Parliament has voted to pay the 13th month pension payment once a year in December from 2026.
In March, voters decided on the rise by over 58%.
It will cost over CHF 4bn a year, but CHF 5bn by 2030. To pay for it, VAT will increase to 8.8% in 2026 and the federal government will contribute CHF 450m a year.
It will be paid to all those claiming a pension and won’t impact poorer pensioners who are already receiving extra welfare payments.
We're all getting used to AI
Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are rapidly changing how people in Switzerland use the internet.
Initiative to limit frontalier jobs rejected by State Council
An initiative launched by the Geneva Citizens Movement to limit state jobs to those who live in the canton has been partially invalidated by the State Council.
New rules for social media plannned
Social media is about to get a lot less lawless in Switzerland.
Pâquis to get a facelift
The City of Geneva has given the green light to greening the Pâquis district.
New overnight train from Basel to Malmö
A new direct night train from Basel to the Swedish city of Malmö is set to roll out in mid-April 2026, if Parliament approves the budget.
Winter tyres compulsory in France from Saturday
From Saturday, winter tyres are compulsory in the neighbouring French departments.
