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<title>Swiss Inquirer &#45; : HEADLINES NEWS</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/rss/category/world-news</link>
<description>Swiss Inquirer &#45; : HEADLINES NEWS</description>
<dc:language>en</dc:language>
<dc:rights>Copyright 2026 Gulf Ecomonics &#45; All Rights Reserved.</dc:rights>

<item>
<title>FILM: FJORD ***1/2 – was this film worthy of its Palme d’Or at Cannes this year?</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/film-fjord-12-was-this-film-worthy-of-its-palme-dor-at-cannes-this-year</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/film-fjord-12-was-this-film-worthy-of-its-palme-dor-at-cannes-this-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 21 August 2026 FJORD ***1/2 (vo Norwegian, English, Romanian) The question is: was this film worthy of its Palme d’Or at Cannes this year? It’s been released this week, so let’s take a look at what it’s all about. A loving, quite religious family – Romanian father, Norwegian mother, four school-age children and a baby […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 21:00:19 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>FILM:, FJORD, 12, –, was, this, film, worthy, its, Palme, d’Or, Cannes, this, year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[21 August 2026 FJORD ***1/2 (vo Norwegian, English, Romanian) The question is: was this film worthy of its Palme d’Or at Cannes this year? It’s been released this week, so let’s take a look at what it’s all about. A loving, quite religious family – Romanian father, Norwegian mother, four school-age children and a baby […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss tourist jailed for insulting Bali’s sacred day of silence</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-tourist-jailed-for-insulting-balis-sacred-day-of-silence</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-tourist-jailed-for-insulting-balis-sacred-day-of-silence</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A court in Bali has sentenced a Swiss tourist to a year in prison for insulting Nyepi, the Indonesian island’s sacred Hindu Day of Silence. The 26-year-old was convicted on Thursday, August 20, 2026 under Indonesia’s new criminal code after posting messages on social media mocking the observance, during which residents and visitors are expected […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 21:00:18 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, tourist, jailed, for, insulting, Bali’s, sacred, day, silence</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A court in Bali has sentenced a Swiss tourist to a year in prison for insulting Nyepi, the Indonesian island’s sacred Hindu Day of Silence. The 26-year-old was convicted on Thursday, August 20, 2026 under Indonesia’s new criminal code after posting messages on social media mocking the observance, during which residents and visitors are expected […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss teachers’ unions say schools are ill&#45;equipped for hot summers</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-teachers-unions-say-schools-are-ill-equipped-for-hot-summers</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-teachers-unions-say-schools-are-ill-equipped-for-hot-summers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Many children return to school next week. Switzerland’s sweltering summer has renewed concern over the condition of its schools, many of which are poorly equipped to cope with extreme heat. Meeting in Bern on Thursday, teachers’ unions warned that high temperatures can impair children’s ability to learn, reported RTS. Investing in school buildings means investing […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 21:00:58 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, teachers’, unions, say, schools, are, ill-equipped, for, hot, summers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Many children return to school next week. Switzerland’s sweltering summer has renewed concern over the condition of its schools, many of which are poorly equipped to cope with extreme heat. Meeting in Bern on Thursday, teachers’ unions warned that high temperatures can impair children’s ability to learn, reported RTS. Investing in school buildings means investing […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Rejection of wage protection measures risks Swiss&#45;EU deal</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/rejection-of-wage-protection-measures-risks-swiss-eu-deal</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/rejection-of-wage-protection-measures-risks-swiss-eu-deal</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ With parliament due to debate Switzerland’s package of agreements with the European Union next month, a committee in the upper house has rejected measures intended to protect wages, reported RTS. One has become particularly contentious: stronger safeguards for workers’ representatives against unfair dismissal. Trade unions now warn that they may oppose the agreements altogether. The […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 21:00:57 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rejection, wage, protection, measures, risks, Swiss-EU, deal</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[With parliament due to debate Switzerland’s package of agreements with the European Union next month, a committee in the upper house has rejected measures intended to protect wages, reported RTS. One has become particularly contentious: stronger safeguards for workers’ representatives against unfair dismissal. Trade unions now warn that they may oppose the agreements altogether. The […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Federal Council opposes initiative to curb fossil&#45;fuel funding</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/federal-council-opposes-initiative-to-curb-fossil-fuel-funding</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/federal-council-opposes-initiative-to-curb-fossil-fuel-funding</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ This week, the Federal Council said it opposes the popular initiative “For a sustainable and future-oriented financial centre in Switzerland” and has also rejected the idea of a counter-proposal. reported SRF. The initiative’s backers say it is intended to ensure that the Swiss financial centre no longer contributes to environmental damage and climate change through […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 21:00:55 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Federal, Council, opposes, initiative, curb, fossil-fuel, funding</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[This week, the Federal Council said it opposes the popular initiative “For a sustainable and future-oriented financial centre in Switzerland” and has also rejected the idea of a counter-proposal. reported SRF. The initiative’s backers say it is intended to ensure that the Swiss financial centre no longer contributes to environmental damage and climate change through […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Federal government sets new rules on 30km/h zones</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/federal-government-sets-new-rules-on-30kmh-zones</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/federal-government-sets-new-rules-on-30kmh-zones</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At parliament’s request, the Federal Council said on Wednesday that, from October 1st, municipalities wishing to lower the limit on main roads will have to show that the change will not divert traffic into residential neighbourhoods, reported RTS. An expert assessment will be required to demonstrate that the lower limit is unlikely to cause undesirable […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 21:00:53 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Federal, government, sets, new, rules, 30kmh, zones</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[At parliament’s request, the Federal Council said on Wednesday that, from October 1st, municipalities wishing to lower the limit on main roads will have to show that the change will not divert traffic into residential neighbourhoods, reported RTS. An expert assessment will be required to demonstrate that the lower limit is unlikely to cause undesirable […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Switzerland is attracting fewer immigrants—and losing more of those already here</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-is-attracting-fewer-immigrantsand-losing-more-of-those-already-here</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-is-attracting-fewer-immigrantsand-losing-more-of-those-already-here</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Almost 40,000 foreign permanent residents left Switzerland in the first half of 2026, 4.3% more than in the same period last year. According to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), this is part of a broader trend: emigration by foreign residents has been rising since 2023. At the same time, immigration is slowing. In the […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 21:00:52 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland, attracting, fewer, immigrants—and, losing, more, those, already, here</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Almost 40,000 foreign permanent residents left Switzerland in the first half of 2026, 4.3% more than in the same period last year. According to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), this is part of a broader trend: emigration by foreign residents has been rising since 2023. At the same time, immigration is slowing. In the […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss public&#45;transport fares to rise by less than expected</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-public-transport-fares-to-rise-by-less-than-expected</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-public-transport-fares-to-rise-by-less-than-expected</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Swiss public-transport fares will rise by an average of 3.6% in December 2026, less than the 3.9% increase originally planned. The reduction follows negotiations between the industry and Switzerland’s price regulator. The price of a second-class GA travelcard, which provides unlimited travel on much of the Swiss public-transport network, will rise by CHF 100 to […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:00:57 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, public-transport, fares, rise, less, than, expected</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Swiss public-transport fares will rise by an average of 3.6% in December 2026, less than the 3.9% increase originally planned. The reduction follows negotiations between the industry and Switzerland’s price regulator. The price of a second-class GA travelcard, which provides unlimited travel on much of the Swiss public-transport network, will rise by CHF 100 to […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss home battery sales are booming. The maths still doesn’t add up</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-home-battery-sales-are-booming-the-maths-still-doesnt-add-up</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-home-battery-sales-are-booming-the-maths-still-doesnt-add-up</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s residential battery market is growing fast. Around half of new photovoltaic installations are now paired with storage, according to Swissolar. Falling battery prices, lower payments for surplus solar power and the prospect of more flexible electricity tariffs are all helping to drive demand. But popularity should not be confused with profitability. In Switzerland, solar […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:00:56 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, home, battery, sales, are, booming., The, maths, still, doesn’t, add</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s residential battery market is growing fast. Around half of new photovoltaic installations are now paired with storage, according to Swissolar. Falling battery prices, lower payments for surplus solar power and the prospect of more flexible electricity tariffs are all helping to drive demand. But popularity should not be confused with profitability. In Switzerland, solar […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss Liberal Greens want less polluting cigarette filters</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-liberal-greens-want-less-polluting-cigarette-filters</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-liberal-greens-want-less-polluting-cigarette-filters</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Around 1,000 tonnes of cigarette butts are discarded on the ground in Switzerland each year. The Green Liberal Party wants the federal government to do more to tackle the problem, including encouraging tobacco companies to redesign cigarette filters, reported RTS. Most filters are made from cellulose acetate, a polymer also used in the textile industry. […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:00:55 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, Liberal, Greens, want, less, polluting, cigarette, filters</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Around 1,000 tonnes of cigarette butts are discarded on the ground in Switzerland each year. The Green Liberal Party wants the federal government to do more to tackle the problem, including encouraging tobacco companies to redesign cigarette filters, reported RTS. Most filters are made from cellulose acetate, a polymer also used in the textile industry. […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Switzerland’s neutrality campaign kicks off ahead of September vote</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerlands-neutrality-campaign-kicks-off-ahead-of-september-vote</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerlands-neutrality-campaign-kicks-off-ahead-of-september-vote</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Supporters of the “Safeguard Swiss Neutrality” initiative launched their campaign in Bern on Tuesday, arguing that a Yes vote on September 27th is needed to prevent the country’s neutrality from being steadily eroded, reported RTS. Walter Wobmann, a Solothurn MP from the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP), presented the campaign to the media. As president of […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://i0.wp.com/lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-33545468-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:00:55 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland’s, neutrality, campaign, kicks, off, ahead, September, vote</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Supporters of the “Safeguard Swiss Neutrality” initiative launched their campaign in Bern on Tuesday, arguing that a Yes vote on September 27th