Stories from Switzerland

Swiss pharmaceutical giants Roche and Novartis have outlined their strategic plans following the announcement of new pharmaceutical tariffs by the Trump administration.

France and Switzerland are discussing shared security responsibilities for an upcoming event in the Lake Geneva region between June 15 and June 17. Hundreds of heads of state, heads of government, and ministers are expected to attend.

The Swiss Federal Department is in negotiations with Paris to manage costs related to foreign drone incursions and espionage operations on Swiss territory. A meeting is scheduled to take place in Orisk in relation to these security concerns.

Switzerland is expected to hold a referendum on immigration this summer. The move follows reports that immigration doubled last year.

Greta Gysin has announced her candidacy for the presidency of the Green Party parliamentary group in the Swiss National Council. Gysin is the sole candidate for the position. The election for the parliamentary group leadership is scheduled for May 22. The announcement was made via telephone during Federal Council meetings. She aims to succeed Alain Trede, who was recently elected to the Bernese Cantonal Government.

A new poll released today shows the center-right is divided regarding a UDC initiative. The Swiss political landscape is facing division over an omnibus initiative launched by the UDC.

A ban on mowing lawns and green spaces has been implemented in infestation areas from Bern to end of September. The measure aims to protect the population of the invasive Japanese beetle, specifically the haubrunnengrün beetle. The beetle is an invasive species in the region.

A Valais cantonal court sentenced a 49-year-old woman to 14 months in prison. She reportedly posed as a relative of Christian Constantin in several instances.

Andre Wies has been elected as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors for SBB, the Swiss Federal Railways. Wies, the former head of the Swiss telecom group Swisscom, has served on the SBB board for one year. He stated his intention to develop SBB as a stable and modern backbone for Switzerland. He succeeds Monika L'écrivain. Wies is a former executive at Novartis and Implénya. Vier previously served as the head of the construction group Implenia.

French-speaking cantons in Switzerland are uniting to implement the 142 helpline to support victims of physical, psychological, or sexual violence. The service, managed by Solidarité Femme Fribourg, will launch this Friday and will be free of charge.