Stories from Switzerland

The Swiss Parliament has requested that the Federal Council organize an international peace forum to address the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The forum aims to facilitate direct dialogue between Azerbaijan and Karabakh Armenians.

Approximately 15,000 people participated in a major demonstration in Zurich. A subsequent smaller protest involving several hundred people occurred, which police allowed to proceed. During the smaller demonstration, an attack on a motorcycle police officer prompted several officers to intervene. Police reportedly used tear gas in isolated instances as protesters from the left-wing signal ignited flares. A subsequent unauthorized follow-up demonstration involving several hundred people took place. Authorities used tear gas in isolated instances to control the situation, according to news agency Kisto & STA. The gas was deployed against individuals from a left-wing autonomous background who were using pyrotechnics.

A new report indicates that 350,000 people were forcibly sterilized in Nazi Germany, including Swiss citizens living abroad. The researcher found the records while conducting research for a doctoral thesis at the Federal Archives.

An analysis from the Canton of Bern shows that individuals acquiring homes or apartments are significantly more likely to have received an inheritance or gift compared to 15 years ago.

European Council President Antonio Costa called for a new alliance between Europe and Canada during a speech in Davos. Costa stated that the two entities are more than just partners sharing similar ideas. He said that they are building a new alliance together.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated Emperor Penguins as an endangered species.

The Federal Office of Public Health reported approximately 502 tuberculosis cases in Switzerland last year. This figure is an increase from roughly 410 to 420 cases recorded between 2013 and 2024.

The Lausanne University Hospital has obtained authorization from Swissmedic to market a fecal microbiota transplant treatment. While the procedure has been performed in university settings elsewhere, the Swiss approval establishes specific medicinal criteria for the treatment.

Swiss National Council members Schmied, Müller, and Schakou are calling for increased oversight of the country's highest judges. Some cantons have already established judicial courts to provide independent oversight. Three members of the National Council are calling for the establishment of an independent judicial oversight body in Switzerland. SP National Councilor Jessica Jacou stated that current gaps exist in the system. She proposed an independent tribunal to act as a supervisor for the judiciary. The Swiss parliament is considering measures to limit the number of motions and postulates submitted. During a special session, no new motions will be allowed to be submitted. This is an attempt to reduce the flood of proposals, as the parliament does not wish to restrict itself.

The Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Geneva reported that business satisfaction levels are at their lowest since the Covid-19 pandemic. The organization is recommending emergency measures to prevent layoffs.