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

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Switzerland

Switzerland

News summary for

Go to today →

Storms ⛈️

Ticino Influence Probe Deepens, Nation Hit by Severe Storms

A political debate in Ticino has reignited over the influence of government calls following the 'Zali case,' with new interpellanzas filed seeking greater transparency and clearer rules. Ticino State Councillor Raffaele De Rosa has acknowledged that he should have given more weight to certain 'tones' in communications related to allegations of an outgoing state councillor pressuring the EOC to hire an acquaintance.

Meanwhile, the nation experienced a major weather event, with over 12,000 lightning strikes and gale-force winds reported across various regions. This comes as a new study highlights falling rental prices near asylum centers, particularly those with darker-skinned residents, and teachers report a decline in students' basic competencies, with some parents believing AI will compensate for these skills.

In other news, solar power production has begun to rival traditional hydropower this summer, signaling a shift in the country's energy landscape. Discussions also continue on national neutrality, a potential gag order for Federal Councillors, and new fines for cyclists are set to be introduced.

Top stories

Ticino Political Conduct and Influence Probe

The 'Zali case' continues to spark debate in Ticino, with Sara Beretta Piccoli and Massimo Mobiglia, members of the Grand Council of Ticino, filing an interpellanza demanding greater transparency and clear rules on institutional recommendations. The controversy stems from allegations of outgoing Ticino State Councillor Claudio Zali pressuring the EOC to hire an acquaintance, with Ticino State Councillor Raffaele De Rosa admitting he should have given more weight to 'unacceptable tones' in…

Education Concerns: Declining Skills and Apprentice Training

Swiss teachers are observing a decline in students' basic competencies, a trend highlighted by a PISA study, with some parents speculating that AI will compensate for these skills in the future. Concurrently, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are finding it increasingly difficult to train new apprentices due to a noticeable decrease in their skill levels.

Social Debates: Headscarf Ban, Social Media, and Asylum Center Rents

Public opinion is being polled on a potential social media ban for young people. Separately, jurists have stated that a headscarf ban for schoolgirls is unconstitutional, although the issue remains complex. A new study also reveals that rental prices decrease more significantly near asylum centers with darker-skinned residents, rebounding after the centers close.

Political Developments: Neutrality, Gag Order, F-35A, and New Fines

An interactive tool has been launched to help citizens explore their personal stance on Swiss neutrality, reflecting diverse interpretations of this national principle. The Swiss National Council is set to vote on a proposal that could restrict Federal Councillors from speaking out on referendums. Additionally, a management commission has challenged the 'fixed price' notion for the F-35A procurement, questioning the former defense minister, and the Federal Council is introducing new…

News sources