Switzerland Today

Swiss news in English

Friday, November 22, 2024

Switzerland Paralyzed by Heavy Snowfall

Switzerland is grappling with severe disruptions in public transportation and road traffic due to heavy snowfall that began on Thursday. Major cities like Zurich, Bern, Basel, and Lucerne have seen significant impacts, with bus and tram services either halted or running irregularly.

4 h

Weather

Post Office Heist Thwarted in Oberriet

A dramatic robbery attempt at a post office in Oberriet, Switzerland, has led to the arrest of two suspects. On Monday evening, two men entered the back entrance of the post office, threatening and tying up a 19-year-old employee.

13 h

Crime

Swiss Regulator Halts Luxury Project Over Fraud Concerns

The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Finma) has launched proceedings against a network of companies and individuals linked to the investor platform "Moonshot," suspecting unauthorized financial activities. Central to the investigation is a couple from Zug, Alexander and Madeleine Hübner, who are involved in several interconnected firms, including the luxury apartment operator Le Bijou.

Yesterday

Business

Asian Hornets Threaten Swiss Beekeeping

The Asian hornet invasion is wreaking havoc on Swiss beekeeping, with devastating impacts on local bee populations. Beekeeper Patrick Gubler lost nearly 45 colonies, amounting to about three million bees, due to hornet attacks.

Yesterday

Environment

Eva Wildi-Cortés Leads Swiss Federal Police

Eva Wildi-Cortés has been appointed as the new director of the Swiss Federal Office of Police (Fedpol), succeeding Nicoletta della Valle. With over 20 years of experience at Fedpol, Wildi-Cortés is set to take charge in February 2025, during a challenging period marked by limited resources and increasing responsibilities.

Yesterday

Politics

Police Enforce Eviction in Hefenhofen

In Hefenhofen, the police have enforced a court-ordered eviction of a farm previously owned by Ulrich K. , who refused to vacate the property despite its auction sale last year.

Yesterday

Law & Order

Protests Erupt Over Swiss Nuclear Waste Site

In Switzerland, the National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste (Nagra) has submitted an application for a nuclear waste repository in Stadel, Zurich. This proposal has sparked protests, with around 80 demonstrators gathering in Bülach to voice their opposition.

20 November, 07:38

Environment

Switzerland: A Haven Amid Europe's Economic Woes

As Europe's economic struggles continue, Switzerland emerges as an attractive destination for foreign workers, particularly from EU countries. The Swiss labor market benefits from a unique dynamic where economic conditions dictate immigration patterns.

20 November, 07:38

Economy

Swiss Steel Cuts 800 Jobs Amid Industry Slump

Swiss Steel, the largest steel manufacturer in Switzerland, has announced a significant reduction in its workforce, cutting 800 jobs across Germany, Switzerland, and France. This decision comes as a response to the declining demand in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the automotive industry.

19 November, 18:48

Business

Brave Bystander Foils Post Office Robbery

In a dramatic turn of events in Oberriet SG, two individuals attempted to rob a post office but were thwarted by a brave bystander. The incident occurred on Monday evening when the St.

19 November, 05:10

Crime

Swiss Politician Faces Legal Action Over Tweet

In a significant development, the Immunity Commission of the Swiss National Council has decided to lift the immunity of SVP National Councilor Andreas Glarner, allowing for a potential legal proceeding against him. Glarner is under scrutiny for an Islam-critical tweet following violent incidents in Germany, which led to accusations of racial discrimination.

18 November, 20:29

Politics

Ex-Comedian Loses License for Reckless Driving

Bendrit Bajra, a former social media star, has been ordered to surrender his driver's license for two years following a ruling by the Zurich High Court. The 28-year-old was involved in two dangerous stunts on the A1 highway in April 2016, where he filmed himself and a friend engaging in reckless driving.

