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.
Geneva shops open this Sunday
It was expected, and now it’s official. Shops in Geneva will be allowed to open exceptionally this Sunday.
Lack of snow ahead of holiday rush
This coming weekend, the last ski resorts are switching to winter mode and bracing for a holiday rush.
Too many children are buying alcohol
In Geneva, authorities are keeping a close eye on alcohol sales to minors.
Found kittens were not domestic
A springtime rescue in the woods near Verbois has a happy, and wild, ending.
Petition to ban 1st class on trains
The youth wing of the Transport and Environment Association is calling for the abolition of first class on trains, describing it as an unnecessary luxury.
Parliament rejects WHO alcohol policy
The Upper House of Parliament, the Council of States has overwhelmingly rejected adopting an alcohol policy based on recommendations from the World Health Organisation.
