Filtered by Topic
Latest Politics news and updates from Switzerland. AI-curated articles covering Politics topics.
← Show All NewsZurich
Zurich centre-right parties are urging the city to seek an entry ban for Northern Irish band Kneecap ahead of its sold-out November 22 concert. They cite the group’s pro-Palestinian statements and alleged support for terrorism; the band has rejected accusations of support for Hamas.
1 day ago · 1 source
United States
Swiss residents in the United States interviewed after the midterm elections described relief at the Democratic victory and weariness with living costs and political polarisation. Democrats won majorities in both chambers of Congress.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Climate
As COP31 opens in Antalya, Switzerland’s delegation says its priority is to defend existing commitments under the Paris Agreement. Climate groups are also criticizing the fossil fuel industry’s influence at UN climate conferences.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Education
The House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee has backed a CHF193 million contribution for Switzerland’s participation in Erasmus+ in 2027. The Senate has already approved the funding, while other decisions on the EU treaty package remain pending.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Lausanne
Several thousand people marched in Lausanne against planned cuts to public services, a month before Vaud’s parliament begins debating the 2027 budget. The demonstration crossed the city centre to the cantonal government’s seat.
Le News
Politics
Swiss voters will decide on five federal proposals on February 28, 2027, the Federal Council has confirmed. The ballot will include a proposal to lift the ban on building nuclear power plants and a free-trade agreement with Malaysia.
Le News
Politics
Swiss voters will decide on November 29 whether to loosen rules on arms exports, allowing sales to a range of countries even when they are involved in armed conflicts. Opponents have launched a referendum against the reform.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Society
A new stage production in Chur is prompting debate about wealth, democracy and calls for higher taxes on the richest 1%. The discussion features Austrian activist Marlene Engelhorn, who gave €25 million to a citizens’ assembly to decide how the money should be spent.
SWI swissinfo.ch
United States
Democrats have won control of both chambers of the US Congress in the midterm elections, a result that could have implications for Switzerland. The Local examines where the change in congressional control may matter to Swiss interests.
The Local Switzerland
Politics
Swiss lawmakers have approved tax relief for retirees who continue working. The measure is a new development in policy affecting older people who remain in employment.
The Local Switzerland
Politics
Swiss voters will decide on November 29 whether to ban the sale and use of loud fireworks. The proposal would leave sparklers and fountains permitted.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Zurich
After weekend rioting in Zurich, the Swiss People’s Party in the cantonal council is calling for a review of whether cantonal police should take over the city force. Other parties also condemned the disturbances, while the proposal puts policing responsibilities at the centre of the political response.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Switzerland
Eight candidates have entered the race to replace Guy Parmelin in Switzerland’s Federal Council, including representatives from French-speaking Switzerland, Ticino and German-speaking cantons. The SVP nomination committee will hold hearings in the coming weeks.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Zurich
A Zurich cantonal parliamentary commission has sharply criticised the University of Zurich’s senior leadership and plans to withhold approval of its annual report. The commission says leadership skills need greater weight in selecting and training senior staff.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Switzerland
A majority of the House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee has given an initial positive assessment to Switzerland’s bilateral treaty package with the EU, calling close relations with the bloc essential. The committee also backed the negotiated wage-protection measures, while parliamentary review of other parts of the package continues.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Immigration
Partners Group co-founder Alfred Gantner has proposed that companies pay a tax when they hire workers from the EU, with the proceeds distributed to the public. His suggested levy could reach 5% of an employee’s salary over five years, though it is a proposal rather than an adopted policy.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Politics
Swiss voters are due to decide on four federal proposals on November 29, covering pension funding, fireworks restrictions, taxation of married couples and arms exports. The Federal Council has published its official voting explanations ahead of the ballot.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +1 more
Politics
A new SRG election barometer indicates that Switzerland’s political divide is widening, with support increasing for parties on both the left and right while the centre loses ground. The Swiss People’s Party remains the strongest party at almost 30% support.
Le News
Politics
Swiss voters will decide four federal proposals on November 29, including plans on pension funding, married-couple taxation, fireworks restrictions and arms exports. The votes form the next major test of the country’s busy direct-democracy calendar.
Le News
Politics
Swiss authorities have added six people linked to Venezuela’s former leader Nicolas Maduro to the country’s sanctions list. Their assets held in Swiss banks could be frozen or seized under the measures.
The Local Switzerland
