Latest News in Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Council Rejects the Food Initiative Without a Counterproposal

The Swiss Federal Council has rejected the Food Initiative on Wednesday (13. 11.). According to the Council, the demands of the initiative are not feasible within the given time frame. Furthermore, acceptance of the initiative would have far-reaching consequences for the production and consumption of food in Switzerland.

The initiative was submitted by Franziska Herren, who was also the initiator of the Drinking Water Initiative, which was decisively rejected by the public in 2021. With the Food Initiative, Herren calls for “strengthening sustainable domestic production, more plant-based foods, and clean drinking water.” In other words, she aims to increase the production of plant-based foods in Switzerland. According to the initiative, this should also increase food security and Switzerland’s net self-sufficiency rate from 46 percent to 70 percent. The goals should be achieved within ten years of the initiative’s acceptance.

The Federal Council recommends rejecting the initiative without formulating a counterproposal.

“Morning-After Pill”: Federal Court Dismisses Appeal

The “Morning-After Pill” will continue to be dispensed only in pharmacies after a consultation with the pharmacist. The court has dismissed a corresponding complaint from the marketing authorization holder, as stated in a statement on Wednesday (13. 11.). The marketing authorization holder had demanded that its two preparations be assigned to a different category of medicinal products, which would have allowed the products to be dispensed in drugstores after a consultation. The Federal Administrative Court had already dismissed the complaint before.

The Federal Court argues that a conversation with a medical professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, is still necessary to protect the user of the “Morning-After Pill.” The medical professional can determine which preparation is suitable. They can also inform the user about side effects and the correct intake of the preparation, requiring expertise in medicines that pharmacists lack.

The “Morning-After Pill” is an emergency contraceptive that is available over the counter and is effective up to three days after unprotected sex. It delays ovulation, preventing pregnancy.

Costs for Nursing Homes and Home Care Services Have Risen Sharply in 2023

The costs of nursing homes and home care services have increased compared to the previous year. In 2023, the costs for nursing homes increased by 5 percent, and those for home care by 7 percent. Together, they amounted to 15 billion Swiss francs, marking the strongest growth of the past decade. This information is based on a report published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on Tuesday (12. 11.).

In 2023, residents of nursing homes required more care than ever before. An average of 110 care minutes per day were spent on each resident (a 4 percent increase from 2022). A similar trend is seen in home care services, with an average of 56 care hours per client in 2023 (a 6.3 percent increase from 2022).

SBB and Trenitalia Plan New Connections

On Friday (8. 11.), SBB and the Italian railway company Trenitalia signed an agreement for further cooperation in Milan. The two railway companies have been working together since 2009 and have now renewed this partnership, according to a statement.

With the new agreement, SBB and Trenitalia aim to create additional connections between Switzerland and Italy. Currently, there are 40 trains running between the two countries daily.

Specifically, starting in 2026, the two companies will operate an additional connection from Zurich to Milan and Venice. Direct trains from Zurich to Florence and Livorno are also planned. For these new services, SBB ordered four new Giruno trains in February 2024 to complement the existing fleet. 29 Giruno compositions are already in operation, with 7 more ordered in 2022.

Army Registers 11,000 Premature Departures Annually

The Swiss Army has enough soldiers for emergencies. As of March 1, 2024, 146,974 army members were counted – nearly 7,000 more than the maximum number specified in the army organization. However, the number is declining, with the effective strength decreasing by 204 individuals compared to 2023. By 2030, this number is expected to drop below 140,000, as announced by the army on Friday (8. 11.). As a result of the military reform “Further Development of the Army” (WEA), two cohorts will be released from military service by the end of the decade.

The army is currently losing over 11,000 members annually. The increasing attractiveness of civilian service is particularly challenging for the military. While departures due to medical reasons remain stable, those opting for civilian service account for over 60 percent.

The number of individuals in refresher courses is also declining, making training more difficult, according to the army. This could lead to a decrease in operational readiness in the medium term. Measures have already been taken to counter this trend. The department of Federal Councilor Viola Amherd is also considering two alternative compulsory service models, including a merger of civilian service and civil protection.

Cyber Incidents Significantly Increase in Switzerland

Cyber threats in Switzerland are on the rise: On average, the Federal Office for Cybersecurity (BACS) received a report of a cyber incident every 8.5 minutes until the end of October 2024. With 34,789 reported cyber incidents in the first half of 2024, BACS recorded almost a doubling compared to the same period in the previous year. Around 90 percent of the reports came from individuals, with the remaining 10 percent from businesses.

The increase is mainly attributed to the significant rise in fraud attempts, which account for two-thirds of all reports with 23,104 cases. Telephone fraud, in particular, is under scrutiny and will be explained in a separate report.

One notable phenomenon is the surge in fake authority calls, with scammers impersonating government officials in 13,730 cases and attempting to persuade victims to install remote access software.

There is also a significant increase in phishing incidents reported by BACS. With 6,643 reports in the first half of the year, the number is about 2,800 cases higher than in the previous year. Fraudsters primarily rely on fake package notifications and alleged refunds in the name of well-known companies such as SBB or various tax authorities.

Federal Council Implements Ban on Face Coverings

Starting from January 1, 2025, it will be prohibited to cover the face in publicly accessible places in Switzerland. The Federal Council has implemented the face-covering ban, as announced on Wednesday. Violations will be punishable by a fine of up to 1000 Swiss francs.

The corresponding initiative “Yes to the Face Covering Ban” was accepted by the people and cantons in March 2021. The new constitutional article is enshrined in the Federal Act on the Prohibition of Face Covering (BVVG). The ban does not apply on airplanes, as well as in diplomatic and consular premises. Face covering is also allowed in places of worship, according to the Federal Council. Furthermore, face covering is permitted for health, safety, climatic conditions, and local customs reasons. Artistic and entertaining performances, as well as advertising purposes, are exempt from the ban.

There are also exceptions for demonstrations. This is to respect the constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights of freedom of expression and assembly, stated the Federal Council: “If face coverings are necessary in public spaces to exercise these fundamental rights for one’s own protection, they should be allowed – provided that the competent authority has approved them beforehand and public order and safety are not compromised.”

Those who violate the ban can be fined up to 1000 Swiss francs. If the fine is paid on the spot, it costs 100 francs.