Author: switzerlandtimes.ch

Switzerland’s Young Socialists (JS) have launched their campaign for the “Pour l’avenir” (“For the Future”) initiative, arguing that the super-rich should shoulder the costs of combating climate change, reported RTS. The ultra-wealthy are destroying our future with private jets, super-yachts and multi-billion-franc investments that harm the climate, the group said at the campaign’s launch. They emit more in a few hours than most people do in a lifetime — it is only fair that they pay to fix the damage. Filed in August 2022, the initiative calls for a 50% inheritance tax on estates exceeding CHF 50 million, with the…

Switzerland’s primary schools are expected to see a steep decline in pupil numbers over the coming decade, according to projections from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). The number of primary pupils will begin to fall from 2027, dropping by about 7% between 2025 and 2034. The decline reflects a sharp fall in births since 2022. The trend will affect all cantons and, in turn, the demand for teachers. The FSO expects the number of primary-school teachers to shrink by roughly 4,500 over ten years — a 6% decline. Fewer teachers neededRecruitment needs are already easing. Swiss schools hired about 6,000…

On 28 September 2025, Switzerland voted on two contentious matters: a state-run electronic identity (e-ID) and a revamp of property taxation. Both were approved, though one only just. The e-ID Act scraped through with 50.4% in favour and 49.6% against – narrower than polls had suggested. And, only 7.5 out of 26 cantons were in favour – Switzerland has 20 full cantons and 6 half cantons. Because this vote aimed to change a federal law rather than the constitution, it does not require a double majority – a majority of voters and a majority of cantons. The scheme, free and…

Health-insurance premiums and immigration remain the two biggest political concerns for Swiss voters, though both are less prevalent than last year, according to the latest SSR electoral barometer. Relations with the European Union, housing shortages and the economy have gained ground. Health costs top the list of challenges, cited by 40% of respondents. Immigration follows with 27%, the same share as EU relations and climate change. Asylum policy comes close behind at 26%. A year ago half of voters flagged premiums as the main issue; now only four in ten do. Immigration has also eased, from 33% to 27%. By…

The number of mountain-hiking accidents in Switzerland has doubled in the past 15 years, according to new data from Suva, the national accident insurer. Between 2009 and 2013, just over 4,000 incidents were recorded annually. From 2019 to 2023, that figure rose to around 9,000 a year. More than eight in ten accidents involved hikers tripping, slipping, or falling. Suva attributes the rise partly to unsuitable equipment, inattention and overestimation of one’s physical condition. It advises hikers to plan their routes carefully, check the weather and choose trails appropriate to their fitness levels. Between June and September this year, around…

Switzerland’s Federal Council has warned that a proposal by the Young Socialists could lead to substantial tax losses and drive wealthy residents abroad, reported RTS. On Monday, it launched its campaign against the “For the Future” initiative, which will go to a vote on 30 November 2025. The initiative, officially titled “For a socially just climate policy financed through fair taxation”, calls for a 50% levy on inheritances and donations exceeding CHF 50 million. The proceeds would fund climate measures. The initiators estimate the tax would generate around six billion francs annually—two-thirds for the federal government and one-third for the…

Young adults in Switzerland are staying longer in the family home. Half of the population now leaves their parents’ household at an average age of 23.7, almost two years later than previous generations, according to figures published on Monday by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). The study compared people born between 1988 and 2007 with those born between 1968 and 1987. The gap is widest at age 20: only 19% of young adults in the younger cohort had moved out by then, compared with 30% among their elders. By age 30, the difference narrows. Most young Swiss leave home between…

For many people across the United Kingdom, the security of a monthly salary provides comfort and predictability. Yet, even with steady income, financial peace of mind is not guaranteed. Rising living costs, inflation, housing expenses, and increasing financial responsibilities mean that a regular pay cheque can vanish faster than expected. Developing smart money habits is therefore essential—not only for meeting short-term needs but also for building long-term financial resilience. This guide explores practical, realistic financial habits every salaried employee in the UK should cultivate. From managing monthly budgets to planning pensions, paying taxes efficiently, and investing wisely, these strategies can…

Around 15% of Switzerland’s population aged between 16 and 65—some 844,000 people—struggle with reading, writing, numeracy and basic problem-solving. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), drawing on OECD data, these adults tend to earn less, participate less in the workforce and report lower levels of well-being and social engagement than those with stronger skills. Among adults with low proficiency, 46% have no education beyond compulsory schooling, and they are half as likely as the average person to have pursued further training in the past five years. More than half (56%) are aged between 46 and 65. They are also…

Were the votes held at the start of October, Switzerland’s proposed inheritance tax would have failed. Support and opposition to compulsory community service, meanwhile, remain neck and neck, according to a recent poll. On November 30th 2025, Swiss voters will decide on two federal initiatives. The first, the Inheritance Tax Initiative, would introduce a levy a 50% tax on estates and gifts exceeding CHF 50 million, with the proceeds earmarked for climate projects. The second, the Citizen Service Initiative, would make public service compulsory for all Swiss citizens, a more inclusive system than the current one that is compulsory only…