18 November, 15:56

Law & Crime

Teen Burglars Caught in Regensdorf

Two Swiss teenagers, both aged 16, were apprehended by the Zurich Cantonal Police after breaking into a youth center in Regensdorf. The incident occurred on Sunday at 4 PM, when a local resident reported the break-in via emergency number 117.

18 November, 15:55

Crime

Swiss Village Faces Evacuation Amid Landslide Threat

The Swiss village of Brienz is facing another evacuation due to the imminent threat of a massive landslide. Approximately 1.

17 November, 18:11

Environment

Switzerland Braces for Snow and Storms

Switzerland is set to experience a significant weather shift after a prolonged period of high pressure. Starting Monday, rain and snow are expected, with the snow line dropping to as low as 800 meters.

17 November, 13:36

Weather

Swiss Pension Debate: Maillard's Bold Move

Pierre-Yves Maillard, President of the Swiss Trade Union Federation, is advocating for a significant increase in pensions for married couples, supporting the centrist initiative to remove the cap on AHV pensions. This proposal could see couples receiving up to an additional 1,200 Swiss Francs per month.

16 November, 16:07

Politics

Two Armed Robberies in Zurich's District 12

In Zurich's District 12, two armed robberies occurred at gas station shops within two days. On Thursday evening, three men entered the Avia gas station shop on Überlandstrasse, threatening an employee with a knife.

15 November, 22:47

Crime

Majestic Christmas Tree Lands in St. Gallen

A majestic Christmas tree from Rehetobel AR now graces the Klosterplatz in St. Gallen, thanks to the generous donation from Jemina and Christian Bächtold.

15 November, 18:12

Culture

Swiss Nuclear Waste Site Sparks Debate

The Swiss National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste (Nagra) is set to submit plans for a nuclear waste repository in Stadel, north of Zurich. This proposal has sparked significant opposition, with critics demanding a mandatory public vote on the project.

15 November, 18:12

Environment

Swiss Customs Seize 700 Illegal Packages

In a recent large-scale customs operation, the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (Bazg) uncovered nearly 700 packages containing illegal goods in international mail. The operation aimed to intercept drugs, illegal weapons, laser pointers, and counterfeit medications.

14 November, 19:45

International News

SBB Unveils New Flirt Evo Trains

The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), along with Thurbo and RegionAlps, have announced the introduction of 286 new Flirt Evo trains by 2032, with the first set to be operational by 2026. These new trains, manufactured by Stadler Rail, promise enhanced features such as increased storage space for bicycles, strollers, and luggage, as well as improved mobile and data reception.

14 November, 15:17

Transportation

Smoke Incident at Einsiedeln Monastery

A significant smoke incident occurred at the Einsiedeln Monastery in Switzerland on Thursday morning, prompting an alert from Alert Swiss. Residents were advised to close windows and doors and turn off ventilation systems due to the heavy smoke emanating from the monastery's wood chip heating system.

14 November, 10:49

Local News

Violence Against Swiss Sex Workers Exposed

A recent study by the Swiss organization ProCoRe reveals the alarming prevalence of violence and discrimination faced by sex workers in Switzerland. The study, which surveyed 24 women and trans women, highlights that many have experienced violence at work, including a disturbing practice known as "stealthing," where clients secretly remove condoms during intercourse.

14 November, 10:49

Social Issues

Grill Accident Injures Four in Kloten

A gas leak at a grill in the Schluefweg ice sports center in Kloten led to a serious accident on Wednesday evening, injuring four people. The incident occurred shortly after 9:30 PM, causing a flash fire that resulted in severe injuries to a 76-year-old man and moderate injuries to two women, aged 19 and 61, and a 77-year-old man.

14 November, 06:16

Local News

Swiss Government Rejects Food Self-Sufficiency Initiative

The Swiss government has rejected a popular initiative aimed at increasing the country's food self-sufficiency to 70% within ten years. Currently, Switzerland imports nearly half of its food, and the initiative, led by Franziska Herren and others, proposed a shift towards more plant-based agriculture to boost local production.

13 November, 21:22

Politics