, staff training is to be improved, and cooperation with the army and Swisscom in case of emergencies is being examined. ­

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SRF article on the shortcomings at Skyguide   Last year, the SFAO identified significant financing problems at Skyguide: the SRF report   In 2022, the airspace over Switzerland was closed for five hours: the article by Republik ­ Dozens of prisoners barricaded themselves in the Bellechasse prison in canton Fribourg for several hours. Keystone / Gaetan Bally ­ ­ Violent scenes erupted in the Bellechasse prison in canton Fribourg on Monday, as dozens of prisoners barricaded themselves for hours in protest, causing significant damage. You don’t often see a headline like this in Switzerland: “Unprecedented riot at Bellechasse prison”. Violent unrest erupted on Monday evening at the canton Fribourg facility, as Swiss public broadcaster, RTS reported. The prisoners refused to return to their cells and barricaded themselves in a wing of the prison, which they then vandalised. The riot was sparked by protests over what inmates described as excessive prices for phone calls and extra food, as well as dissatisfaction with visiting conditions. It took more than three hours for prison staff, assisted by cantonal police, to regain control. The detainees eventually returned to their cells. “The prisoners behaved extremely aggressively,” Didier Page, deputy director of justice in Fribourg, told RTS. “There has never been an incident of this scale in the history of the detention centre.” Tensions at Bellechasse are however not new. In 2023, inmates went on strike and submitted a petition denouncing prison conditions. In November 2025, they sent a letter outlining similar grievances to the justice department, which is currently being addressed, Page said. ­

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The RTS report on the prison uprising   How Watson has taken up the topic   In 2025, there was a revolt in a Basel Country prison, SRF reports ­ Children residing in France will no longer be allowed to attend school in Geneva as of the upcoming summer. Keystone / Salvatore Di Nolfi ­ ­ Children of cross-border commuters are set to lose access to public schools in Geneva, after a court has rejected complaints by pupils from France. Live in France and go to school in Geneva? Geneva cantonal authorities no longer want this to be possible. In June last year, the canton decided that only pupils residing in Switzerland would be admitted to public schools. The decision particularly affects Swiss Abroad: Around 2,500 children and young people living in France currently attend school in Geneva, 85% of them Swiss nationals, writes Watson. Twelve formal complaints were filed from France, but the Geneva administrative court has now dismissed them, according to reports by 20 Minuten and others. Compulsory schooling is tied to the place of residence, the court ruled, and no entitlement to public education can be derived from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the EU. A transitional arrangement is in place. From summer 2026, pupils living outside canton Geneva will no longer be admitted, but those already enrolled will be allowed to complete their current level of schooling. ­

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The article by20 Minuten   The Keystone-SDA news agency report on Watson   From our archives: Geneva wants to slam the school door shut on cross-border commuter children ­ Expensive wines, among other things, are stored in the bonded warehouse in Geneva. Keystone / Martial Trezzini ­ ­ Loopholes for the super-rich: A newly published book examines how Switzerland has adapted its laws to suit the powerful – and set a precedent in the process. “Switzerland has shown the world what a small country can do to make ends meet,” Atossa Abrahamian told the Tages-Anzeiger. The US-based journalist, who also holds Swiss citizenship, analyses how countries have adapted their laws to the needs of companies and the super-rich. Switzerland has been a pioneer in this field – less out of malice than as part of a survival strategy for small countries competing with global powers, she says. Abrahamian points to legal structures that protect existing wealth, such as Geneva’s duty-free warehouses, where goods and high-value artworks can be stored without customs duties. However, she warns that the proximity between business and politics strains democratic principles. For example, when a Swiss business delegation travelled to Washington with gifts during the customs dispute with the US, which then led to accusations of corruption. In a small country like Switzerland, it is very easy for business circles to gain access to power, she says. Abrahamian also notes that Switzerland is no longer among the worst offenders when it comes to tax havens and money laundering. In recent years, she argues, the US and Dubai have caught up. ­

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The interview in the Tages-Anzeiger (paywall)   The article by Blick

­ Translated using AI/amva ­ How we translate with AI We use automatic translation tools, such as DeepL and Google Translate, for some content.   Each translated article is carefully reviewed by a journalist for accuracy. Using translation tools gives us the time for more in-depth articles.    Learn more here about how we work with AI.

­ Picture of the day ­ Martial Trezzini / Keystone ­ This is not a scene on the Mediterranean, but Lake Geneva: Police in Geneva simulate the rescue of 50 passengers after a fire aboard a passenger vessel during a large-scale emergency exercise. ­

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