Fighting the pandemic has been expensive. The latest figures show the country is CHF 12.2bn in the red. That’s twice as much as budgeted.
CHF 14bn was spent on Covid measures, including compensation for reduced working hours, hardship cases and loss of earnings allowances.
But last year was still just under a billion francs less expensive than 2020.
The government says there should be no further extraordinary costs and the budget should return to normal next year – with CHF 600,000 surplus.
Govt ready to step in on train staff attacks
Swiss Federal Railways says assaults on train staff remain a daily reality - and it seems the government is ready to step in.
Police have to disclose nationality of offenders
Switzerland’s Senate has voted to require police to systematically mention the nationality of suspects when communicating about crimes.
Valais bar association says no new fire laws are needed
The association that represents bars and restaurants in canon Valais - GastroValais - has caused outrage by writing to all cantonal parliamentarians saying no new safety fire laws are needed.
Major Swiss firm to cut jobs
The Swiss logistics firm - Kühne+Nagel - says it will have to lay off 2,000 staff. Around 1,000 more than previously believed.
Post your ballots on time
If you’re voting by post this weekend - get your ballot in the mail.
This winter was significantly warmer than average
MeteoSwiss says the winter was significantly warmer than average, despite dense fog on the Swiss Plateau in December and a bitterly cold start to the year.
