Archived edition · August 09, 2026 Today's news →

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Switzerland

Switzerland

News summary for

Go to today →

Monitoring 🕵️

File Scandal Deepens, Raiffeisen Affair Continues, New Heatwave Warning

A deepening file scandal has revealed that Swiss authorities compiled extensive personal files on Federal Councillors, with former Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger alleging intentional misrepresentation by police. Reports indicate that as many as 39 Federal Councillors were under surveillance by the Federal Police, raising significant concerns about oversight and potential misconduct.

Separately, the high-profile Raiffeisen affair involving former CEO Pierin Vincenz is entering a new phase, with ongoing legal proceedings addressing his potential imprisonment. Meanwhile, the country is bracing for another heatwave, prompting a federal warning, and dwindling water reserves are leading to concerns about distribution conflicts with neighboring nations.

In other news, a shortage of cough syrup has led to illegal production, and the aftermath of the Zurich Street Parade has seen reports on drug use, injuries, and extensive cleanup operations. A car accident in Gerra Verzasca resulted in two injuries, and a trial has begun for two ski tour guides accused of negligent homicide in an avalanche that killed two teenagers.

Top stories

File Scandal Reveals Extensive Surveillance

An ongoing file scandal in Switzerland has unveiled that authorities compiled extensive personal files on Federal Councillors, with former Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger claiming that police intentionally misrepresented information. Reports further indicate that 39 Federal Councillors were under surveillance by the Federal Police, raising concerns about potential misconduct and the extent of government monitoring.

Raiffeisen Affair Continues with Vincenz's Potential Imprisonment

The Raiffeisen affair, centering on former CEO Pierin Vincenz, is entering a new phase as questions arise about his potential imprisonment. The trial is continuing at the Zurich High Court, following previous convictions for aggravated criminal mismanagement and other charges.

New Heatwave Warning and Dwindling Water Reserves

Switzerland is bracing for an upcoming heatwave, prompting the Federal Office to issue a warning as temperatures are set to rise significantly. Compounding the issue, the country's water reserves are dwindling due to intensifying droughts, leading to potential distribution conflicts with neighboring countries like Italy and France.

Cough Syrup Shortage Leads to Illegal Production

A significant shortage of cough syrup has prompted individuals to resort to illegal production, with reports indicating that dealers are now manufacturing their own supply due to the scarcity.

Street Parade Aftermath: Statistics and Cleanup Efforts

Following Zurich's Street Parade, authorities have released statistics on drug use, fire safety incidents, and injuries. Cleanup efforts are underway to address the extensive amount of waste generated by the massive event, which was largely peaceful despite some arrests.

Car Accident in Gerra Verzasca Injures Two

A car veered off the road and overturned in a meadow in Gerra Verzasca, resulting in two injuries. Firefighters were required to extricate a young woman trapped inside the vehicle.

WWII Bomber Potentially Discovered in Lake Zurich

An investigation has been launched into the potential discovery of a WWII-era unexploded bomb at the bottom of Lake Zurich, after a diver claimed to have found the relic, raising questions about its current danger.

News sources