Swiss politics

Earth News

Could Switzerland follow the US out of the Paris Agreement?

Switzerland’s biggest political party claims that a recent referendum indicates voters don’t want radical climate targets.

20 February 2025

Europe News

Switzerland and EU near agreement on cohesion payments, say diplomats

Ongoing negotiations between the EU and Switzerland are focused on the country's contribution payments, which Switzerland makes to gain partial access to the EU's internal market.

28 November 2024

Economy

Swiss officials admit to three billion-franc pension blunder

Pensions will leave less of a black hole in the state coffers than officials had claimed. While some see this as good news, many in Switzerland feel misled.

7 August 2024

European Union

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 April 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 March 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 January 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 November 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 October 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 August 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 December 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 December 2022

Earth 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.

6 October 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 February 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 December 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.

8 December 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 June 2021