National Day Fireworks Off, Driverless Cars on Horizon
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National Day celebrations saw a setback as a ship fire in the canton of Waadt forced the cancellation of the traditional 1st August fireworks display. Meanwhile, the country is looking to the future of transportation, with President Guy Parmelin expressing enthusiasm for driverless cars following a test drive, and a proposal from a Swiss People's Party National Councilor to introduce Waymo robotaxis to Switzerland.
In other key developments, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti is cutting funds intended to protect forests from climate change, a decision that has drawn attention. The Swiss-origin outdoor brand Mammut is set for growth in Asia under new Chinese ownership, and a Gucci store closure in Lugano has sparked debate on the city's shopping district.
The financial sector is also in the spotlight, as employees of Zurich Switzerland are reported to have concealed faulty tariffs from regulators for years. Additionally, Swiss farmers are expressing anger over significantly falling bread grain prices, and concerns persist over the ongoing drought and its impact on drinking water supplies.