Stories from Bern · Switzerland

The Swiss National Council rejected a proposal to reduce the maximum weekly working hours for nurses from 50 to 45 hours. SVP National Councilor Diana Gut says the proposal is too expensive and could lead to costs in the billions. The source stated that no majority financing solution has been reached despite three rounds of discussions with affected stakeholders. There is a stated risk that insurance premium payers may face cost increases of two to four percent. The report was filed from the Federal Palace. SP National Councilor Farah Rumi, a professional nurse, stated that the commission's version of the proposal does not change the daily lives of caregivers. The decision was met with dissatisfaction from nursing personnel. The new draft addresses the issue of trained nursing specialists leaving the profession after several years.

Karimova is not expected to leave her prison in Uzbekistan until late December 2028. Consequently, the charges held against her in Switzerland will expire by that date. The investigation into the bank where she allegedly hid millions, Lombard Odier, and its former wealth manager remains ongoing.

A left-wing citizens' association is launching a popular initiative to stop the purchase of F-35 fighter jets. Minority politicians noted that clear public resistance would be required to reconsider the procurement process. The F-35 purchase discussion may be blocked for several years pending a potential referendum. While the initiative to halt purchases is gaining traction among left-wing groups, support remains cautious. Co-initiator Margaret Kienanellen stated she is not giving up and hopes the SP and Green parties will join the movement. Co-initiator Margaret Kinanellen stated she hopes the Social Democratic Party and the Green Party will support the movement. Co-initiator Margaret Kinanellen is seeking support from the SP and Green parties to reach the required 100,000 signatures.

The organization Umverkehr has begun collecting signatures for the Mobility Bonus initiative. Margret Kienanellen, a former SP National Councilor and initiative initiator, stated that it is offensive that the public must learn about cost increases through media reports. Initiator and former SP National Councilor Margret Kienanellen stated that the rising costs of the jets are problematic. The group's move follows reports that the F-35 program is becoming more expensive than originally planned. Switzerland has already paid approximately 1.5 billion Swiss francs for the procurement as of the end of 2025. Total costs could exceed 3 billion Swiss francs by the time a potential vote occurs in two to three years. The initiative aims to regulate pricing and performance standards in contracts but is unlikely to stop the purchase entirely.

Swiss judicial authorities have unfrozen accounts belonging to the family of Wang Chuan-fu, a prominent arms dealer. The unfreezing involves over $670 million retrieved by Wang Chuan-fu's 19-year-old son, Wang Jiaxing, in Vaud, Switzerland.

The Swiss National Science Foundation supported more than 6,000 research projects last year. Total funding reached approximately 1.2 billion Swiss francs. The foundation is expected to receive roughly 200 million francs less between 2027 and 2029. This reduction will necessitate changes to future funding strategies.

The Swiss National Science Foundation provided record funding to researchers last year, totaling approximately 1.2 billion Swiss francs. This funding supported more than 6,000 research projects. However, the foundation is expected to face budget cuts of around 200 million Swiss francs between 2027 and 2029. This funding level represents the highest amount of support provided to date. Only 30% of submitted applications received funding due to an explosion in demand.

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.