Swiss politics

My Europe Series

State of the Union: Decisions on climate, transparency and migration

In this edition of State of the Union, we focus on the climate ruling against Switzerland, fairness in the European election campaign and the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact

12/04/2024

Economy

Why the Swiss central bank made a surprise cut to its key interest

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) said on Thursday it is trimming its key interest rate, a surprise move that makes Switzerland the first major financial centre to announce a cut in recent months.

21/03/2024

Switzerland

Pro-Palestinian activists hold first protest in Switzerland after ban

On the Global Day of Action for Gaza, protesters in Switzerland called for a permanent ceasefire in the region, accusing the country of being “complicit in genocide” despite its declared neutrality.

13/01/2024

Switzerland

Switzerland moves to ban Hamas and supports Israel's self-defence

The Swiss federal government has also allocated €93.36 million in humanitarian aid for the region at the beginning of November.

23/11/2023

Switzerland

Switzerland: Right-wing populists strengthen hold after elections

Climate change, rising health care costs and immigration were among the most important topics for voters as they went to the polls.

22/10/2023

Culture news

Nile Rodgers fights right wing Swiss party's alleged use of his song

The Swiss People’s Party (SVP) released a song that has remarkable similarities with the Sister Sledge tune 'We Are Family'.

18/08/2023

Switzerland

Switzerland rejects idea of a third-gender option in official records

Currently, people are entered into the civil registry as male or female, with no other option.

21/12/2022

Culture news

Swiss parliament to debate gay conversion therapy ban

Conversion therapy is already banned in other European countries including Germany, France. Malta and Greece.

12/12/2022

Green News

Hydropower: Switzerland’s secret weapon against the energy crisis

Switzerland is targeting a clean, independent energy supply, but some fear for biodiversity and the landscape.

06/10/2022

Switzerland

Four referendums, one day: Which issues will Swiss settle this Sunday?

It's the first round of referendums in Switzerland this year.

11/02/2022

Climate

Meet the Swiss dad who went on a 39 day hunger strike for the climate

Guillermo Fernandez finally saw victory last week as the Swiss Parliament recognised his demands.

15/12/2021

Switzerland

Swiss minister Ignazio Cassis chosen as country's next president

Switzerland’s presidency rotates every year among the seven members of the executive Federal Council.

08/12/2021

Switzerland

Swiss reject tax hike to cut emissions and synthetic pesticide ban

The proposed "carbon dioxide law" included an increase in taxes on fuels and the introduction of a tax on airline tickets from Switzerland. It was defeated in a referendum by 51.59% of the electorate.

14/06/2021

Europe News

Switzerland pulls out of negotiations to redefine relationship with EU

The Swiss Federal Council concluded on Wednesday that there remain "substantial differences between Switzerland and the EU on key aspects of the agreement", such as wage protection and state aid, and "the conditions are thus not met for the signing".

26/05/2021

Switzerland

Switzerland marks 50 years of women's vote and mulls gender gap today

The European nation prides itself on being one of the world's oldest democracies and yet only allowed women to vote as late as 1971.

06/02/2021

Switzerland

Swiss to vote in referendum on government's COVID-19 measures

Campaigners say the measures, which include the closing of bars and restaurants, are "disproportionate" and "demonstrably ineffective".

15/01/2021

Switzerland

Swiss voters reject proposal to end EU freedom of movement

Swiss voters rejected an initiative that would have ended the right of EU citizens to live and work in the country.

27/09/2020

Switzerland

Swiss president to toast 60th with those who share a birthday with her

Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga turns 60 on May 14. She wants any compatriots in the same boat to join her.

21/02/2020

Switzerland

Swiss election: Greens gain while far-right loses ground

The Greens made strong gains in Switzerland's election on Sunday while the far-right party lost ground, final results showed.

20/10/2019

Switzerland

Climate change and the EU loom over Sunday's Swiss elections

Growing concern over the environment and Switzerland's relationship with the European Union are at the centre of campaigns to reshape the country's parliament

19/10/2019