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Latest Social Policy news and updates from Switzerland. AI-curated articles covering Social Policy topics.
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A Swiss People’s Party proposal would exclude Swiss citizens living abroad from the new 13th AHV/OASI pension payment. The article should examine the legal and political arguments, the estimated effect on the Swiss diaspora and whether residence-based restrictions would be compatible with Switzerland’s social-security arrangements.
12 days ago · 1 source
Politics
The Swiss government has announced that the new system of individual taxation for married couples will not come into force until January 1, 2032. This decision provides cantons with the maximum possible time to amend their tax laws and social security deductions.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Politics
For the second time, a court has halted the city of Zurich's initiative to offer financial assistance to undocumented migrants, with the Zurich Administrative Court ruling that the proposed scheme contravenes higher-ranking federal and cantonal law.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Social Policy
A petition with over 110,000 signatures has been submitted to federal authorities, calling for an extension of statutory maternity leave in Switzerland from the current 14 weeks to a full six months.
Le News
Zurich
An attempt by the city of Zurich to provide financial assistance to undocumented migrants has been halted by the Zurich Administrative Court, which ruled the project contravenes higher-ranking federal and cantonal laws.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Education
Zurich's city council is standing by its 'Toy-Free Kindergarten' project—where children play only with basic materials for several weeks—despite harsh criticism from the Swiss People's Party. This article examines the educational philosophy, the political controversy, and the project's reported positive impact on children's life skills.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Law
Effective July 1st, a landmark amendment to the Swiss Civil Code explicitly grants children the legal right to an upbringing free from violence, making corporal punishment and other degrading treatments legally incompatible with good parenting.
Le News
Law
Swiss parliament has passed a major legal reform that will allow over-indebted individuals to declare personal bankruptcy and have their debts wiped clean, aiming to provide a fresh start and break cycles of chronic indebtedness.
Le News
Cannabis
The canton of St. Gallen has greenlit a five-year study involving 3,300 participants who will be able to legally purchase cannabis. The project aims to provide a research basis for potential future regulation of recreational cannabis use in Switzerland and to study its impact on the black market.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Refugees
Swiss cantons and municipalities are anticipating substantial new costs, estimated at CHF300 million nationwide, as Ukrainians with S protection status start moving to regular social assistance from 2027, prompting calls for federal support.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Housing
In a move to address the ongoing housing shortage, both chambers of the Swiss parliament have greenlit a significant funding increase for the 'Fonds de Roulement', aimed at promoting the construction and renovation of non-profit housing projects across the country.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Social Policy
Authorities in Basel have reported positive interim results from their 'Weed Care' pilot project for regulated cannabis sales. The study indicates a significant drop in tobacco co-consumption, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety among participants, and no overall increase in cannabis use.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Swiss Army
To boost female recruitment, the Swiss parliament has endorsed a motion to eliminate financial disadvantages for women in the armed forces, specifically targeting low allowance rates for those who worked part-time before their service. The army aims to increase its female contingent to 10%.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Social Policy
Swiss entrepreneurs will gain faster and simpler access to unemployment benefits following a parliamentary decision to better insure them against loss of livelihood, particularly in complex situations like ongoing bankruptcy proceedings or divorce.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Politics
Following significant criticism during a public consultation, the Swiss government has broadened its proposed Inclusion Act. The revised law will now apply to all people with disabilities, not just those receiving specific insurance benefits, as part of an indirect counter-proposal to the 'inclusion initiative'.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Politics
As part of the March 8th referendums, voters in several Swiss cantons will decide on key regional issues including minimum wage laws, cuts to long-term welfare payments, and the deployment of new speed cameras.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
LGBTIQ+
The Swiss government has introduced its first-ever National Action Plan for 2026-2030, outlining 12 measures to protect LGBTIQ+ individuals from discrimination and violence, aiming to create a safer environment and improve safety for society as a whole.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Politics
An analysis of the decisive national vote where Swiss citizens overwhelmingly rejected a 50% tax on large inheritances and a proposal for a mandatory civic service for all.
The Local Switzerland · +4 more
Politics
A comprehensive overview of the national referendum results on November 30, 2025, where Swiss voters decisively rejected proposals for a new inheritance tax on the super-rich and the introduction of a compulsory civic duty for all citizens. The article will explore the final vote percentages, cantonal breakdowns, and initial reactions from both proponents and opponents.
The Local Switzerland · +7 more
