Multi-party committee opposes a ‘disproportional’ fireworks ban; the SBB continue to close more of its staffed counters; and more Swiss news in our Wednesday roundup.
Multi-party committee opposes ‘disproportional’ fireworks ban
On November 29th, Swiss voters will decide on an initiative spearheaded by animal welfare groups seeking to prohibit most fireworks. But for centre-right parties and business associations, the focus should be on responsibility rather than on a ban.
The proposal calls for greater protection for people, animals, and the environment against the noise and emissions caused by fireworks.
However, representatives from The Centre, the FDP, the SVP, and the business sector reject the initiative, calling the ban it seeks “disproportionate”.
Despite passenger complaints, the SBB is closing more of its counters
Many commuters have been complaining that staffed SBB centres which sell tickets and offer travel advice – along with other passenger services – have become scarce over the last few years, and continue to disappear altogether.
The national train company said it will continue to focus on self-service operations instead.
From January 2027, stations impacted by this change will include Arbon (Thurgau), Brunnen (Schwyz), Döttingen (Aargau), Frick (Aargau)) Genève-Eaux-Vives, Laufen (Basel-Country), Oensingen (Sololothurn), Rotkreuz (Zug), Schönbühl Shopping Center (Bern), St. Margrethen (St. Gallen), Stein am Rhein (Schaffhausen), Uznach (St. Gallen), and Ziegelbrücke (Glarus).
Vaud is the first canton to enshrine the prevention of radicalisation and violent extremism in law
On Tuesday, the cantonal Parliament had unanimously approved making the Radicalisation Prevention Unit (UPRAD) – originally established in 2018 and renewed in 2021 – permanent.
According to Vassilis Venizelos, the minister responsible for Vaud’s security, the aim is to establish “a solid and lasting” legal framework to facilitate data exchange between various parties involved in the plan.
Rents for residential housing remained fairly stable in September
According to an analysis of real estate listings published by the platform Immoscout in collaboration with the real estate consultancy IAZI, prices for single-family homes fell by 0.1 percent in September compared to August. Conversely, apartment prices saw a 0.2-percent increase.
However, there are regional variations.
For houses, the sharpest decline was recorded in Zurich (-2.7 percent), though drops were also observed in the Mittelland, Central Switzerland, and Ticino.
Increases, meanwhile, were noted in the Lake Geneva region, Eastern Switzerland, and Northwestern parts of the country..
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