Bern
Photo: de:Benutzer:Reaast, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons, cropped)
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- yesterday
SVP leads new SRG poll at 29.9%, FDP heads for worst result in its history
The SRG election barometer puts the Swiss People's Party at 29.9 percent, while the Centre and the FDP lose ground ahead of the federal election on 24 October 2027. Sotomo surveyed about 25,000 eligible voters online between 10 and 23 September 2026.
- 2d ago
UBS weighs moving its headquarters or merging if Swiss capital rules tighten
Insiders told Reuters that a UBS working group is weighing a move abroad, a merger or a sale if Swiss capital rules become too strict. No concrete talks are under way, the sources said.
- 4d ago
Swiss Federal Council adds protections for minors to social media law
The Federal Council will require very large platforms to assess and reduce risks to minors and ban profiled advertising aimed at them, with a draft message due to Parliament by end of June 2027.
- 4d ago
Swiss voters face 29 November vote on banning noisy fireworks nationwide
Supporters opened their campaign for a nationwide restriction on noisy fireworks in Bern on 13 October. Voters decide on the federal popular initiative on 29 November 2026, with 137,429 valid signatures already submitted.
- Oct 9
Fire in cable duct halts Lausanne-Yverdon rail line, police suspect deliberate act
A cable duct fire near Eclépens VD knocked out a signal box before dawn on Friday, halting trains between Cossonay-Penthalaz and Chavornay.
- Oct 8
Four teenagers die as car overtaking near Biesenthal hits mopeds
A 61-year-old driver overtaking several vehicles on a rural road struck three oncoming mopeds on Wednesday evening, killing four people aged 14 to 19. Police are investigating him for negligent homicide.
- Oct 6
Swiss opponents launch campaign against nationwide ban on noisy fireworks
Business associations and centre-right politicians in Bern have launched their campaign urging voters to reject a nationwide ban on loud fireworks in the referendum on 29 November.
- Oct 6
SVP Opens Federal Council Succession as Natalie Rickli Weighs Bid to Succeed Guy Parmelin
Following Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin's decision to step down, the Swiss People's Party has set a 23 October 2026 candidate deadline, with Zurich's Natalie Rickli and Geneva's Céline Amaudruz emerging as central figures.
- Oct 5
Former Swiss National Councillor and Homeowners Association head Hans Egloff dies at 66
Hans Egloff, a former Swiss People's Party lawmaker in the National Council who led the Homeowners Association for decades, died unexpectedly on Monday.
- Oct 5
Tamedia eliminates 34 full-time positions affecting 41 staff across Swiss newsrooms
Swiss publisher Tamedia announced the elimination of 34 editorial and production positions on Monday, affecting 41 employees across Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lausanne, and Geneva as advertising revenues decline.
- Oct 2
Guy Parmelin announces resignation from Swiss Federal Council after 11 years
Swiss Federal President Guy Parmelin will conclude his 11-year government tenure at the end of December 2026, stepping down after two terms as president and heading economic and defence portfolios.
- Oct 1
Swiss National Council approves 200 million franc credit for 2038 Winter Olympics
The Swiss National Council voted 137 to 40 on Thursday to grant 200 million Swiss francs for the 2038 Winter Olympics, rejecting an optional referendum that could have delayed the bid dossier.
- Oct 1
Artisan Partners urges UBS to leave Switzerland over 90% capital rule
US asset manager Artisan Partners has called on UBS to move its headquarters out of Switzerland following a parliamentary vote requiring 90% capital backing for foreign subsidiaries.
- Oct 1
Swiss inflation reaches two-year high of 1.0% in September as oil prices jump 31.2%
Switzerland's annual inflation rate climbed to 1.0% in September 2026, driven by rising petroleum costs while the Swiss National Bank kept its policy rate steady at 0.0%.
- Oct 1
Switzerland opens independent commission to resolve Nazi-looted art and colonial claims
The Swiss Commission on Problematic Cultural Heritage has adopted its procedural rules in Bern, enabling claimants and institutions to seek non-binding recommendations on contested cultural property.
- Sep 30
Swiss National Council challenges Albert Rösti over summer heat response
Environment Minister Albert Rösti defended federal heat policies before the National Council after Switzerland experienced its warmest summer since 1864, with temperatures reaching 39.7 degrees Celsius.
- Sep 30
Swiss Council of States votes to require cantonal majority for EU treaty package
The Swiss Council of States decided that the upcoming Bilaterals III treaty package with the European Union must pass a vote of both the electorate and the cantons.
- Sep 29
Swiss health insurance premiums to increase by 5.0% in 2027 to 412 CHF
Average monthly health insurance premiums in Switzerland will rise by 5.0% to 412 CHF in 2027, with cantonal averages ranging from 276.20 CHF in Zug to 519.90 CHF in Ticino.
- Sep 29
Swiss Council of States votes 29 to 15 to open debate on Bilaterals III EU treaty package
Following a five-hour debate in Bern, Swiss senators approved entering detailed negotiations on the 3,200-page Bilaterals III package with the European Union ahead of a planned December review in the National Council.
- Sep 27
Swiss voters reject neutrality initiative seeking to ban unilateral sanctions
Around 70% of Swiss voters rejected a constitutional amendment proposed by the Swiss People's Party that sought to prohibit participation in non-UN sanctions and bar military cooperation with foreign alliances.
