Switzerland — FrontPages.eu

Railways manager on trial for nine-million-franc fraud

Get European news in your inbox daily

A short daily digest of the whole continent — or just the countries you care about.

Choose individual countries instead (or as well)

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is facing questions over its internal oversight as a 54-year-old man stands trial for allegedly embezzling nine million francs. Public attention has focused on photos of a luxury Florida villa where the former manager allegedly led a double life.

The left is divided over how to pay for the 13th pension payment after a trade union broke ranks to support a VAT increase. The move has caused friction with political allies, while on the right, the SVP has begun internal maneuvering to install Thomas Aeschi in the next Federal Council vacancy.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has traveled to North Korea to open a Swiss diplomatic office. Closer to home, a Geneva court is hearing a case against the wealthy Hinduja family, who are accused of keeping staff in conditions described as domestic slavery.

Top stories

SBB Embezzlement Trial and Lavish Lifestyle

A 54-year-old man is on trial for allegedly embezzling nine million Swiss francs from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), highlighting concerns about oversight. Further reports reveal photographs of a lavish Florida villa where an SBB manager allegedly maintained a double life.

Federal Council Race Heats Up for Parmelin's Seat

The Swiss People's Party (SVP) is actively discussing and maneuvering to back Thomas Aeschi as a candidate for the Federal Council seat. This comes as Guy Parmelin, the current President of the Swiss Confederation and Federal Councillor, announced his resignation effective December 31, 2026. Céline Amaudruz, Vice-President of the SVP and a National Council member, has also announced her candidacy to succeed Parmelin.

Union Discord Over 13th AHV Pension Financing

A union is causing internal conflict within the left-wing camp by breaking ranks on the financing of the 13th AHV pension, specifically due to disagreement over a potential VAT increase.

20 Minuten 13th AHV Pension: Union Breaks Ranks, Causing Discord Over VAT Hike ↗

Urgent Need for a Digital Strategy

Researchers are issuing a warning that Switzerland can no longer delay and must urgently establish a comprehensive digital strategy.

Le Temps Switzerland urgently needs a digital strategy, researchers warn ↗

Federal Councillor Cassis Opens Diplomatic Office in North Korea

Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis is undertaking a trip to North Korea to inaugurate a new Swiss diplomatic office.

watson Cassis Travels to North Korea and Opens Swiss Diplomatic Office ↗

Extreme Right Claims School Banner Incident in Ticino

The 'Fronte nazionale elvetico' has claimed responsibility for new banners displayed at two Ticino schools, accusing the educational system of left-wing propaganda. However, a Lugano high school has not confirmed the incident.

Ticinonline Extreme Right Claims School Banner Incident ↗

Hinduja Family Faces Domestic Slavery Accusations in Geneva Court

The highly affluent Hinduja family has appeared before judges in Geneva to address accusations of domestic slavery.

Le Temps In Geneva, the wealthy Hinduja family faces judges over domestic slavery… ↗

Swiss Citizens Identify Cyberattacks, Climate Change, and US Policy as Threats

An exclusive poll reveals that while Swiss citizens generally feel secure, they identify cyberattacks, climate change, and hostile US foreign policy as significant threats, with divided opinions on the country's defense capabilities.