Swiss 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.

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.

World · Jun 2

Hong Kong Overtakes Switzerland As The World’s Top Cross-Border Wealth Hub

Cross-border wealth booked in Hong Kong reached $2.95 trillion, world’s top cross-border wealth hub, at the end of 2025, just ahead of Switzerland’s $2.94 trillion.

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.

Business · Jun 2

Iran Crisis Drags Swiss SME Confidence Below Growth Threshold In May 2026

A dip in Swiss SME Confidence indicates a deterioration in the business climate for the manufacturing sector.

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.

World · May 31

Switzerland Dethroned: Iceland Is Now The World’s Most Expensive Country

Zürich has also lost its crown as the world's most expensive city to Hong Kong.

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.