Both chambers of the Swiss Parliament have recommended that voters reject the Swiss People's Party's 'No to a ten million Switzerland!' initiative. The proposal aims to cap the country's permanent resident population at 10 million by 2050 and could lead to the termination of the free movement agreement with the EU. Parliament cited economic and international commitment concerns.
High-level delegations from Ukraine and the United States have convened in Switzerland to discuss a US-proposed 28-point peace plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. The proposal, which includes concessions mirroring some of Moscow's demands, has sparked concern in Kyiv and among European allies, with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy facing a critical decision by November 27.
Swiss Environment Minister Albert Rösti voiced significant frustration regarding the challenging negotiations at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. He highlighted deep disagreements, particularly concerning concrete measures for CO2 emission reduction and the ambition of the final agreement, during the conference held from November 10 to 21, 2025.
Switzerland's financial market regulator, FINMA, has issued a stern warning regarding escalating risks in the housing market. Head Stefan Walter highlighted that banks are excessively loosening mortgage lending criteria as property prices continue their ascent, posing a significant threat of market correction.
Switzerland's Federal Council has initiated a consultation process to make army orientation day mandatory for young women, aiming to address military recruitment shortages and promote gender equality. The proposed change, requiring a constitutional amendment, is slated for introduction by 2030.
Swiss authorities have prohibited the sale and distribution of pike and perch from Lake Zug with immediate effect due to contamination by PFAS 'forever chemicals'. The ban follows tests revealing levels exceeding federal food safety limits, though personal consumption is still permitted with caution.
Switzerland has been recognized as the world's most competitive nation in two prominent 2025 reports: the Eight Competitiveness Report and the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. The country's strong economy, education system, robust infrastructure, and government efficiency were key factors in its top placements.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter has voiced caution regarding the prospects of a tariff agreement with US President Donald Trump in 2025, emphasizing that any progress hinges on the US president's approval. This comes after the US imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss exports in August 2025, leading to economic pressure and domestic scrutiny for Switzerland.
Seven injured children from the Gaza Strip, accompanied by 27 family members, have arrived in Switzerland for highly specialized medical care. This humanitarian operation, a collaboration between the Swiss government, WHO, MSF, and Rega, marks the first phase of a broader initiative to treat approximately 20 children.
Switzerland is investing 220 million Swiss francs over 15 years to overhaul its vast network of civil protection shelters. This modernization effort, driven by a changing global security situation and aging infrastructure, aims to ensure the functionality of shelters mandated by a 1963 law, which guarantees a protected space for every resident.
The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) destroyed 1.5 tonnes, or approximately 7,500, counterfeit Swiss watches in Köniz, near Bern, on Friday. This significant operation highlights the industry's ongoing battle against fake products, which cause billions in annual losses and threaten the integrity of 'Swiss Made' luxury goods.
Autumn Storm Benjamin is sweeping across Switzerland on Thursday, October 23, 2025, bringing strong winds up to 100 km/h in lowlands and over 150 km/h in mountainous regions, leading to considerable danger and travel disruptions.
Switzerland's Gambling Supervisory Authority (GESPA) has filed a criminal complaint against FIFA's NFT platform, FIFA Collect, alleging it operates unlicensed gambling activities under Swiss law. The complaint, filed on October 17, 2025, asserts that the platform's 'Right to Buy' tokens and other NFT-based competitions involve monetary stakes and chance-based outcomes, classifying them as illegal lotteries and sports betting without a proper license.
Geneva authorities have decided to bar Swiss children residing in neighboring French suburbs from attending Genevan schools, effective from the 2026 academic year. This move, aimed at addressing demographic pressure and school place shortages, has sparked anger among affected parents and criticism from French officials, who will now bear the burden of schooling an estimated 2,500 students.
Singapore's Drew & Napier is set to file investment treaty claims against the Swiss government on behalf of approximately 560 Asian bondholders. They seek around US$300 million in compensation for Credit Suisse AT1 bonds wiped out during the bank's 2023 acquisition by UBS, a move recently deemed unlawful by a Swiss court.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is cutting approximately 240 positions at its Geneva headquarters. This move follows a previously announced 17% budget reduction for 2026, decreasing its budget by CHF 300 million to CHF 1.8 billion due to global funding shortfalls and rising humanitarian needs.
Swiss food giant Nestlé announced plans to eliminate 16,000 jobs worldwide over the next two years, representing about 6% of its global workforce. The move, part of a significant restructuring effort led by new CEO Philipp Navratil, aims to boost efficiency, cut costs, and accelerate the company's turnaround, with a target of 3 billion Swiss francs in savings by 2027.
Swiss construction workers, represented by unions Unia and Syna, have overwhelmingly voted for strike action amidst an unresolved dispute over working hours and conditions. Negotiations for a new national collective agreement, affecting 80,000 workers, have stalled, with the current pact expiring at year-end.
An unauthorized pro-Palestinian demonstration in Bern, Switzerland, on October 11, 2025, led to violent clashes with police, resulting in 18 officers injured, four of whom required hospitalization. Protesters, estimated at up to 5,000, threw objects and caused extensive property damage, prompting police to use water cannons and tear gas. Over 500 individuals were detained for identity checks.
A 39% tariff imposed by the United States on Swiss exports could jeopardize up to 20,000 jobs in Switzerland, according to a UBS economist. The tariffs, effective August 7, 2025, primarily impact industries like watchmaking and machinery, prompting Swiss officials to seek a negotiated solution amidst significant economic concerns.