is needed to prevent the country’s neutrality from being steadily eroded, reported RTS. Walter Wobmann, a Solothurn MP from the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP), presented the campaign to the media. As president of […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>FILM: LOCARNO FILM FESTIVAL with its openness to the public</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/film-locarno-film-festival-with-its-openness-to-the-public</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/film-locarno-film-festival-with-its-openness-to-the-public</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 7 August 2026 Two brilliant festivals, one after the other, celebrating the arts of music and cinema. And both in marvelous settings. French-speaking VERBIER in July, the trendy laid-back ski village which transforms into a world-class classical music event in the summer for the pleasure of avid mélomanes; and Italian-speaking LOCARNO, with its lake and […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:00:54 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>FILM:, LOCARNO, FILM, FESTIVAL, with, its, openness, the, public</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[7 August 2026 Two brilliant festivals, one after the other, celebrating the arts of music and cinema. And both in marvelous settings. French-speaking VERBIER in July, the trendy laid-back ski village which transforms into a world-class classical music event in the summer for the pleasure of avid mélomanes; and Italian-speaking LOCARNO, with its lake and […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>How a tiny battery forced an emergency landing</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/how-a-tiny-battery-forced-an-emergency-landing</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/how-a-tiny-battery-forced-an-emergency-landing</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On July 27th 2026 a routine Swiss flight from Zurich to New York was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangor, Maine, after smoke appeared in the business-class cabin. The source was eventually traced to a headphone-charging case that had become wedged in a seat and crushed. Its damaged lithium battery overheated and began […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, tiny, battery, forced, emergency, landing</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[On July 27th 2026 a routine Swiss flight from Zurich to New York was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangor, Maine, after smoke appeared in the business-class cabin. The source was eventually traced to a headphone-charging case that had become wedged in a seat and crushed. Its damaged lithium battery overheated and began […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Switzerland’s bloodiest divide no longer seen as its greatest historical threat</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerlands-bloodiest-divide-no-longer-seen-as-its-greatest-historical-threat</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerlands-bloodiest-divide-no-longer-seen-as-its-greatest-historical-threat</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asked recently which conflict had historically posed the greatest threat to national cohesion, 28% of Swiss respondents chose the struggle between the working class and the better-off, while 25% pointed to the divide between town and country. Older—and arguably more consequential—fault-lines ranked lower: 18% selected the conflict between Catholics and Protestants, and 13% cited the […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland’s, bloodiest, divide, longer, seen, its, greatest, historical, threat</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asked recently which conflict had historically posed the greatest threat to national cohesion, 28% of Swiss respondents chose the struggle between the working class and the better-off, while 25% pointed to the divide between town and country. Older—and arguably more consequential—fault-lines ranked lower: 18% selected the conflict between Catholics and Protestants, and 13% cited the […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>How the Big Mac Index overstates the Swiss franc’s strength</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/how-the-big-mac-index-overstates-the-swiss-francs-strength</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/how-the-big-mac-index-overstates-the-swiss-francs-strength</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ For 40 years, The Economist has indulged in what it refers to as “burgernomics”: a worldwide comparison of the price of a Big Mac. The McDonald’s Big Mac is remarkably consistent wherever you eat it, so you might expect its price to be consistent too. But it is not—and, according to the publisher, that reveals […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:00:43 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, the, Big, Mac, Index, overstates, the, Swiss, franc’s, strength</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[For 40 years, The Economist has indulged in what it refers to as “burgernomics”: a worldwide comparison of the price of a Big Mac. The McDonald’s Big Mac is remarkably consistent wherever you eat it, so you might expect its price to be consistent too. But it is not—and, according to the publisher, that reveals […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Mental illness remains the leading cause of disability&#45;welfare claims in Switzerland</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/mental-illness-remains-the-leading-cause-of-disability-welfare-claims-in-switzerland</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/mental-illness-remains-the-leading-cause-of-disability-welfare-claims-in-switzerland</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of people receiving vocational-rehabilitation support through Switzerland’s disability-insurance system rose again in 2025. Mental illness remained the leading cause of disability, especially among young people. Some 61,000 people received vocational-rehabilitation support, the Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO) said on Monday. That was 3,300 more than in 2024 and more than three times as […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:00:42 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mental, illness, remains, the, leading, cause, disability-welfare, claims, Switzerland</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of people receiving vocational-rehabilitation support through Switzerland’s disability-insurance system rose again in 2025. Mental illness remained the leading cause of disability, especially among young people. Some 61,000 people received vocational-rehabilitation support, the Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO) said on Monday. That was 3,300 more than in 2024 and more than three times as […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Fireworks ban exemptions prompt accusations of double standards</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/fireworks-ban-exemptions-prompt-accusations-of-double-standards</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/fireworks-ban-exemptions-prompt-accusations-of-double-standards</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ahead of Switzerland’s national day on August 1st, fireworks have generally been banned due to the risk of forest fires, although official displays are still permitted in some places, reports SRF. With Switzerland parched by drought, almost every canton has imposed restrictions on open fires and fireworks. Yet some authorities are allowing large official displays […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:00:41 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fireworks, ban, exemptions, prompt, accusations, double, standards</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ahead of Switzerland’s national day on August 1st, fireworks have generally been banned due to the risk of forest fires, although official displays are still permitted in some places, reports SRF. With Switzerland parched by drought, almost every canton has imposed restrictions on open fires and fireworks. Yet some authorities are allowing large official displays […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Backers of the safe food initiative accuse government of deception and demand a retraction</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/backers-of-the-safe-food-initiative-accuse-government-of-deception-and-demand-a-retraction</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/backers-of-the-safe-food-initiative-accuse-government-of-deception-and-demand-a-retraction</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The backers of Switzerland’s Safe Food initiative have lodged an appeal against the Federal Council and the Federal Chancellery, accusing them of misrepresenting the proposal in the official booklet for the vote on September 27th, RTS reported. The appeal was filed on Thursday with the government of the canton of Bern by Franziska Herren, an […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:00:40 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Backers, the, safe, food, initiative, accuse, government, deception, and, demand, retraction</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The backers of Switzerland’s Safe Food initiative have lodged an appeal against the Federal Council and the Federal Chancellery, accusing them of misrepresenting the proposal in the official booklet for the vote on September 27th, RTS reported. The appeal was filed on Thursday with the government of the canton of Bern by Franziska Herren, an […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Moving to France – a cheaper life across the border</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/moving-to-france-a-cheaper-life-across-the-border</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/moving-to-france-a-cheaper-life-across-the-border</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ While Switzerland is debating how to curb immigration, some of its own residents are considering a move in the opposite direction. According to a survey commissioned by Comparis, a price-comparison website, nearly one-third of adults in French-speaking Switzerland could imagine moving to France. Some 4.2% are already looking for a home there—equivalent, by the company’s […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://i0.wp.com/lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-36343876.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:00:43 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Moving, France, –, cheaper, life, across, the, border</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[While Switzerland is debating how to curb immigration, some of its own residents are considering a move in the opposite direction. According to a survey commissioned by Comparis, a price-comparison website, nearly one-third of adults in French-speaking Switzerland could imagine moving to France. Some 4.2% are already looking for a home there—equivalent, by the company’s […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>FILM: SPIDER&#45;MAN: BRAND NEW DAY ** For the hype and the adrenaline</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/film-spider-man-brand-new-day-for-the-hype-and-the-adrenaline</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/film-spider-man-brand-new-day-for-the-hype-and-the-adrenaline</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 31 July 2026 A bit of a foray into the effects of entertainment… SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY ** Our daily press screenings in various cinemas around Geneva usually consist of six to eight journalists. We each have our favourite seats and it’s peaceful. We can tell a hyped-up blockbuster is coming when a whole lot […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://i0.wp.com/lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/S-man.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:00:41 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>FILM:, SPIDER-MAN:, BRAND, NEW, DAY, For, the, hype, and, the, adrenaline</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[31 July 2026 A bit of a foray into the effects of entertainment… SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY ** Our daily press screenings in various cinemas around Geneva usually consist of six to eight journalists. We each have our favourite seats and it’s peaceful. We can tell a hyped-up blockbuster is coming when a whole lot […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss rail – squeezing more people onto ever busier trains</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-rail-squeezing-more-people-onto-ever-busier-trains</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-rail-squeezing-more-people-onto-ever-busier-trains</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s railways are carrying more people than ever. In the second quarter of 2026 passengers travelled 6.3bn kilometres by train, an increase of 5.2% from a year earlier, reported Litra. That surpassed the previous record, set in the final quarter of 2025, by nearly 200m passenger-kilometres, the collective distance travelled by passengers. This is good […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://i0.wp.com/lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Swiss-Train-Commute_David-Taljat-_-Dreamstime.com_.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:00:40 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, rail, –, squeezing, more, people, onto, ever, busier, trains</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s railways are carrying more people than ever. In the second quarter of 2026 passengers travelled 6.3bn kilometres by train, an increase of 5.2% from a year earlier, reported Litra. That surpassed the previous record, set in the final quarter of 2025, by nearly 200m passenger-kilometres, the collective distance travelled by passengers. This is good […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss national day: 4 things you ought to know</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-national-day-4-things-you-ought-to-know</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-national-day-4-things-you-ought-to-know</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Every year on 1 August, Swiss celebrate the founding of their nation with barbecues, friends, town celebrations and a lot of fireworks. But what is it all about? 1. The Federal Charter of 1291 Switzerland’s national celebration, held every year on 1 August, celebrates the signing of the Federal Charter of 1291 in early August […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://i0.wp.com/lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Swiss-national-day-2016.