Stories from Switzerland

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.

A new artificial intelligence system named Grimace uses cameras and machine learning to detect pain and stress in laboratory mice. The system analyzes rodent facial expressions in real time to provide objective and standardized assessments. This technology aims to replace human observation, which has been described as subjective and stressful. Successful testing of the device allows for the rapid administration of analgesics to improve animal welfare.

Novo Nordisk shares fell 2.9% in morning trading following news regarding competition for its flagship heart disease medication. The decline follows developments involving an Alphabet subsidiary and the US Department of Defense. The company's patent for the medication is reportedly expiring. The decline follows the introduction of a generic competitor to the Swiss pharmaceutical group's flagship heart disease medication.

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.

The canton of Valais has become the first in Switzerland to pass a law banning the release of helium balloons. Deputies accepted a bill from the Verpe group to prevent plastic waste and atmospheric pollution. The legislation aims to protect wildlife from the harmful effects of these releases. The ban follows demands from the Green Rhine and Labour parties. Proponents argued that balloons create plastic waste and pose a danger to animals, while sky lanterns present a fire hazard. Additionally, sky lanterns were identified as a potential fire hazard.

The court cited a permanent impediment to proceeding because the daughter of the former Uzbek president cannot leave her country before the statute of limitations expires in Switzerland. Karimova is currently held in prison. The court did not drop proceedings against Banque Lombard Odier and its former wealth manager, who will still face trial. The Federal Criminal Court closed the case due to a permanent obstacle involving the statute of limitations and the defendant's inability to leave Uzbekistan. Karimova was accused of accepting bribes from international corporations in exchange for Uzbek mobile phone licenses. The case involved allegations of hiding hundreds of millions of francs in Swiss bank accounts. The case against co-defendant Geneva-based bank Lombard Odier will continue. The court determined that a verdict cannot be rendered under current circumstances.