The Local Switzerland

Ten things you need to know about the Swiss political system

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 13:24:09 +0200

Confused about Switzerland's famous direct democracy? Unsure how the Swiss president gets elected? The Local explains all...

EXPLAINED: Why the Swiss might have the best form of governance

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 01:56:05 +0100

As the country of 8.5 million people holds national elections on Sunday, here is an overview of how governance works in the wealthy Alpine nation.

2020 Swiss budget: Tourism, sport and education the major winners

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 11:43:47 +0100

Switzerland on Tuesday has begun its annual budget review process, with sport, education and tourism expected to be among the beneficiaries.

More money for French-speaking cantons in Switzerland from 2020

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 11:32:14 +0100

The Federal Council will send more money to Switzerland’s French-speaking cantons from 2020 onwards as part of the country’s financial equalisation policies.

Here’s what Switzerland’s new 'Air Force One' looks like

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 11:19:10 +0100

Switzerland’s shiny new 'Air Force One' jet was unveiled on Monday at a typically low-key ceremony in Bern.

This is how Switzerland elects a new federal councillor

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 12:45:57 +0200

This Wednesday, the Swiss parliament will vote in two new members of the federal government. Here are ten things you need to know.

Swiss economics minister – and one-time YouTube sensation – Schneider-Ammann to stand down

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 11:06:31 +0200

Johann Schneider-Ammann who manages the economics portfolio in the Swiss federal government has announced he intends to stand down by the autumn of 2019 at the latest.

Survey: Majority dissatisfied with the federal government

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 15:16:01 +0100

More than half of Swiss questioned say they are dissatisfied with the work being done by the Federal Council.

Initiative for female quota in federal government rejected

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 10:23:45 +0100

There should be no quota for the number of women serving in the seven-member Federal Council, a parliamentary commission has decided.

Brexit vote will hit Swiss economy: president

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 14:29:30 +0200

Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann has warned that the British vote to leave the European Union will have a negative impact on the Swiss economy, amid a strengthening of the franc.

SVP loses ground but remains strongest party

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 10:27:00 +0100

Support for the rightwing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has fallen while centre-left parties are gaining in popularity, according to a voter survey.

Switzerland to tighten measures against Russia

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 23:49:00 +0200

The government will extend the ban on exporting war materials to Russia but is continuing to resist imposing sanctions over Moscow’s involvement in the Ukraine crisis.

Swiss to vote on world's highest minimum wage

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 11:01:00 +0100

A proposed minimum wage of 22 francs an hour ($24.80) would have a damaging effect on Switzerland's job market, says Swiss economics minister Johann Schneider-Ammann, as voters prepare to decide.

Swiss government delays action over strong franc

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:15:35 +0200

The Swiss government met in Bern for an extraordinary session on Monday as ministers try to restrain the Swiss franc.