Politics - Helvetica Times

Swiss Voters To Decide On Four Federal Measures In November: Fireworks, War Material, 13th AHV Pension, Marriage Penalty

The first measure is a federal resolution to raise the standard VAT rate by 0.4% points to 8.5% in order to co-finance the 13th AHV pension, which was approved by voters in March 2026 and is due to be paid out for the first time this year.

Politics · Jun 30

Half Of All Swiss Voters Are Now Over 60, And The Gap Is Growing

Over half of all ballots are cast by Swiss voters aged 60 or over. Avenir Suisse warns that this trend should not be ignored.

Local · Jun 16

Zürich’s Feminist Strike Kicks Off With City Centre March As Thousands Demonstrate Across Switzerland

The authorised march had been called at short notice the previous evening, serving as the launch event for the nationwide feminist strike.

Politics · Jun 15

Tear Gas, Burning Cars, Hundreds Detained: Geneva’s G7 Protests Turn Violent

Geneva's G7 protests turn violent as protesters hurl bottles, stones, cement blocks, and fireworks at security forces. Buildings close to the UN campus have been damaged, while a bank's windows were smashed. A Tesla was also set on fire, left with "Eat the Rich" spray-painted on its side.

Expat · Jun 15

Swiss Voters Deliver A Clear Defeat To Right-Wing SVP’s Anti-Immigration Agenda

With nearly 55% voting against the proposal to limit the country's population to 10 million, Swiss Voters reject population cap in blow to People's Party's anti-immigration agenda.

Local · Jun 11

Zug To Pay Record CHF 4,001 Per Resident Into National Equalisation Fund

Zug's extraordinary tax revenues mechanically increases its obligation to National Equalisation Fund poorer cantons year after year

Politics · Jun 9

Switzerland Orders 32 New Artillery Systems To Replace Cold War-Era Howitzers

The M109 howitzer has been in Swiss Army service for decades and is now approaching the end of its operational lifespan.

Business · Jun 3

US Tariff Threats Put Swiss Exporters On Edge As Washington Raises Pressure

For Switzerland, US tariff threats are especially sensitive because the US is one of its most important export destinations, particularly for pharmaceuticals, machinery, precision instruments and high-value industrial goods.

Local · Jun 2

Mario Fehr And Left-Wing Parties Clash Over Winterthur Stabbing Attack

The Office of the Attorney General is now investigating suspected terrorism.

Politics · Jun 1

Switzerland Weighs European Air Defence Amidst Tensed Geopolitical Situation

In view of the tense geopolitical situation and the increasing threat from ranged weapons, the Federal Council wants to weigh European air defence to strengthen air defence.

Politics · May 26

Who Is Beat Jans and Why He Is Fighting the Swiss Population Cap Vote

Federal Councillor Beat Jans fights population cap vote. “On June 14th, we will experience Switzerland’s Brexit moment,” he said.

Politics · May 21

Polish President Karol Nawrocki to Visit Switzerland for Security Talks

What is on the table? Mainly, European policy, European security and the geopolitical situation.

Breaking News · May 20

Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister Pushes Drone Build-Up Amid Rising Air Threats

Pfister has said Switzerland faces “a large gap” in air defence and needs to close it quickly, a message he repeated while presenting the army’s 2026 spending package back in March.

Politics · May 20

Swiss 10-Million Population Vote: High Stakes and E-Voting Trials

The vote would enshrine a cap on Switzerland’s permanent resident population at 10 million or fewer until 2050.