Stories from Bern · Switzerland

Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter has criticized a bank's actions, deeming them unfounded. Rinov criticized the Swiss application of EU sanctions against Russia, arguing the country follows the letter of the law without considering its function for Swiss security policy. He stated that the purpose of sanctions is to compel Russia to adhere to international law and the UN Charter. The critique focused on whether Switzerland applies these measures strictly or considers their broader impact on national security.

The Wizards have become the first-ever Swiss champions in women's Uni Hockey, defeating the Kloten Dietlich-Gorn Jets 4-2 in the final. The Kloten Dietlich-Gorn Jets had previously won the title six consecutive times. The weather forecast for Sunday predicts mostly sunny conditions with high clouds passing through.

A new Swiss federal decree on judicial languages allows proceedings to be conducted in French or German. Uniquely for Switzerland, it also provides the possibility of simultaneous interpretation in criminal cases, based on the language of the accused.

The Swiss Federal Office of Transport has introduced stricter regulations regarding freight wagon wheels to enhance safety. These new requirements include more frequent testing and specific minimum diameter standards for wheels used on the rails. Because rail freight is an international business, these unilateral Swiss measures are intended to influence safety standards across borders.

SP National Councillor Cedric Wehrmuth is seeking re-election for the National Council in the upcoming autumn elections. His candidacy for the national elections has been approved by the Argovian SP delegates. Despite serving twelve years, he is eligible to run again due to a two-thirds majority vote from the delegates.

Cantonal police officers in Bern will no longer be required to have basic knowledge of French. Previously, phrases like 'Bonjour, comment allez-vous' and 'Où sont les papiers, s'il vous plaît' were part of the necessary vocabulary. This change is being reported on the police's blog.

Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter announced that UBS must increase its equity by $20 billion to cover international holdings. This mandate aims to strengthen the Swiss financial center and ensure the bank can cover 100% of its foreign participations instead of the current 45%. The move follows the restructuring of the Swiss banking landscape after the Credit Suisse collapse. Previously, the coverage requirement stood at 45%. This mandate follows the acquisition of former competitor Credit Suisse, which was facing bankruptcy. UBS is now the sole systemic bank in Switzerland. Bern has demanded that UBS increase its capital funds to ensure it covers 100% of requirements.

The Swiss Federal Council intends to tighten capital requirements for UBS to prevent a financial collapse similar to Credit Suisse. SP National Councilor Nina Schläfle stated that equal opportunity in the naturalization process is currently not guaranteed in Switzerland. Left-wing parliamentarians are making a new attempt to secure easier naturalization, including for second-generation foreigners. The Swiss Federal Council has declined to implement uniform, binding requirements for naturalization costs, tests, or courses across all cantons and municipalities. Despite these findings, the Council maintains that cantons and municipalities should retain control over these specific requirements. The Swiss National Council debated tightening regulations for e-scooters, which currently do not require helmets, driver's licenses, or license plates.

The Swiss Green Party is reviewing a potential referendum against a new law that would allow comprehensive surveillance of suspected extremist violent offenders both online and offline. The move aims to challenge increased state monitoring capabilities in Switzerland. A referendum has been established to challenge a parliamentary decision made last December. The decision would have allowed the export of war materiel to 25 Western countries even if they are involved in armed conflicts. The referendum was initiated by an alliance consisting of the SP, Greens, EVP, and various non-governmental organizations. The Swiss Federal Chancellery confirmed the referendum's formation.

The Swiss Federal Council is seeking to tighten 'Lex Koller' regulations to restrict the acquisition of real estate by foreign nationals. The move was advocated by National Councilor Padikessik. Although the Federal Parliament voted for the ban one year ago, the measure is not yet in effect. Officials suggest it could take an additional 3 to 5 years before the ban is fully implemented across the country. The Federal Department of Home Affairs maintains the ban is necessary for both public health and environmental protection. The council cited the Liberal Goods Control Act as the basis for the decision. This follows criticism during the consultation process regarding the scope of neutrality laws. Some critics argued that certain goods were not being properly classified under neutrality requirements.