Independent journalism from the heart of Europe
Federal Council
After eleven years in government, the 66 year old Vaud winegrower announced on Friday that he will step down on 31 December, "at 11.59pm at the very latest". The People's Party claims the seat, candidates have until 23 October to come forward, and parliament elects his successor on 9 December.
Europe
The Council of States approved the stabilisation treaties early on Thursday, including CHF 193 million for Erasmus+, and answered the referendum question: the people and the cantons will both have to say yes. The National Council takes up the package next.
Inflation
Consumer prices rose 1 per cent in September, the fastest annual rate since the spring, driven by heating oil up 65 per cent, diesel up 28.7 per cent and petrol up 19.9 per cent. The reading keeps a December rate rise on the table.
Glaciers
The annual GLAMOS survey records the second worst melt season ever measured, after a snow poor winter and record summer heat. Several small glaciers have disappeared entirely, and 42.6 cubic kilometres of ice remain.
Inflation
Heating oil costs 65 per cent more than a year ago, diesel 28.7 per cent and petrol 19.9 per cent. The fastest inflation since the spring landed exactly where forecasters expected, and it keeps the SNB's December meeting in play.
Glaciers
The annual GLAMOS survey records the second worst melt season ever measured, after a snow poor winter and record summer heat. Several small glaciers have disappeared entirely, and 42.6 cubic kilometres of ice remain.
Climate
A cold front ends the late season warmth this week, closing the books on a summer that beat the 2003 record by 0.4 degrees and brought 50 tropical nights. MeteoSwiss says such summers could be the norm within a generation.
Climate Adaptation
The hottest summer since 1864 pushed cities from Zurich to Lugano into improvised defence, with a record 49 tropical nights in Lugano alone. Researchers and insurers say the patchwork is no longer enough.
Europe
The Council of States approved the stabilisation treaties early on Thursday, including CHF 193 million for Erasmus+, and answered the referendum question: the people and the cantons will both have to say yes. The National Council takes up the package next.
Theatre
Street theatre, circus and magic take over the city on Sunday, the opening day of a festival week that runs to 11 October. Eight stages, three themed evenings and a performance marathon, all of it free.
Nations League
Dan Ndoye's goal shortly before the break sealed a third win in three for Murat Yakin's side, who top group B1 with a perfect record. Gregor Kobel conceded for the first time since the World Cup. North Macedonia visit on Tuesday.
Film Festival
Moore followed Tom Hiddleston's opening night Golden Eye with an acceptance speech delivered in German. John Turturro collects his own Golden Eye this week, and the competitions are running with a record 21 Swiss productions in the programme.
Switzerland serves itself and others best when it treats neutrality as an instrument of policy rather than an article of faith.
Health insurance dominates the political agenda, yet the quiet driver of household stress is the cost of simply having a roof.
More votes do not automatically mean better decisions. Switzerland should protect the deliberation that makes its system work.
A strong currency flatters national pride and punishes exporters. The National Bank cannot manage that tension alone.