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:00:39 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, national, day:, things, you, ought, know</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Every year on 1 August, Swiss celebrate the founding of their nation with barbecues, friends, town celebrations and a lot of fireworks. But what is it all about? 1. The Federal Charter of 1291 Switzerland’s national celebration, held every year on 1 August, celebrates the signing of the Federal Charter of 1291 in early August […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Geneva court suspends ban on full&#45;cover swimwear</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/geneva-court-suspends-ban-on-full-cover-swimwear</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/geneva-court-suspends-ban-on-full-cover-swimwear</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Long-sleeved swimwear may once again be worn in Geneva’s public swimming pools, at least temporarily, after a cantonal court suspended a ban introduced in May, reported various media. Geneva’s parliament, the Grand Council, approved the measure in March. It came into force on May 30 and prohibited swimwear covering both the arms and legs beyond […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-32862944-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 21:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Geneva, court, suspends, ban, full-cover, swimwear</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Long-sleeved swimwear may once again be worn in Geneva’s public swimming pools, at least temporarily, after a cantonal court suspended a ban introduced in May, reported various media. Geneva’s parliament, the Grand Council, approved the measure in March. It came into force on May 30 and prohibited swimwear covering both the arms and legs beyond […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>FILM: DE LA COMÉDIE FRANÇAISE **** an exhuberant film</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/film-de-la-comedie-francaise-an-exhuberant-film</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/film-de-la-comedie-francaise-an-exhuberant-film</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 24 July 2026 DE LA COMÉDIE FRANÇAISE **** (vo French, with English subtitles) Here’s a day in the life of the oldest and most prestigious theatre company in the world, founded in 1680 under Louis XIV. It’s also one of the most delightful comedies of the year, directed by Martin Darondeau and Bertrand Usclat with […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Comedie-francaise.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 21:01:00 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>FILM:, COMÉDIE, FRANÇAISE, exhuberant, film</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[24 July 2026 DE LA COMÉDIE FRANÇAISE **** (vo French, with English subtitles) Here’s a day in the life of the oldest and most prestigious theatre company in the world, founded in 1680 under Louis XIV. It’s also one of the most delightful comedies of the year, directed by Martin Darondeau and Bertrand Usclat with […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss town to fine those who don’t wash up dog pee</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-town-to-fine-those-who-dont-wash-up-dog-pee</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-town-to-fine-those-who-dont-wash-up-dog-pee</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Dog owners in Chiasso, a town in Italian-speaking Ticino, will soon have to clean up not only their pets’ poop but also their urine. The rule, believed to be the first of its kind in Switzerland, will take effect in mid-August, reported RSI. Walkers will be expected to carry a bottle of water as well […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-7210435-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 21:00:55 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, town, fine, those, who, don’t, wash, dog, pee</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Dog owners in Chiasso, a town in Italian-speaking Ticino, will soon have to clean up not only their pets’ poop but also their urine. The rule, believed to be the first of its kind in Switzerland, will take effect in mid-August, reported RSI. Walkers will be expected to carry a bottle of water as well […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Switzerland braces for fourth heatwave of the summer</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-braces-for-fourth-heatwave-of-the-summer</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-braces-for-fourth-heatwave-of-the-summer</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The fourth heatwave this summer is approaching. It is not yet clear whether it will match the severity of the spell in late June, but temperatures will be high. Weather models broadly agree that, from the middle of next week, temperatures across much of the lowlands will exceed 30°C.No sustained cooling is in sight. August […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-28462802-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 21:00:50 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland, braces, for, fourth, heatwave, the, summer</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The fourth heatwave this summer is approaching. It is not yet clear whether it will match the severity of the spell in late June, but temperatures will be high. Weather models broadly agree that, from the middle of next week, temperatures across much of the lowlands will exceed 30°C.No sustained cooling is in sight. August […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss mothers push for six months of maternity leave</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-mothers-push-for-six-months-of-maternity-leave</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-mothers-push-for-six-months-of-maternity-leave</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A petition signed by more than 110,000 people is calling for maternity leave in Switzerland to be extended from 14 weeks to six months, reported RTS. The petition was submitted to the Federal Chancellery on Monday. Its organisers argue that the 98 days currently granted are insufficient during the first months of a child’s life. […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Materity-leave-petition-1.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 21:00:45 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, mothers, push, for, six, months, maternity, leave</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A petition signed by more than 110,000 people is calling for maternity leave in Switzerland to be extended from 14 weeks to six months, reported RTS. The petition was submitted to the Federal Chancellery on Monday. Its organisers argue that the 98 days currently granted are insufficient during the first months of a child’s life. […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Desire for large families fading in Switzerland</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/desire-for-large-families-fading-in-switzerland</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/desire-for-large-families-fading-in-switzerland</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Fewer Swiss people want children, and those who do are having them later. Switzerland’s fertility rate has fallen to its lowest level on record. In 2024 women had, on average, 1.29 children, well below the 2.07 needed to replace one generation with the next, wrote the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). There were 78,000 live births […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-4005600.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:00:38 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Desire, for, large, families, fading, Switzerland</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Fewer Swiss people want children, and those who do are having them later. Switzerland’s fertility rate has fallen to its lowest level on record. In 2024 women had, on average, 1.29 children, well below the 2.07 needed to replace one generation with the next, wrote the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). There were 78,000 live births […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>America imposes new 12.5% tariff on Swiss goods</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/america-imposes-new-125-tariff-on-swiss-goods</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/america-imposes-new-125-tariff-on-swiss-goods</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ America has imposed new tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on selected imports from about 60 trading partners, including Switzerland. The White House says the countries concerned have failed to do enough to combat forced labour. The measures, announced on Thursday, took effect overnight. The European Union, Japan and Taiwan are also named in the American […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-4108468-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:00:32 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>America, imposes, new, 12.5, tariff, Swiss, goods</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[America has imposed new tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on selected imports from about 60 trading partners, including Switzerland. The White House says the countries concerned have failed to do enough to combat forced labour. The measures, announced on Thursday, took effect overnight. The European Union, Japan and Taiwan are also named in the American […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The Matterhorn is becoming more dangerous</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/the-matterhorn-is-becoming-more-dangerous</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/the-matterhorn-is-becoming-more-dangerous</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Matterhorn has always been dangerous. Intense prolonged heat and the sort of people climbing it have made it more so, according to SRF. Guides on the Swiss side of the peak are avoiding some routes they now consider too dangerous. The risks are growing across the Alps. Guides in Chamonix have stopped taking people […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-18189094.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:00:50 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Matterhorn, becoming, more, dangerous</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Matterhorn has always been dangerous. Intense prolonged heat and the sort of people climbing it have made it more so, according to SRF. Guides on the Swiss side of the peak are avoiding some routes they now consider too dangerous. The risks are growing across the Alps. Guides in Chamonix have stopped taking people […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>A third of Swiss Asian supermarket vegetables fail pesticide tests</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/a-third-of-swiss-asian-supermarket-vegetables-fail-pesticide-tests</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/a-third-of-swiss-asian-supermarket-vegetables-fail-pesticide-tests</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Laboratory tests in the Swiss canton of Solothurn found excessive pesticide residues in one-third of vegetable samples taken from Asian grocery stores last year, prompting a criminal complaint against an importer. Asian supermarket vegetables tested by Solothurn’s food safety inspectors repeatedly failed compliance checks, according to the canton’s 2025 annual report. Officials analysed 38 vegetable […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-38272571-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:00:49 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>third, Swiss, Asian, supermarket, vegetables, fail, pesticide, tests</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Laboratory tests in the Swiss canton of Solothurn found excessive pesticide residues in one-third of vegetable samples taken from Asian grocery stores last year, prompting a criminal complaint against an importer. Asian supermarket vegetables tested by Solothurn’s food safety inspectors repeatedly failed compliance checks, according to the canton’s 2025 annual report. Officials analysed 38 vegetable […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Food behind bars – veganism qualifies as a protected philosophical belief</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/food-behind-bars-veganism-qualifies-as-a-protected-philosophical-belief</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/food-behind-bars-veganism-qualifies-as-a-protected-philosophical-belief</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ This week, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled against Switzerland, finding that public institutions, such as prisons, must provide a fully vegan diet to detainees whose commitment to veganism amounts to a protected philosophical conviction. In a judgment issued in Strasbourg, the court reaffirmed that freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Echr_Olrat-_-Dreamstime.com_.