Crans-Montana

Earlier fire warning puts Crans-Montana bar owner under scrutiny

A WhatsApp message in which the owner of the Crans-Montana bar Le Constellation warned staff that sparklers could cause a fire has become part of the criminal investigation into the venue’s fatal blaze. Prosecutors will have to assess whether the warning affects potential criminal responsibility for the tragedy.

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Earlier fire warning puts Crans-Montana bar owner under scrutiny — SWI swissinfo.ch

Swiss politics

Swiss voters head toward referendum on Malaysia trade deal

Switzerland is moving toward a referendum on its trade agreement with Malaysia. Opponents argue that the deal does not do enough to protect tropical forests or prevent forced labour, while supporters see it as an opportunity to improve market access and strengthen commercial ties.

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Medicine shortages

More than 700 medicines affected by shortages in Switzerland

More than 700 medicines are affected by supply bottlenecks in Switzerland, according to a monitoring platform run by a hospital pharmacist. The scale of the shortages is fuelling calls for stronger federal action to secure supplies and reduce the country’s vulnerability to international production and distribution disruptions.

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European Union

Swiss upper house advances new package of agreements with EU

Switzerland’s Council of States has broadly endorsed the country’s new package of agreements with the European Union while adding tougher provisions on referendums and immigration. The upper house’s decision brings the bilateral package closer to its next parliamentary and potentially popular vote hurdles.

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Vaud

Vaud voters have approved a 12% reduction in income and wealth taxes. Although the decision will lower the canton’s tax burden, Vaud is expected to remain above the Swiss average, making the vote a significant test of cantonal tax competition rather than a transformation into a tax haven.

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Fuel

Switzerland could face pressure on fuel supplies this autumn as low water levels on the Rhine disrupt tanker traffic from the North Sea. The risk highlights the country’s dependence on cross-border fuel logistics and could affect petrol availability and energy costs if transport conditions worsen.

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Geneva

The Geneva International Film Festival will honour Indian-American director Mira Nair with its Prix Film & Beyond. Screenwriter Fanny Herrero will also take part in the festival, which is bringing international film figures and independent cinema to Geneva.

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Swiss Post

Chinese logistics company Speedaf is building a Swiss parcel network to serve the growing volume of deliveries from online retailers such as Temu and Shein. Its planned capacity could put additional pressure on Swiss Post and other established delivery firms while intensifying debate over the impact of low-cost international e-commerce.

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Parental leave

A Green Liberal initiative seeking to introduce statutory parental leave in Switzerland has collected more than 112,000 signatures. If formally validated, the proposal will force a nationwide debate over family policy, employers’ responsibilities and the country’s comparatively limited leave provisions.

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