The Local Switzerland

EXPLAINED: What impact will the burqa ban have on Switzerland?

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 15:12:01 +0100

Swiss voters on Sunday narrowly backed a ban on full face coverings in public places, which includes burqas and other forms of clothing that conceal the face.

Switzerland announces five new referendum questions

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 12:11:54 +0100

In the second round of national vote to be held on June 13th, the Swiss will have to weigh in on two initiatives and three referendums. From coronavirus lockdowns to terrorism, there are plenty of big issues at stake.

EXPLAINED: What is Switzerland’s referendum on affordable housing all about?

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 08:47:37 +0100

One of two questions to be put to Swiss voters on February 9th asks whether the law should be changed to provide for more affordable housing across Switzerland. Here’s what you need to know.

Youth wing of Swiss People's Party calls for Coca-Cola boycott over homophobia referendum

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 13:30:29 +0100

On Monday, Coca-Cola indicated its support for an upcoming Swiss referendum criminalising homophobia. As a result, the leaders of the youth branch of the Swiss Peoples Party (SVP) - the largest party in Switzerland - are calling for a boycott.

Bern rejects ban on 'speculative' food trading

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 09:47:34 +0100

The federal government on Tuesday launched its campaign against an initiative aimed at banning speculation in the trading in Switzerland of basic food commodities.

Proposal 'would expel 18,000 foreigners a year'

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 13:26:23 +0100

An initiative spearheaded by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) would result in up to 18,000 foreigners being expelled from Switzerland every year, opponents of the proposal say.

SVP threatens to pull out of federal government

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 13:19:08 +0200

The right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), the most popular political party in Switzerland, is threatening to pull out of the seven-person Swiss government unless it gains two of the seats.

Voters expected to back tighter asylum laws

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:16:00 +0200

Swiss citizens will vote Sunday on whether to approve an emergency tightening of the national asylum law in a bid to stem the influx of refugees to the country.

Swiss to decide on direct democracy 'loophole'

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:10:00 +0200

Swiss direct democracy means voters get to have their say on almost everything – except who represents them in the seven-person government cabinet. Citizens are being asked to change this in a national vote on June 9th.

Voters give Bern powers to fight animal disease

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:53:20 +0100

Swiss voters backed by a wide margin on Sunday changes that give the federal government stronger powers to order vaccinations of farm animals to control disease.

Second home vote could stall Egyptian magnate

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:06:00 +0100

The future of a high-profile luxury resort in Andermatt has been called into question after voters on Sunday opted to restrict the construction of second homes in Switzerland.

Swiss unions step up push for minimum wage

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:52:58 +0100

Swiss trade unions presented 110,000 signatures to the Federal Chancery on Monday, petitioning for the introduction of a minimum wage.

Swiss parliament votes for new cabinet

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:09:00 +0100

Switzerland's parliament is set to elect a new government cabinet on Wednesday, with the far-right Swiss People's Party (SVP) eager to boost its presence on the seven-member Federal Council.

Swiss vote confirms setback for far-right

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:04:00 +0100

The second round of Swiss legislative elections Sunday dealt another blow to the far-right SVP, results showed, with smaller and moderate parties like the Green Liberals once again the
beneficiaries.

SVP probed for anti-Kosovar campaign

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:25:00 +0200

Zurich prosecutors are investigating if Swiss far-right party Swiss People's Party (SVP) flouted racial discrimination rules in a campaign ad that details crimes committed by two Kosovars.

Liberals skewer SVP criminal deportation plan

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:36:00 +0200

A legal study commissioned by Switzerland's liberal FDP has found that the country risks a destabilizing confrontation with the EU if it approves a Swiss People’s Party (SVP) proposal to deport foreign criminals.

SVP launches new foreign criminals plan

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:28:57 +0200

Switzerland's far-right SVP has launched a new initiative calling for the deportation of foreign criminals at the same time as a pre-election projection suggests the party will retain power later this month.

Canton votes to up taxes for 5 foreign millionaires

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:26:00 +0200

Substantial tax breaks for super-wealthy foreigners living in the canton of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland were revoked in a popular vote on Sunday.