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:00:44 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Food, behind, bars, –, veganism, qualifies, protected, philosophical, belief</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[This week, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled against Switzerland, finding that public institutions, such as prisons, must provide a fully vegan diet to detainees whose commitment to veganism amounts to a protected philosophical conviction. In a judgment issued in Strasbourg, the court reaffirmed that freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss plans to tighten foreign property ownership divide opinion</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-plans-to-tighten-foreign-property-ownership-divide-opinion</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-plans-to-tighten-foreign-property-ownership-divide-opinion</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Swiss government’s proposal to tighten the Lex Koller, which restricts property purchases by foreigners, has exposed a sharp divide between political parties and business groups. Parties on the left and the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP) argue that the reforms would close longstanding loopholes in the law, reported RTS. Business organisations and most centrist parties […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-33041003-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:00:37 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, plans, tighten, foreign, property, ownership, divide, opinion</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Swiss government’s proposal to tighten the Lex Koller, which restricts property purchases by foreigners, has exposed a sharp divide between political parties and business groups. Parties on the left and the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP) argue that the reforms would close longstanding loopholes in the law, reported RTS. Business organisations and most centrist parties […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss reservoirs at lowest level in two decades</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-reservoirs-at-lowest-level-in-two-decades</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-reservoirs-at-lowest-level-in-two-decades</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Swiss water reservoirs are unusually depleted for this time of year, reaching their lowest seasonal level in at least 20 years. According to the latest weekly data from the Federal Office of Energy (FOE), they are 46% full—16.4 percentage points below the average for the same point in the year over the past two decades. […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-18305025-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:00:37 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, reservoirs, lowest, level, two, decades</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Swiss water reservoirs are unusually depleted for this time of year, reaching their lowest seasonal level in at least 20 years. According to the latest weekly data from the Federal Office of Energy (FOE), they are 46% full—16.4 percentage points below the average for the same point in the year over the past two decades. […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>SwissPass says no to ticket&#45;buying grace period</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swisspass-says-no-to-ticket-buying-grace-period</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swisspass-says-no-to-ticket-buying-grace-period</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s public transport system operates on a simple rule: passengers must hold a valid ticket before their train, tram or bus starts moving. Buying one on a smartphone even a few seconds after departure can result in a fine. The rule is enforced strictly. Ticket inspectors carry out regular checks and anyone travelling without a […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-30506038.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 19:37:44 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>SwissPass, says, ticket-buying, grace, period</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s public transport system operates on a simple rule: passengers must hold a valid ticket before their train, tram or bus starts moving. Buying one on a smartphone even a few seconds after departure can result in a fine. The rule is enforced strictly. Ticket inspectors carry out regular checks and anyone travelling without a […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Recent Swiss heatwave causes fewer deaths than 2003</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/recent-swiss-heatwave-causes-fewer-deaths-than-2003</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/recent-swiss-heatwave-causes-fewer-deaths-than-2003</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The heatwave that swept across Switzerland in late June appears to have caused a modest increase in deaths among older people. Mortality among those aged 65 and over exceeded official projections during the week of June 22nd-28th, though it remained well below the levels recorded during the country’s record-breaking heatwave in 2003. According to weekly […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-33712547-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 19:37:43 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Recent, Swiss, heatwave, causes, fewer, deaths, than, 2003</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The heatwave that swept across Switzerland in late June appears to have caused a modest increase in deaths among older people. Mortality among those aged 65 and over exceeded official projections during the week of June 22nd-28th, though it remained well below the levels recorded during the country’s record-breaking heatwave in 2003. According to weekly […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss firms set to win more F&#45;35 work than expected</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-firms-set-to-win-more-f-35-work-than-expected</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-firms-set-to-win-more-f-35-work-than-expected</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s purchase of F-35 fighter jets is expected to generate more business for Swiss companies than originally required, reported RTS. Under the procurement deal, the American manufacturer has agreed to place work with Swiss firms as partial compensation for the purchase. According to figures released by Armasuisse on Tuesday, these commitments now exceed the target […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-31752502.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 19:37:42 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, firms, set, win, more, F-35, work, than, expected</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s purchase of F-35 fighter jets is expected to generate more business for Swiss companies than originally required, reported RTS. Under the procurement deal, the American manufacturer has agreed to place work with Swiss firms as partial compensation for the purchase. According to figures released by Armasuisse on Tuesday, these commitments now exceed the target […]]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Switzerland enshrines children’s right to a violence&#45;free upbringing</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-enshrines-childrens-right-to-a-violence-free-upbringing</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-enshrines-childrens-right-to-a-violence-free-upbringing</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Children in Switzerland now have an explicit legal right to a violence-free upbringing, reported SRF. From July 1st, amendments to the Civil Code state that corporal punishment and other forms of degrading treatment are incompatible with good parenting, reinforcing a growing consensus that physical discipline harms children’s development. The legal change does not create new […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-7929419-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 19:37:41 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland, enshrines, children’s, right, violence-free, upbringing</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Children in Switzerland now have an explicit legal right to a violence-free upbringing, reported SRF. From July 1st, amendments to the Civil Code state that corporal punishment and other forms of degrading treatment are incompatible with good parenting, reinforcing a growing consensus that physical discipline harms children’s development. The legal change does not create new […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Geneva debates charging for access to its beaches</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/geneva-debates-charging-for-access-to-its-beaches</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/geneva-debates-charging-for-access-to-its-beaches</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Gitana beach in Bellevue has begun charging visitors this summer, joining the small number of paid-access beaches on Lake Geneva. The new entrance fee of up to CHF 4 has reignited debate over whether people should have to pay to reach the lakeshore, particularly during the current heatwave, RTS reported. Some visitors welcome the charge, […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Geneva_Sam74100-_-Dreamstime.com_.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 19:37:40 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Geneva, debates, charging, for, access, its, beaches</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Gitana beach in Bellevue has begun charging visitors this summer, joining the small number of paid-access beaches on Lake Geneva. The new entrance fee of up to CHF 4 has reignited debate over whether people should have to pay to reach the lakeshore, particularly during the current heatwave, RTS reported. Some visitors welcome the charge, […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Unions launch referendum against a minimum&#45;wage reform they describe as attack on women</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/unions-launch-referendum-against-a-minimum-wage-reform-they-describe-as-attack-on-women</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/unions-launch-referendum-against-a-minimum-wage-reform-they-describe-as-attack-on-women</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Minimum wages are one of the most contentious issues in Swiss labour policy, exposing tensions between Switzerland’s federal government and the cantons over who should determine pay. Trade unions and left-wing parties have now launched a federal referendum against legislation that would give sectoral collective labour agreements1 precedence over cantonal minimum-wage laws. The reform, approved […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-9198282.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:00:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Unions, launch, referendum, against, minimum-wage, reform, they, describe, attack, women</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Minimum wages are one of the most contentious issues in Swiss labour policy, exposing tensions between Switzerland’s federal government and the cantons over who should determine pay. Trade unions and left-wing parties have now launched a federal referendum against legislation that would give sectoral collective labour agreements1 precedence over cantonal minimum-wage laws. The reform, approved […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>FILM: The second half of DE GAULLE’s battle ****</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/film-the-second-half-of-de-gaulles-battle</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/film-the-second-half-of-de-gaulles-battle</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 3 July 2026 You have an amazing choice this week – an important historical gem; a wild blockbuster; a gentle animated love story; and a cruel Robin Hood. Take your pick… I am including the previously published review of the first part of this two-part historical film, as it explains the background to both films. […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/De-Gaulle.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:00:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>FILM:, The, second, half, GAULLE’s, battle</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[3 July 2026 You have an amazing choice this week – an important historical gem; a wild blockbuster; a gentle animated love story; and a cruel Robin Hood. Take your pick… I am including the previously published review of the first part of this two-part historical film, as it explains the background to both films. […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Swiss railway solar panel experiment passes one&#45;year milestone</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-railway-solar-panel-experiment-passes-one-year-milestone</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-railway-solar-panel-experiment-passes-one-year-milestone</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A pioneering Swiss project to install removeable solar panels between railway tracks has completed its first year of operation with encouraging results, suggesting the technology can generate electricity without disrupting train services, reported the Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa) investment promotion agency. More than 11,000 trains have passed over a 100-metre test installation in Buttes, […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="http://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Montreux-599x400-e1430340707388.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:00:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, railway, solar, panel, experiment, passes, one-year, milestone</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A pioneering Swiss project to install removeable solar panels between railway tracks has completed its first year of operation with encouraging results, suggesting the technology can generate electricity without disrupting train services, reported the Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa) investment promotion agency. More than 11,000 trains have passed over a 100-metre test installation in Buttes, […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>More young Swiss men embracing traditional masculinity</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/more-young-swiss-men-embracing-traditional-masculinity</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/more-young-swiss-men-embracing-traditional-masculinity</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A new Swiss study suggests that attitudes towards masculinity are becoming more polarised. Männlichkeit im Wandel, a report by the University of Zurich’s Jacobs Center, is based on a representative survey of 6,138 people aged 18 to 64 living in Switzerland.Its findings are striking. Young men are much more likely than older men, and far […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pexels-photo-10506080-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:00:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>More, young, Swiss, men, embracing, traditional, masculinity</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A new Swiss study suggests that attitudes towards masculinity are becoming more polarised. Männlichkeit im Wandel, a report by the University of Zurich’s Jacobs Center, is based on a representative survey of 6,138 people aged 18 to 64 living in Switzerland.Its findings are striking. Young men are much more likely than older men, and far […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>New nuclear plants a difficult option for Switzerland</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/new-nuclear-plants-a-difficult-option-for-switzerland</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/new-nuclear-plants-a-difficult-option-for-switzerland</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland does not need new nuclear power stations to complete the energy transition, according to a report by 19 energy specialists from ETH Zurich and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), the country’s leading nuclear-research centre. They conclude that a system based on hydropower and solar energy, supplemented by wind power and electricity storage, can provide […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="http://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Montreux-599x400-e1430340707388.