Stories from Bern · Switzerland

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.

Six new members were admitted to the Swiss National Council today. Further details on the most topics of the special session are available on the news app.

The Swiss Parliament received nearly 3,300 motions last year, a 70% increase compared to 15 years prior. While citizens complain, they also submit more motions, which are often rejected as parliament does not wish to limit its own work. This figure represents a 70 percent increase compared to 15 years ago, according to Mark Vogel, chief physician at the University Clinics in Basel. The influx of motions is creating additional workload for the parliamentary administration. While these motions are intended for discussion, the volume is impacting administrative efficiency. The influx of motions has led to complaints regarding the impact on parliamentary work. Many of these motions are reportedly rejected as the parliament seeks to maintain its current operational scope.

A survey by GFS Berne indicates that over half of Swiss citizens find social conditions in Switzerland unfair. Income is identified as a key factor influencing perceptions of justice, with a widening gap between social classes. While two-thirds of prominent figures are satisfied with the situation, three-quarters of individuals with lower incomes perceive it differently.