The Local Switzerland

European drivers choke on rising diesel prices

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:17:02 +0200

The price of diesel fuel has rocketed by more than 30 percent across Europe since the start of the Middle East war highlighting the continent's dependence on imported energy and the lingering prominence of diesel on the car market.

Middle East war risks becoming unpredictable, Switzerland warns

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 14:55:19 +0100

The Middle East war risks becoming unpredictable in terms of its duration and outcome, Switzerland's foreign minister said in an interview published Saturday.

Switzerland refuses US overflights linked to Mideast war

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 09:14:07 +0100

Switzerland said Saturday it had refused two US requests to fly over its territory in operations linked to the current Middle East war, citing its neutrality under international law.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally across Europe

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 11:44:21 +0100

Thousands of protesters rallied across France Saturday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, while hundreds of others turned out again in cities across Europe.

Switzerland must list Hamas as terrorist organisation, MPs decide

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:45:53 +0200

Members of the National Council Security Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to add the militant Palestinian group Hamas to the list of terrorist organisations to be banned in Switzerland.

The Local victim of Qatar fake news plant

Sun, 16 Jul 2017 19:53:04 +0200

A fake story claiming that six Arab countries had demanded that Qatar be stripped of the right to host the World Cup was published on Saturday on a site falsely purporting to be The Local Switzerland.

Bern to represent Saudi and Iranian interests

Sun, 14 Feb 2016 19:35:10 +0100

Switzerland said on Sunday that it will represent the interests of Iran and Saudi Arabia in both countries after the rupture of diplomatic relations between the Sunni Muslim and Shiite powers.

Swiss back Palestinian UN observer status

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:41:00 +0100

Switzerland says it will vote in favour of the Palestinian bid for enhanced status at the United Nations, echoing similar announcements by France and a slew of other nations.

Asylum requests up 51 percent - in a month

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:09:00 +0200

New figures show the number of asylum requests to Switzerland has increased by 51 percent in the last month

Swiss take Libya to court over hostages

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:42:00 +0200

Switzerland on Monday approved legal action to prosecute the Libyan regime for holding Swiss citizens Rachid Hamdani and Max Goeldi hostage, the justice ministry said.

Assad assets frozen by Swiss

Wed, 25 May 2011 13:35:00 +0200

Switzerland said on Tuesday it has frozen anyassets that Syrian President Bachar al-Assad may have in the country, tightening sanctions Bern levelled against his regime last week.

Syria faces Swiss sanctions

Wed, 18 May 2011 16:46:00 +0200

Switzerland announced new sanctions against Syria on Wednesday, following the European Union's decision to increase pressure on the Assad regime.

Qaddafi arrest warrants gain Swiss support

Tue, 17 May 2011 17:57:31 +0200

Switzerland is backing an initiative by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to arrest the Libyan leader on charges of crimes against humanity, according to media reports.

Swiss lift Moussa Koussa sanctions

Thu, 12 May 2011 11:17:00 +0200

Switzerland said on Wednesday it had lifted financial sanctions against former Libyan foreign minister and defector Moussa Koussa following a similar move by the European Union.

Media welcome bin Laden killing

Tue, 03 May 2011 13:32:44 +0200

Swiss media have welcomed Osama bin Laden’s death, but have also warned that the war on terror is far from being over.

Libya bomb suspects lose detention appeal

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:11:00 +0200

The pre-trial detention of two Swiss engineers suspected of helping Libya build a nuclear bomb did not violate their human rights laws, a court ruled on Tuesday.

Swiss deny help to recover Mubarak assets

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:24:00 +0200

Switzerland has denied legal aid to Tunisia and Egypt to recover the assets of ousted presidents Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and Hosni Mubarak, an official spokesman has said.

Swiss politico dropped from music fest over Qaddafi links

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:32:00 +0200

The famed Salzburg music festival has withdrawn an invitation to former Swiss politician Jean Ziegler to speak at the event's opening, citing alleged links to Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi.

President: Allied aircraft can use Swiss airspace

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:25:00 +0200

Micheline Calmy-Rey, Switzerland's president, has said the neutral country will allow allied aircraft into its airspace when attacking Libya. "Neutrality is not indifference," she argues.

Watchmakers upbeat at Basel luxury fair

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:16:00 +0100

Watchmakers gave upbeat forecasts for 2011 at the industry's largest fair on Wednesday, although the Japan earthquake and instability in the Middle East cast a shadow.