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:00:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>New, nuclear, plants, difficult, option, for, Switzerland</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland does not need new nuclear power stations to complete the energy transition, according to a report by 19 energy specialists from ETH Zurich and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), the country’s leading nuclear-research centre. They conclude that a system based on hydropower and solar energy, supplemented by wind power and electricity storage, can provide […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Switzerland to vote on four federal measures in November</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-to-vote-on-four-federal-measures-in-november</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-to-vote-on-four-federal-measures-in-november</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Swiss voters will decide four federal measures on November 29, including a proposal to help finance the new 13th monthly payment under the state pension system. The ballot will also cover a revision of the law governing war materiel exports, the Centre Party’s proposal to restore joint taxation for married couples and an initiative to […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-15009659-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:00:15 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland, vote, four, federal, measures, November</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Swiss voters will decide four federal measures on November 29, including a proposal to help finance the new 13th monthly payment under the state pension system. The ballot will also cover a revision of the law governing war materiel exports, the Centre Party’s proposal to restore joint taxation for married couples and an initiative to […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Is Switzerland reliving the infamous summer of 2003?</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/is-switzerland-reliving-the-infamous-summer-of-2003</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/is-switzerland-reliving-the-infamous-summer-of-2003</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland is enduring its tenth consecutive day of temperatures above 30°C, placing this June among the hottest on record. The month began cool but turned hot. Temperatures rose sharply from the middle of the month, with much of the country surpassing 30°C on June 16th and 17th. The prolonged heat invites comparisons with the exceptional […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-301599.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:00:52 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland, reliving, the, infamous, summer, 2003</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland is enduring its tenth consecutive day of temperatures above 30°C, placing this June among the hottest on record. The month began cool but turned hot. Temperatures rose sharply from the middle of the month, with much of the country surpassing 30°C on June 16th and 17th. The prolonged heat invites comparisons with the exceptional […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss rent control initiative passes signature hurdle</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-rent-control-initiative-passes-signature-hurdle</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-rent-control-initiative-passes-signature-hurdle</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ This week, the Swiss Tenants’ Association submitted a popular initiative aimed at curbing rents after collecting more than 140,000 signatures. The proposal would require rents to be reviewed automatically at regular intervals. If a review found rents to be too high, landlords would be obliged to reduce them. The initiative is backed by an alliance […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-37977980-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:00:49 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, rent, control, initiative, passes, signature, hurdle</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[This week, the Swiss Tenants’ Association submitted a popular initiative aimed at curbing rents after collecting more than 140,000 signatures. The proposal would require rents to be reviewed automatically at regular intervals. If a review found rents to be too high, landlords would be obliged to reduce them. The initiative is backed by an alliance […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Higher health&#45;insurance deductible wins backing on the right, not the left</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/higher-health-insurance-deductible-wins-backing-on-the-right-not-the-left</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/higher-health-insurance-deductible-wins-backing-on-the-right-not-the-left</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s government is pressing ahead with plans to raise the minimum annual health-insurance deductible from CHF 300 to CHF 400, reports RTS. The proposal has exposed familiar political divisions: parties on the right and health insurers support it, while the left, trade unions and cities oppose it. The Centre Party and the cantons occupy a […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-6129651.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:00:46 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Higher, health-insurance, deductible, wins, backing, the, right, not, the, left</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s government is pressing ahead with plans to raise the minimum annual health-insurance deductible from CHF 300 to CHF 400, reports RTS. The proposal has exposed familiar political divisions: parties on the right and health insurers support it, while the left, trade unions and cities oppose it. The Centre Party and the cantons occupy a […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Infant formula containing cereulide toxin remains on sale in Switzerland</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/infant-formula-containing-cereulide-toxin-remains-on-sale-in-switzerland</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/infant-formula-containing-cereulide-toxin-remains-on-sale-in-switzerland</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Infant formula sold in Switzerland still contains traces of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in babies, according to an investigation by RTS. Although the products comply with the emergency threshold adopted by European food-safety authorities, the broadcaster questions both the scientific basis of that limit and the testing methods used to […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-7282240-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:00:46 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Infant, formula, containing, cereulide, toxin, remains, sale, Switzerland</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Infant formula sold in Switzerland still contains traces of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in babies, according to an investigation by RTS. Although the products comply with the emergency threshold adopted by European food-safety authorities, the broadcaster questions both the scientific basis of that limit and the testing methods used to […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss voters to decide on fireworks ban</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-voters-to-decide-on-fireworks-ban</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-voters-to-decide-on-fireworks-ban</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Swiss voters will decide whether to ban most fireworks after campaigners rejected a parliamentary compromise and insisted on putting their initiative to a nationwide vote, reported RTS. The proposal, launched by animal-welfare organisations, seeks to protect people, animals and the environment from the noise, air pollution and other emissions caused by fireworks. It would prohibit […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Fireworks-1.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:00:45 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, voters, decide, fireworks, ban</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Swiss voters will decide whether to ban most fireworks after campaigners rejected a parliamentary compromise and insisted on putting their initiative to a nationwide vote, reported RTS. The proposal, launched by animal-welfare organisations, seeks to protect people, animals and the environment from the noise, air pollution and other emissions caused by fireworks. It would prohibit […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Childlessness and smaller families driving down fertility in Switzerland</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/childlessness-and-smaller-families-driving-down-fertility-in-switzerland</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/childlessness-and-smaller-families-driving-down-fertility-in-switzerland</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland recorded fewer births and marriages in 2025, extending demographic trends that have become increasingly pronounced over the past decade. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), 78,200 children were born in Switzerland in 2025, around 100 fewer than a year earlier. Although the decline was marginal, it marked the fourth consecutive annual fall in […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-16579295-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:00:37 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Childlessness, and, smaller, families, driving, down, fertility, Switzerland</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland recorded fewer births and marriages in 2025, extending demographic trends that have become increasingly pronounced over the past decade. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), 78,200 children were born in Switzerland in 2025, around 100 fewer than a year earlier. Although the decline was marginal, it marked the fourth consecutive annual fall in […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss parliament leaves extra state pension only partly funded</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-parliament-leaves-extra-state-pension-only-partly-funded</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-parliament-leaves-extra-state-pension-only-partly-funded</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Swiss parliament has agreed only a partial funding plan for the new 13th annual state-pension payment, reported RTS. After lengthy wrangling, the National Council backed an increase in value-added tax (VAT) but rejected higher payroll contributions, leaving much of the additional cost uncovered. The National Council voted to raise VAT by 0.4 percentage points. […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-37880714-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:00:36 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, parliament, leaves, extra, state, pension, only, partly, funded</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Swiss parliament has agreed only a partial funding plan for the new 13th annual state-pension payment, reported RTS. After lengthy wrangling, the National Council backed an increase in value-added tax (VAT) but rejected higher payroll contributions, leaving much of the additional cost uncovered. The National Council voted to raise VAT by 0.4 percentage points. […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss food&#45;security initiative rejected by government</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-food-security-initiative-rejected-by-government</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-food-security-initiative-rejected-by-government</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Food security occupies a special place in Swiss political culture. During the second world war, Switzerland launched the Wahlen Plan, a drive to expand domestic food production in anticipation of a possible blockade. The programme became part of the country’s collective memory and continues to shape debates about agriculture. Advocates of greater self-sufficiency frequently invoke […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-33004848.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:00:35 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, food-security, initiative, rejected, government</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Food security occupies a special place in Swiss political culture. During the second world war, Switzerland launched the Wahlen Plan, a drive to expand domestic food production in anticipation of a possible blockade. The programme became part of the country’s collective memory and continues to shape debates about agriculture. Advocates of greater self-sufficiency frequently invoke […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Geneva votes “no” to elected politicians wearing religious symbols</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/geneva-votes-no-to-elected-politicians-wearing-religious-symbols</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/geneva-votes-no-to-elected-politicians-wearing-religious-symbols</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Geneva likes to think of itself as Switzerland’s most secular canton. Last weekend voters reaffirmed that identity, albeit narrowly. A constitutional amendment banning elected politicians from displaying visible religious symbols while carrying out their duties passed with 51.4% of the vote. The result revives a debate that has simmered for years. A similar restriction was […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-6516449-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:00:34 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Geneva, votes, “no”, elected, politicians, wearing, religious, symbols</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Geneva likes to think of itself as Switzerland’s most secular canton. Last weekend voters reaffirmed that identity, albeit narrowly. A constitutional amendment banning elected politicians from displaying visible religious symbols while carrying out their duties passed with 51.4% of the vote. The result revives a debate that has simmered for years. A similar restriction was […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>The bonus culture driving up Swiss health costs</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/the-bonus-culture-driving-up-swiss-health-costs</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/the-bonus-culture-driving-up-swiss-health-costs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s health minister has taken aim at the lucrative pay packets earned by some radiologists, arguing that they expose deeper flaws in the country’s healthcare system. Speaking on public radio on June 19th, Elisabeth Baume-Schneider criticised reports that radiologists working for 3R, a leading medical-imaging group in French-speaking Switzerland, receive annual compensation of between CHF […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="http://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Montreux-599x400-e1430340707388.