Stories from Bern · Switzerland

Swiss private households collectively possess more than 5 trillion Swiss francs, according to a new evaluation by the Swiss National Bank. This funding was distributed across more than 6,000 research projects. The source noted this represents the highest level of support provided by the fund to date. Swiss private households held a total of 5,132 billion Swiss francs in wealth at the end of last year. The data represents an increase of 206 billion francs compared to the previous year. The data indicates a accumulation of assets among Swiss residents. This figure includes assets from houses and real estate. The National Council rejected a motion from Basel-Stadt to increase the representation of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft in the Council of States. The motion sought to grant both cantons two seats and two votes each. Market value of these assets tripled over the last 25 years.

Swiss Economic Minister Ephraim Harmeler stated that abolishing working and rest time regulations would undermine health protections.

The recognition follows findings that these groups were victims of crimes against humanity in Switzerland for approximately 50 years. These crimes included children being removed from families, placed under guardianship, and forced sterilization. The announcement comes five years after the implementation of a formal roadmap to address these issues. The report noted over 22,000 infractions related to the struggle against violence. This designation follows a formal parliamentary recognition of historical and systemic targeting of these groups. Parliament President Albulena Hachiu stated that new elections would be convened within 45 days. This follows repeated unsuccessful attempts to establish a new presidency.

Swiss Finance Minister Karine Keller Soutter addressed the need to strengthen regulations for UBS. An expected 2.3 billion in credit account transfers is currently being monitored. Federal Finance Councilor Karine Kellermayer recently criticized the bank for its intense lobbying activities in Parliament. UBS stated this morning that it intends to continue its involvement in the process. UBS CEO Sergio Hermetti defended the bank's right to participate in policy discussions following accusations from Finance Minister Karine Kallers-Souter. Kallers-Souter alleged that lobbying from the bank exerts strong pressure on policies, potentially influencing parliamentarians. This comes as lawmakers prepare to discuss new capital requirement regulations. The minister's comments targeted the bank's influence over the legislative process regarding financial stability.

An investigation by an NGO revealed an increase in Swiss investments in companies involved in nuclear weapons production in 2025. Annette Willi, an operations manager at the NGO, stated that this increase is occurring amidst geopolitical tensions. The report suggests investors are contributing to an arms race using Swiss capital. The findings involve companies subject to Swiss federal laws regarding war materiel.

The Swiss National Council issued a declaration recognizing the suffering caused to nomadic groups through historical practices. These practices included removing children from families, placing them under guardianship, and forced sterilization until the late 1970s. The Council expressed regret and called for the preservation of nomadism as living intangible heritage. The UDC and parts of the PL rejected the declaration, arguing the classification of these actions as crimes against humanity was excessive. These practices continued until the end of the 1970s as the state attempted to abolish nomadic lifestyles. The Swiss Federal Council has rejected a proposal to exempt high earners from tracking working hours and rest periods.

The Swiss Federal Department of Justice decided in late March to unfreeze and return approximately $670 million to the Wang family. These funds originated from military sales transactions between Taiwan and France involving warships and Mirage fighter jets. The decision follows a 25-year international investigation and litigation spanning Switzerland, Jersey, and the Cayman Islands. Swiss authorities stated that after more than 20 years of investigation, the frozen assets could not be sufficiently linked to corruption. The funds were previously held in Swiss bank accounts despite prohibitions at the time of the transactions. The Swiss Federal Office of Justice has unfreezed assets after a 20-year investigation.

A Swiss municipality is now following a new hazard map in the aftermath of a recent landslide.

Serbia's ambassador to Switzerland, Ivan Trifunovic, stated that both countries are positioning themselves in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. He noted similarities between the two nations as they adapt to new global dynamics. The discussion also touched upon the need to attract attention and cause terror.

Swiss policies are criticized for not being sufficiently visible or focused on defense of national interests. The motivations behind maintaining a population of 10 million are questioned, with suggestions that policies aim to keep a portion of the population in a state of illegality. This approach is seen as diminishing Swiss hospitality and securing exploitable labor to maintain domination.