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THE WEEK IN SWITZERLAND

Six big news stories from Switzerland you shouldn’t miss this week

Economic forecasts for Switzerland for 2024, and higher public transport prices are among the big news stories in Switzerland this week. Catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.

Six big news stories from Switzerland you shouldn't miss this week
It is not too late to catch up with an advent wreath. Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

Can third-country nationals settle in Switzerland?

It is very difficult for people from third countries to get a permit to work in Switzerland, much less to live here long-term.

Conditions for both are very tight.

But there are some circumstances under which non-EU / EFTA nationals are allowed to settle in Switzerland indefinitely — as long as all the conditions are met.

READ ALSO: Can a non-EU / EFTA citizen live permanently in Switzerland?

Are Swiss consumers splurging on gifts this holiday season?

If this holiday season is anything like last year’s, the Swiss are not going to skimp on their Christmas shopping. — regardless of inflation and other financial constraints.

While it is too early to say exactly how much will be spent on gifts, based on retail figures from Black Friday (November 24th), which is often seen as precursor to Christmas shopping, the season has started with a bang.

Swiss consumers spent 490 million francs in 24 hours — 10 million francs more than the previous year.

READ ALSO: Are the Swiss big spenders when it comes to Christmas presents?

Will some prices in Switzerland drop in 2024 ?

Some services, like health insurance, electricity, rents, and public transport, will become more  expensive next year.

However, at the same time some prices will drop — bringing at least a bit of financial relief to money-strapped Swiss households.

READ ALSO: What will be cheaper and more expensive in Switzerland in 2024?

What’s ahead for Switzerland’s economy — and you — in 2024?

While it is difficult to issue accurate predictions for next year, experts agree that in at least some aspects, 2024 will be a relatively good year for Switzerland’s residents.

For instance, according to UBS bank, “economists expect high immigration, a robust labour market, and excess savings to support consumption in Switzerland in 2024.”

READ ALSO: What will happen to the Swiss economy in 2024?

Annual public transport subscriptions to become more expensive

From December 10th, when the new train timetable kicks off in Switzerland, the new (higher) tariffs will go into effect as well.
 
For the first time in seven years, the price of GA Travelcards —  annual subscription that gives you unrestricted access to Swiss public railways, post buses, public boat services, as well as the urban local transport in buses and trams — will increase by about 4.3 percent, the national rail company, SBB announced.

READ ALSO: How the Swiss Travelcard will get more expensive

Is Geneva a safe city?

Generally yes, as is the whole of Switzerland.

Nevertheless, local residents will advise you to avoid three inner-city neighbourhoods if you want to avoid pickpockets and fights among rival motorcycle gangs — especially after dark.

READ ALSO: Are there any parts of Geneva you need to avoid? 

Also in the news this week:

If you missed your rendez-vous with Saint Nicholas on December 6th, don’t worry — there are still plenty of holiday festivities taking place in Switzerland from now until Christmas.

You can still catch the Advent windows, and purchase the advent wreathe with candles.

READ ALSO: Three Swiss Christmas traditions you should know about

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For members

THE WEEK IN SWITZERLAND

Six big news stories from Switzerland you need to know about this week

Attack on a US tourist in Lausanne and criticism of English courses in Swiss schools are among the news The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.

Six big news stories from Switzerland you need to know about this week

Criticism against English lessons in elementary schools

Switzerland’s Liberal-Radical party (FDP) have come up with a radical proposal to scrap English and French lessons for primary school children, arguing they do more harm than good.

The party’s claim is that children at that age (typically between eight and 11) need to master their own mother tongue as a priority and learning other languages was holding them back from doing this — especially given Switzerland’s recent poor scores in the global PISA rankings for language and reading.
 
READ ALSO: Why is there a move for Swiss schools to abandon ‘useless’ English lessons?

US tourist in Lausanne stabbed with a knife

Even though crime rate in Lausanne is low, and it, along with other Swiss cities, is comparably safe, a woman visiting from the United States was stabbed in a shoulder during an unsuccessful attempt to steal her bag.

Even though the passersby and local shopkeepers tries to intercept the attacker, he managed to escape.

He was, however, caught and arrested shortly thereafter. 

Police said the perpetrator was known for prior criminal acts.

READ ALSO: American tourist ‘violently attacked’ in Lausanne 

Swiss TV license fee to become cheaper

The current fee (also referred to as ‘tax’) of 335 francs a year per household will drop to 312 francs by 2027, and then to 300 francs from 2029.

The main goal of this reduction is to alleviate the financial burden that the license fee places on many households and businesses alike.

This tax has been dropping gradually over the years, from the all-time high of 451 francs.

READ ALSO: Switzerland to lower the obligatory TV license fee 

Swiss interest rates drop, signalling lower rents

After slashing its interest rates in March, Swiss National Bank again lowered the rate by quarter percent, bringing it down to 1.25 percent.
 
This means that inflation rate has fallen to an acceptable level, and it is also a positive sign for many tenants in Switzerland who will see their rents decline as a result of the cut in interest rates.

Consumers in general will also be able to benefit in terms of lower interest on mortgages and other loans.

READ ALSO: Swiss central bank cuts rate for second straight time 

Switzerland ranked as Europe’s most competitive economy

In its new annual ranking, the IMD Business Institute named Switzerland Europe’s top nation, and the world’s second-best, in terms of competitiveness. 

It is in the first place in terms of government efficiency, public finance and institutional organisation.

Additionally,it is at the top for its infrastructure, particularly for health services, environment, as well as educational system.

Switzerland also scores relatively high for productivity and efficiency, as well as infrastructure for scientific research.

And also:

If you are wondering how Switzerland’s employment laws compare to workers’ rights in the United States —  the two are, literally and figuratively worlds apart.

They differ in terms of annual paid leave, health benefits. and many other benefits as well.
 
You can find out more information about it here:
 
READ ALSO: Six ways working in Switzerland is better than in the US 
 

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