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:00:34 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, bonus, culture, driving, Swiss, health, costs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s health minister has taken aim at the lucrative pay packets earned by some radiologists, arguing that they expose deeper flaws in the country’s healthcare system. Speaking on public radio on June 19th, Elisabeth Baume-Schneider criticised reports that radiologists working for 3R, a leading medical-imaging group in French-speaking Switzerland, receive annual compensation of between CHF […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>FILM: BROKEN ENGLISH – MARIANNE FAITHFUL ***</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/film-broken-english-marianne-faithful</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/film-broken-english-marianne-faithful</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BROKEN ENGLISH – MARIANNE FAITHFUL *** If you remember Marianne Faithful, you’re dating yourself as a baby boomer. Those were the days – the free, exciting, and at times decadent 1960s – when she began her versatile career of singer, songwriter and actress, almost by accident. She was of course known as an icon of […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MF.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:00:38 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>FILM:, BROKEN, ENGLISH, –, MARIANNE, FAITHFUL</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BROKEN ENGLISH – MARIANNE FAITHFUL *** If you remember Marianne Faithful, you’re dating yourself as a baby boomer. Those were the days – the free, exciting, and at times decadent 1960s – when she began her versatile career of singer, songwriter and actress, almost by accident. She was of course known as an icon of […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Railway near&#45;miss exposes Switzerland’s language challenge</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/railway-near-miss-exposes-switzerlands-language-challenge</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/railway-near-miss-exposes-switzerlands-language-challenge</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland is often held up as a model of multilingualism. In August 2025, however, its linguistic diversity nearly led to a railway collision. The incident received widespread attention only after the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SESE) published its report in June 2026. Two Swiss Rail trains came close to colliding at Neuchâtel-Vauseyon after a […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rail-Neuchatel_Fotiglobe-_-Dreamstime.com-1.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:00:37 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Railway, near-miss, exposes, Switzerland’s, language, challenge</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland is often held up as a model of multilingualism. In August 2025, however, its linguistic diversity nearly led to a railway collision. The incident received widespread attention only after the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SESE) published its report in June 2026. Two Swiss Rail trains came close to colliding at Neuchâtel-Vauseyon after a […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss say no to a 10m population cap</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-say-no-to-a-10m-population-cap</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-say-no-to-a-10m-population-cap</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s voters have rejected the right-wing Swiss People’s Party’s (UDC/SVP) latest attempt to curb immigration, dealing a blow to a campaign that sought to cap the country’s population at 10m by 2050. In a referendum held on Sunday, 54.8% of voters opposed the initiative, while a majority of cantons also rejected it (13 cantons against; […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-8662306-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:00:44 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, say, 10m, population, cap</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s voters have rejected the right-wing Swiss People’s Party’s (UDC/SVP) latest attempt to curb immigration, dealing a blow to a campaign that sought to cap the country’s population at 10m by 2050. In a referendum held on Sunday, 54.8% of voters opposed the initiative, while a majority of cantons also rejected it (13 cantons against; […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss vote to restrict civilian&#45;service alternative for young men</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-vote-to-restrict-civilian-service-alternative-for-young-men</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-vote-to-restrict-civilian-service-alternative-for-young-men</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Young Swiss men will soon face tighter restrictions on opting for civilian service instead of compulsory military duty after voters approved a reform in Sunday’s referendum (Yes: 52.5%; No: 47.5%). The new rules are expected to enter into force in mid-2027. Swiss civilian service was approved by voters in 1992 and introduced in 1996 for […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-17751833.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:00:43 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, vote, restrict, civilian-service, alternative, for, young, men</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Young Swiss men will soon face tighter restrictions on opting for civilian service instead of compulsory military duty after voters approved a reform in Sunday’s referendum (Yes: 52.5%; No: 47.5%). The new rules are expected to enter into force in mid-2027. Swiss civilian service was approved by voters in 1992 and introduced in 1996 for […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss canton to ban headscarfs in schools</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-canton-to-ban-headscarfs-in-schools</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-canton-to-ban-headscarfs-in-schools</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Teachers in the Swiss canton of St Gallen will soon be barred from wearing religious symbols in the classroom, after the cantonal parliament approved a motion introducing a canton-wide ban, reported SRF. The proposal passed by 70 votes to 46 after a lengthy and emotionally charged debate. Lawmakers also voted narrowly, by 59 to 54, […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-6281990.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:00:52 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, canton, ban, headscarfs, schools</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Teachers in the Swiss canton of St Gallen will soon be barred from wearing religious symbols in the classroom, after the cantonal parliament approved a motion introducing a canton-wide ban, reported SRF. The proposal passed by 70 votes to 46 after a lengthy and emotionally charged debate. Lawmakers also voted narrowly, by 59 to 54, […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Switzerland’s hidden redistribution machine gets bigger</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerlands-hidden-redistribution-machine-gets-bigger</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerlands-hidden-redistribution-machine-gets-bigger</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s elaborate fiscal equalisation system rarely attracts much public attention. Yet the latest figures from the federal finance administration suggest the country’s regional divides are widening faster than Bern had expected. On June 9th the federal government announced that equalisation payments to the cantons would rise sharply in 2027, climbing by CHF 527m ($640m) to […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-32664145.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:00:50 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland’s, hidden, redistribution, machine, gets, bigger</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s elaborate fiscal equalisation system rarely attracts much public attention. Yet the latest figures from the federal finance administration suggest the country’s regional divides are widening faster than Bern had expected. On June 9th the federal government announced that equalisation payments to the cantons would rise sharply in 2027, climbing by CHF 527m ($640m) to […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Your next car will be watching you</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/your-next-car-will-be-watching-you</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/your-next-car-will-be-watching-you</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ From July 7th, 2026 new cars sold in Switzerland will come with a camera monitoring the driver. The requirement stems from the European Union’s second General Safety Regulation (GSR2), which Switzerland is adopting in line with EU vehicle standards. The rules make a range of driver-assistance technologies mandatory in new vehicles, further accelerating the transformation […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Car_Pabloborca-_-Dreamstime.com_.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:00:49 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Your, next, car, will, watching, you</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[From July 7th, 2026 new cars sold in Switzerland will come with a camera monitoring the driver. The requirement stems from the European Union’s second General Safety Regulation (GSR2), which Switzerland is adopting in line with EU vehicle standards. The rules make a range of driver-assistance technologies mandatory in new vehicles, further accelerating the transformation […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Switzerland to vote on its population</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-to-vote-on-its-population</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-to-vote-on-its-population</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On June 14th Swiss voters will decide whether their country should place a ceiling on its population. The proposal, officially titled “No to a Switzerland with 10 million inhabitants!”, would cap the permanent resident population at 10m until 2050. If the number rises above 9.5m before then—a threshold demographers expect could be reached early in […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-34855494-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:00:47 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland, vote, its, population</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[On June 14th Swiss voters will decide whether their country should place a ceiling on its population. The proposal, officially titled “No to a Switzerland with 10 million inhabitants!”, would cap the permanent resident population at 10m until 2050. If the number rises above 9.5m before then—a threshold demographers expect could be reached early in […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>How climate change is threatening Swiss Alpine huts</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/how-climate-change-is-threatening-swiss-alpine-huts</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/how-climate-change-is-threatening-swiss-alpine-huts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Climate change is beginning to undermine one of Switzerland’s most cherished institutions: the mountain hut. The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), which operates 153 huts across the country, warns that rising temperatures and thawing permafrost are threatening the foundations of dozens of alpine refuges, reports SRF. Roughly one-third of SAC huts are located in areas potentially […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-10795008.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:00:44 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, climate, change, threatening, Swiss, Alpine, huts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Climate change is beginning to undermine one of Switzerland’s most cherished institutions: the mountain hut. The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), which operates 153 huts across the country, warns that rising temperatures and thawing permafrost are threatening the foundations of dozens of alpine refuges, reports SRF. Roughly one-third of SAC huts are located in areas potentially […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss&#45;led project identifies promising target for treating age&#45;related macular degeneration</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-led-project-identifies-promising-target-for-treating-age-related-macular-degeneration</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-led-project-identifies-promising-target-for-treating-age-related-macular-degeneration</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of blindness among older people in rich countries, may eventually be treated by restoring the eye’s natural cellular recycling system, according to research led by the University of Fribourg. As populations age, retinal diseases are becoming increasingly common worldwide. AMD damages two types of cells that […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-5201872.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:00:44 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss-led, project, identifies, promising, target, for, treating, age-related, macular, degeneration</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of blindness among older people in rich countries, may eventually be treated by restoring the eye’s natural cellular recycling system, according to research led by the University of Fribourg. As populations age, retinal diseases are becoming increasingly common worldwide. AMD damages two types of cells that […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>New EU rules on offshore migrant&#45;return centres will apply to Switzerland</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/new-eu-rules-on-offshore-migrant-return-centres-will-apply-to-switzerland</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/new-eu-rules-on-offshore-migrant-return-centres-will-apply-to-switzerland</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland will be required to adopt legislation allowing the use of migrant-return centres outside Europe, following a new agreement reached by the European Union. Despite being outside the EU, as a member of the Schengen area, Switzerland must incorporate the new rules into domestic law. The agreement, struck in Brussels on Monday evening, forms part […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-photo-31628104.