Switzerland Today

Swiss news in English

Friday, January 17, 2025

Swiss Lotto Scandal: Jackpot Hacked

A group of organized players attempted to exploit the Swiss Lotto's "Joker" game by systematically betting on all possible six-digit combinations. This tactic, which cost them around 2 million Swiss francs, led to the temporary suspension of the game by Loterie Romande for investigation.

Yesterday

Crime

Zürich Legalizes Langstrasse Street Prostitution

The Zurich City Council has voted to legalize street prostitution on Langstrasse, aiming to improve safety and health conditions for sex workers. With 88 votes in favor and 20 against, the decision reflects a pragmatic approach to an existing reality.

Yesterday

Politics

Viola Amherd Resigns from Swiss Cabinet

Viola Amherd, Switzerland's first female defense minister, has announced her resignation from the Federal Council, effective March 31, 2025. Despite recent criticism, including calls for her resignation from the SVP, Amherd emphasized that her decision was personal and unrelated to external pressures.

15 January, 21:24

Politics

Viola Amherd Resigns from Swiss Cabinet

Viola Amherd, Switzerland's first female defense minister, has announced her resignation from the Federal Council effective March 2024. Serving since 2019, Amherd emphasized her decision was unrelated to recent criticism over defense projects.

15 January, 21:24

Politics

Swiss Centrist Party Faces Leadership Shift

Gerhard Pfister, the influential leader of Switzerland's Centrist Party, has announced his resignation, marking a pivotal moment for the party. Pfister, known for his strategic acumen, led the merger of the CVP and BDP into "The Centre," revitalizing the party's identity.

6 January, 18:15

Politics

Fatal Car Crash in Valais

A tragic car accident occurred on Sunday morning in Fortunau, located in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. According to the local police, a 59-year-old Swiss man lost control of his vehicle on the Route du Rawyl near a parking area.

6 January, 13:40

Accidents

Swiss Shopping Limit Sparks Debate

Switzerland has reduced its tax-free shopping limit abroad from 300 to 150 Swiss francs, sparking mixed reactions. The new rule, effective January 1, aims to curb cross-border shopping, which has long been a contentious issue.

6 January, 09:13

Economy

Credit Suisse's Nazi Ties Exposed

A U. S.

5 January, 06:57

World

Switzerland Faces Snow and Ice Warnings

Switzerland is bracing for a significant weather shift, with snow and freezing rain expected to create hazardous conditions. Starting Thursday, heavy precipitation will move in from the northwest, with snowfall reaching lower altitudes by evening.

5 January, 02:41

Weather

Swiss Farmers Demand Fair Wages

The Swiss Farmers' Association is calling for higher wages for farmers, warning that family-run farms are at risk. Markus Ritter, the association's president, highlighted that rising retail prices are worsening the situation for these farms.

5 January, 02:41

Economy

Flu Wave Sweeps Through Switzerland

Switzerland is in the grip of a flu wave, with cases rising steadily over the past three weeks, according to the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG). Influenza cases have more than doubled, reaching 12 per 100,000 residents last week.

4 January, 22:19

Health

Martin Farner Steps Down as Zurich Council President

Martin Farner, a prominent FDP politician and the current Vice President of Zurich's Cantonal Parliament, has announced his resignation from the council's leadership due to health reasons. Farner, who has been deeply involved in local and cantonal politics for over 16 years, was set to assume the presidency in May.

4 January, 00:23

Politics

Jelmoli's Final Sale Frenzy

The iconic Jelmoli department store in Zürich is drawing massive crowds as it begins its final sale before closing its doors after 126 years. Shoppers are flocking to the store, lured by discounts of up to 70%, though some, like 16-year-old Levi, find the deals underwhelming.

3 January, 15:28

Business

Swiss President Calls for Unity

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter emphasized the importance of humility and compromise in her New Year’s address. Speaking from the Abbey Library of St.

1 January, 15:25

Politics

Massive Garage Fire Damages 76 Cars

A massive fire broke out in an underground garage in Zufikon, Switzerland, on New Year's Eve, causing extensive damage to 76 vehicles. The blaze started when a Lamborghini caught fire, filling the garage with thick smoke.

1 January, 10:47

Local News

Rottweiler Ban Sparks Legal Battle

Starting January 1, 2025, the canton of Zurich will ban the acquisition of new Rottweilers, adding them to a list of prohibited dog breeds alongside Pitbulls and Bull Terriers. This decision follows incidents where children were severely injured by Rottweiler bites.

1 January, 01:57

Society

Violent Attack Outside Zurich Club

A violent attack occurred outside the Zurich club "Kaufleuten" early Thursday morning, leaving a man with severe head injuries. Four suspects, aged between 25 and 33, have been arrested following a tip from the public.

31 December, 21:38

Crime

Swiss Federal Council's Unique Photo Unveiled

The Swiss Federal Council has unveiled its latest annual portrait, a collage featuring over 1,000 citizens from across the country. Created by 24-year-old photographer Arthur Gamsa, the image includes at least 40 individuals from each canton, alongside the seven council members and the chancellor.

31 December, 12:56

Culture

WHO Urges China for COVID-19 Data

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging China to share more data to uncover the virus's origins. The WHO emphasized that understanding the origins is both a moral and scientific necessity to prepare for future pandemics.

31 December, 08:34

Health

Switzerland to Retire FM Radio Early

Switzerland is set to retire FM radio frequencies earlier than planned, with public broadcaster SRG shutting them down by December 31, 2024. This move precedes the private sector's transition by two years, sparking debates across political and environmental groups.

31 December, 04:17

Technology

Switzerland to Lead OSCE in 2026

Switzerland will take over the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026, marking its third time leading the group after 1996 and 2014. The announcement was made by Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg, the current OSCE chair.

30 December, 19:41

World

Sugus Tenants Face Renewed Eviction Chaos

Tenants of the Sugus buildings in Zurich are grappling with renewed uncertainty after receiving a second eviction notice. Originally set for March 2025, the new deadline has been extended to September 2025.

30 December, 15:05

Real Estate

Axpo's Bonus Controversy Sparks Outrage

Swiss energy company Axpo is under fire for its bonus culture, with some traders reportedly receiving up to nine million Swiss francs in bonuses. This comes as the company, owned by Swiss cantons, has faced criticism for shifting financial risks onto taxpayers.

30 December, 15:05

Business

Switzerland's Extreme Weather in 2024

Switzerland faced a year of extreme weather in 2024, marked by deadly storms and record-breaking conditions. In the Misox region, devastating floods claimed two lives and left villages questioning their future habitability.

30 December, 10:32

Environment

Swiss Parliament Debates Danish Reactor

A Danish nuclear reactor is set to be tested in Villigen, Switzerland, by 2026, sparking political debate. The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and Copenhagen Atomics plan to transport the reactor, which is already built, to the Aargau canton.

29 December, 08:09

Science