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:00:43 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>New, rules, offshore, migrant-return, centres, will, apply, Switzerland</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland will be required to adopt legislation allowing the use of migrant-return centres outside Europe, following a new agreement reached by the European Union. Despite being outside the EU, as a member of the Schengen area, Switzerland must incorporate the new rules into domestic law. The agreement, struck in Brussels on Monday evening, forms part […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss parliament chooses VAT rise to fund extra pension payment</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-parliament-chooses-vat-rise-to-fund-extra-pension-payment</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-parliament-chooses-vat-rise-to-fund-extra-pension-payment</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Two years after Swiss voters approved the introduction of a 13th monthly state pension payment, parliament remains divided over how to finance it. The debate has further sharpened concerns about the unsustainability of Switzerland’s pay-as-you-go pension system as the population ages. Left-wing parties accuse conservative and liberal politicians of trying to use the funding debate […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Swiss-Francs__Rochu2008-_-Dreamstime.com_.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:00:42 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, parliament, chooses, VAT, rise, fund, extra, pension, payment</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Two years after Swiss voters approved the introduction of a 13th monthly state pension payment, parliament remains divided over how to finance it. The debate has further sharpened concerns about the unsustainability of Switzerland’s pay-as-you-go pension system as the population ages. Left-wing parties accuse conservative and liberal politicians of trying to use the funding debate […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss cocaine use extending into everyday working life</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-cocaine-use-extending-into-everyday-working-life</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-cocaine-use-extending-into-everyday-working-life</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A new report by Addiction Switzerland argues that cocaine consumption in Switzerland has become more widespread, socially normalised and detached from its former association with nightlife and marginal groups. The report describes a steady rise in cocaine use since the early 2000s, driven by greater availability, falling prices and higher purity levels. Wastewater analyses place […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Cocaine_Mikel-Soria-_-Dreamstime.com_.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:00:42 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, cocaine, use, extending, into, everyday, working, life</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A new report by Addiction Switzerland argues that cocaine consumption in Switzerland has become more widespread, socially normalised and detached from its former association with nightlife and marginal groups. The report describes a steady rise in cocaine use since the early 2000s, driven by greater availability, falling prices and higher purity levels. Wastewater analyses place […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss rivers are overheating</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-rivers-are-overheating</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-rivers-are-overheating</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Climate change is warming not only the air, but rivers too. A study published by Nature warns that “riverine heatwaves”—prolonged periods of unusually high river temperatures—are becoming more frequent and intense across Alpine Europe. A temperature of 20 degrees Celsius in the Aare river at the end of May is record-breaking for this time of […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bern-aaretal-kirchenfeldbucke-downtown-163826.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:00:41 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, rivers, are, overheating</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Climate change is warming not only the air, but rivers too. A study published by Nature warns that “riverine heatwaves”—prolonged periods of unusually high river temperatures—are becoming more frequent and intense across Alpine Europe. A temperature of 20 degrees Celsius in the Aare river at the end of May is record-breaking for this time of […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss voters will decide on two popular initiatives on September 27th</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-voters-will-decide-on-two-popular-initiatives-on-september-27th</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-voters-will-decide-on-two-popular-initiatives-on-september-27th</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Swiss voters will decide on two popular initiatives on September 27th: one on neutrality and another on food policy. The government confirmed the ballot measures on Wednesday. The “Safeguarding Swiss Neutrality” initiative, backed by Pro Suisse and members of the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP), seeks to define Swiss neutrality in the constitution as both […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-photo-5014588-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 21:00:37 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, voters, will, decide, two, popular, initiatives, September, 27th</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Swiss voters will decide on two popular initiatives on September 27th: one on neutrality and another on food policy. The government confirmed the ballot measures on Wednesday. The “Safeguarding Swiss Neutrality” initiative, backed by Pro Suisse and members of the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP), seeks to define Swiss neutrality in the constitution as both […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Switzerland may soon offer marriage&#45;lite</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-may-soon-offer-marriage-lite</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-may-soon-offer-marriage-lite</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland may soon offer couples a legal status somewhere between marriage and simple cohabitation. Lawmakers are considering the introduction of a civil partnership model known as a PACS (“Pacte civil de solidarité”), inspired by a system that has existed in France since 1999. The proposal would create a nationwide framework for both heterosexual and same-sex […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-photo-14846904-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 21:00:36 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland, may, soon, offer, marriage-lite</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland may soon offer couples a legal status somewhere between marriage and simple cohabitation. Lawmakers are considering the introduction of a civil partnership model known as a PACS (“Pacte civil de solidarité”), inspired by a system that has existed in France since 1999. The proposal would create a nationwide framework for both heterosexual and same-sex […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>What impact could a 10m population cap have on Swiss pensions and health premiums?</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/what-impact-could-a-10m-population-cap-have-on-swiss-pensions-and-health-premiums</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/what-impact-could-a-10m-population-cap-have-on-swiss-pensions-and-health-premiums</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s referendum on June 14th is ostensibly about immigration and relations with the European Union. But the outcome could also have far-reaching consequences for the country’s welfare state. Supporters of the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP) initiative argue that immigration must be curbed to limit population growth and pressure on infrastructure. Critics counter that restricting immigration […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-photo-28999318.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 21:00:34 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>What, impact, could, 10m, population, cap, have, Swiss, pensions, and, health, premiums</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s referendum on June 14th is ostensibly about immigration and relations with the European Union. But the outcome could also have far-reaching consequences for the country’s welfare state. Supporters of the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP) initiative argue that immigration must be curbed to limit population growth and pressure on infrastructure. Critics counter that restricting immigration […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Knife attack suspect active in the Islamic extremist scene in Winterthur</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/knife-attack-suspect-active-in-the-islamic-extremist-scene-in-winterthur</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/knife-attack-suspect-active-in-the-islamic-extremist-scene-in-winterthur</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Swiss investigators believe the man suspected of injuring three people in a knife attack in Winterthur had longstanding links to the local Islamist extremist scene, reported SRF. The 31-year-old allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” (“God is greatest”) during the attack. Mario Fehr, Zurich’s security director, later described the incident as a terrorist act at a press […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/500px-Blick_auf_die_Winterthurer_Altstadt.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 21:00:33 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Knife, attack, suspect, active, the, Islamic, extremist, scene, Winterthur</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Swiss investigators believe the man suspected of injuring three people in a knife attack in Winterthur had longstanding links to the local Islamist extremist scene, reported SRF. The 31-year-old allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” (“God is greatest”) during the attack. Mario Fehr, Zurich’s security director, later described the incident as a terrorist act at a press […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>The politics of air conditioning in Switzerland</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/the-politics-of-air-conditioning-in-switzerland</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/the-politics-of-air-conditioning-in-switzerland</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As heatwaves become more frequent across Europe, Switzerland is confronting an unfamiliar question: whether rules around air conditioning should become less restrictive. The country does not prohibit air conditioning outright. But installing a permanent cooling system in Switzerland is often far more difficult than in neighbouring countries, especially in some of its most populated cantons. […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Air-Conditioning_Tang90246-_-Dreamstime.com_.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 21:00:32 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, politics, air, conditioning, Switzerland</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As heatwaves become more frequent across Europe, Switzerland is confronting an unfamiliar question: whether rules around air conditioning should become less restrictive. The country does not prohibit air conditioning outright. But installing a permanent cooling system in Switzerland is often far more difficult than in neighbouring countries, especially in some of its most populated cantons. […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Geneva to vote on shopping hours and secularism</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/geneva-to-vote-on-shopping-hours-and-secularism</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/geneva-to-vote-on-shopping-hours-and-secularism</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Voters in the canton of Geneva will head to the polls on June 14th to decide two distinctly Genevan questions: whether shops should open more often on Sundays and whether elected officials should be barred from wearing visible religious symbols in parliament. The first referendum concerns retail opening hours. At present, shops in Geneva may […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-photo-19269041-edited.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 21:00:42 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Geneva, vote, shopping, hours, and, secularism</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Voters in the canton of Geneva will head to the polls on June 14th to decide two distinctly Genevan questions: whether shops should open more often on Sundays and whether elected officials should be barred from wearing visible religious symbols in parliament. The first referendum concerns retail opening hours. At present, shops in Geneva may […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Sharp rise in Swiss bankruptcies not what it seems</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/sharp-rise-in-swiss-bankruptcies-not-what-it-seems</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/sharp-rise-in-swiss-bankruptcies-not-what-it-seems</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Swiss corporate bankruptcies surged in 2025, but the country’s economy is not necessarily collapsing. Much of the increase stems instead from a legal reform that has made it easier to force insolvent firms into formal bankruptcy proceedings. According to figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), 13,612 bankruptcy proceedings were opened last year under […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-photo-21852967.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 21:00:41 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sharp, rise, Swiss, bankruptcies, not, what, seems</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Swiss corporate bankruptcies surged in 2025, but the country’s economy is not necessarily collapsing. Much of the increase stems instead from a legal reform that has made it easier to force insolvent firms into formal bankruptcy proceedings. According to figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), 13,612 bankruptcy proceedings were opened last year under […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Switzerland’s childhood&#45;obesity problem stabilising for some</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerlands-childhood-obesity-problem-stabilising-for-some</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerlands-childhood-obesity-problem-stabilising-for-some</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ After decades of concern about rising childhood obesity, Switzerland may finally be bending the curve. A new nationwide body-mass-index survey suggests that the proportion of overweight children has declined modestly over the past 15 years, particularly among younger pupils. Yet the improvements are uneven and social inequalities remain stark. The study, published by Promotion Santé Suisse, […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-photo-1375565.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 21:00:40 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland’s, childhood-obesity, problem, stabilising, for, some</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[After decades of concern about rising childhood obesity, Switzerland may finally be bending the curve. A new nationwide body-mass-index survey suggests that the proportion of overweight children has declined modestly over the past 15 years, particularly among younger pupils. Yet the improvements are uneven and social inequalities remain stark. The study, published by Promotion Santé Suisse, […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss petition targets Starlink expansion in the Alps</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-petition-targets-starlink-expansion-in-the-alps</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-petition-targets-starlink-expansion-in-the-alps</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Nearly 15,000 people have signed a petition urging Switzerland’s federal government to halt plans for a major SpaceX Starlink ground station in the canton of Valais. Campaigners say the project would hand excessive influence over Swiss communications infrastructure to Elon Musk and expose the country to geopolitical risk. On May 21st a coalition led by […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Petitionsbild-Starlink-Antennen-1.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 21:00:56 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, petition, targets, Starlink, expansion, the, Alps</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nearly 15,000 people have signed a petition urging Switzerland’s federal government to halt plans for a major SpaceX Starlink ground station in the canton of Valais. Campaigners say the project would hand excessive influence over Swiss communications infrastructure to Elon Musk and expose the country to geopolitical risk. On May 21st a coalition led by […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss Rail to expand offer to Italy and France</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-rail-to-expand-offer-to-italy-and-france</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-rail-to-expand-offer-to-italy-and-france</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Swiss Rail is betting that Swiss travellers want more access to neighbouring Europe. Its proposed 2027 timetable, due to take effect on December 13th, places greater emphasis on international routes, with improved services to Paris and northern Italy, reported RTS. The most notable improvement concerns the route between Lausanne and Paris. From April 5th 2027 […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="http://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Montreux-599x400-e1430340707388.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 21:00:55 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, Rail, expand, offer, Italy, and, France</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Swiss Rail is betting that Swiss travellers want more access to neighbouring Europe. Its proposed 2027 timetable, due to take effect on December 13th, places greater emphasis on international routes, with improved services to Paris and northern Italy, reported RTS. The most notable improvement concerns the route between Lausanne and Paris. From April 5th 2027 […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>FILM: BITTER CHRISTMAS **1/2 – the latest Almodovar</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/film-bitter-christmas-12-the-latest-almodovar</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/film-bitter-christmas-12-the-latest-almodovar</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 22 May 2026 A SPECIAL one- night cinematic EVENT!TERRESTRIAL VERSES (Chroniques de Téhéran)with French subtitles  Save the date! Thursday MAY 28th – at the Grütli Cinemas, 20.30h Not to be missed: Ali Asghari and Alireza Khatami’s brilliant look at the decades of frustration endured by the citizens of Iran under the Islamic regime. Through a series […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 21:00:53 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>FILM:, BITTER, CHRISTMAS, 12, –, the, latest, Almodovar</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[22 May 2026 A SPECIAL one- night cinematic EVENT!TERRESTRIAL VERSES (Chroniques de Téhéran)with French subtitles  Save the date! Thursday MAY 28th – at the Grütli Cinemas, 20.30h Not to be missed: Ali Asghari and Alireza Khatami’s brilliant look at the decades of frustration endured by the citizens of Iran under the Islamic regime. Through a series […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Switzerland almost the worst nation in Europe on tobacco control</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-almost-the-worst-nation-in-europe-on-tobacco-control</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/switzerland-almost-the-worst-nation-in-europe-on-tobacco-control</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ For a country that prides itself on public health and regulatory competence, Switzerland performs strikingly poorly in the fight against smoking. According to a new European ranking on tobacco-control policies, the country places 36th out of 37 states assessed—ahead only of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ranking, highlighted by the Swiss Association for Tobacco Control, places […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 21:00:52 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switzerland, almost, the, worst, nation, Europe, tobacco, control</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[For a country that prides itself on public health and regulatory competence, Switzerland performs strikingly poorly in the fight against smoking. According to a new European ranking on tobacco-control policies, the country places 36th out of 37 states assessed—ahead only of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ranking, highlighted by the Swiss Association for Tobacco Control, places […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Most Swiss primary pupils perform well, according to assessment</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/most-swiss-primary-pupils-perform-well-according-to-assessment</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/most-swiss-primary-pupils-perform-well-according-to-assessment</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Swiss schools appear to be succeeding at their most basic task. According to a nationwide assessment published by Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education, the overwhelming majority of children in the fourth year of HarmoS schooling—the equivalent of second grade in primary school—meet national standards in mathematics and language skills. The survey, conducted in […] ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-photo-37580640.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 21:00:51 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Most, Swiss, primary, pupils, perform, well, according, assessment</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Swiss schools appear to be succeeding at their most basic task. According to a nationwide assessment published by Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education, the overwhelming majority of children in the fourth year of HarmoS schooling—the equivalent of second grade in primary school—meet national standards in mathematics and language skills. The survey, conducted in […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Study calculates the high cost of 10 million population cap</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/study-calculates-the-high-cost-of-10-million-population-cap</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/study-calculates-the-high-cost-of-10-million-population-cap</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A study has found that a “yes” vote on the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP) initiative would impose considerable costs on Switzerland. The study was conducted by Demgrafik, a research and consulting firm based in Basel. Its authors argue that curbing population growth would bring some benefits, easing pressure on housing, infrastructure and the environment, as […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 05:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Study, calculates, the, high, cost, million, population, cap</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A study has found that a “yes” vote on the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP) initiative would impose considerable costs on Switzerland. The study was conducted by Demgrafik, a research and consulting firm based in Basel. Its authors argue that curbing population growth would bring some benefits, easing pressure on housing, infrastructure and the environment, as […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss urged to check cars and luggage for Japanese beetles</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-urged-to-check-cars-and-luggage-for-japanese-beetles</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-urged-to-check-cars-and-luggage-for-japanese-beetles</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Swiss authorities are asking travellers returning from infested regions to inspect their cars and luggage for Japanese beetles, as part of a new campaign to slow the spread of the invasive pest. The Japanese beetle, roughly the size of a coffee bean, poses a serious threat to agriculture, horticulture and the environment. This insect is […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 05:08:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, urged, check, cars, and, luggage, for, Japanese, beetles</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Swiss authorities are asking travellers returning from infested regions to inspect their cars and luggage for Japanese beetles, as part of a new campaign to slow the spread of the invasive pest. The Japanese beetle, roughly the size of a coffee bean, poses a serious threat to agriculture, horticulture and the environment. This insect is […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss nuclear plants could run for a further 80 years</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-nuclear-plants-could-run-for-a-further-80-years</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-nuclear-plants-could-run-for-a-further-80-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s existing nuclear power plants could remain in operation for up to 80 years, according to a new report by the federal government, which argues that long-term operation is both technically feasible and economically viable. A memorandum from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy had already concluded in 2024 that extending the lifespan of Swiss […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 05:08:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, nuclear, plants, could, run, for, further, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s existing nuclear power plants could remain in operation for up to 80 years, according to a new report by the federal government, which argues that long-term operation is both technically feasible and economically viable. A memorandum from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy had already concluded in 2024 that extending the lifespan of Swiss […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Extra train capacity does little to relieve Gotthard tunnel queues</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/extra-train-capacity-does-little-to-relieve-gotthard-tunnel-queues</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/extra-train-capacity-does-little-to-relieve-gotthard-tunnel-queues</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s Ascension holiday weekend once again brought heavy traffic to the country’s roads, with long queues forming at the Gotthard tunnel despite expanded rail services to southern Switzerland. After tailbacks of nearly 10km on Wednesday, traffic heading south continued to build on Thursday, particularly along the A2 motorway leading to the Gotthard Road Tunnel, reported […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 05:08:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Extra, train, capacity, does, little, relieve, Gotthard, tunnel, queues</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s Ascension holiday weekend once again brought heavy traffic to the country’s roads, with long queues forming at the Gotthard tunnel despite expanded rail services to southern Switzerland. After tailbacks of nearly 10km on Wednesday, traffic heading south continued to build on Thursday, particularly along the A2 motorway leading to the Gotthard Road Tunnel, reported […]]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Swiss prison population hits record high</title>
<link>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-prison-population-hits-record-high</link>
<guid>https://swissinquirer.com/swiss-prison-population-hits-record-high</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Switzerland’s prison population has reached its highest level since records began in 1988, according to new figures from the Federal Statistical Office. Yet relative to the country’s growing population, the incarceration rate remains lower than it was a decade ago. At the end of January Swiss prisons held 7,119 inmates, the highest figure recorded since […] ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 05:08:00 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, prison, population, hits, record, high</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Switzerland’s prison population has reached its highest level since records began in 1988, according to new figures from the Federal Statistical Office. Yet relative to the country’s growing population, the incarceration rate remains lower than it was a decade ago. At the end of January Swiss prisons held 7,119 inmates, the highest figure recorded since […]]]> </content:encoded>
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