A number of foreigner-related measures are at the centre of political debates, and Switzerland introduces a national fine for littering — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.
From taxes to citizenship: Foreigner-related measures at the centre of political debates
Though the far-right move to curb immigration from the EU was defeated at the ballot box and no longer dominates Swiss news, other measures targeting foreign residents are fuelling political discussions.
Issues currently in the centre of parliamentary debates include two types of fees to be imposed on foreign residents – ‘security’ and ‘immigration’ tax – the feasibility of permit ban for EU citizens with criminal records, as well as a push toward easier naturalisation requirements.
READ MORE: The big issues for foreign residents on the Swiss political agenda this June
‘250 francs’: Switzerland introduces a national fine for littering
Fines for littering already exist in Switzerland but they differ from one municipality to another.
Typically, they go from 100 francs upwards, based on the extent of littering.
Now, for the first time, the Federal Council is about to introduce a nationwide fee, meant to “standardise nationally the fines for littering and the illegal disposal of large quantities of urban waste.”
The new penalty – up to 250 francs, depending on the “the type and quantity of waste” – will go into effect on Switzerland’s National Day, August 1st.
The Federal Council also reiterated that “waste should be limited to the bare minimum and, when this is impossible, recycling should be used.”
READ MORE: Swiss government to impose new 250-franc fines for littering
The heatwave is impacting Switzerland’s glaciers
Swiss glaciers have been melting at an alarming rate due to global warming, and the most recent heatwave is accelerating this process.
According to an expert, when the heat persists for more than two weeks, as it has so far in June, “the melting is massive, even in the highest peak regions.”
Right now, about 400 cubic metres of water per second are flowing from the glaciers – equivalent to filling an Olympic-sized swimming pool every six seconds, day and night, for at least these two weeks of heatwave.
READ MORE: Melting Swiss glaciers face worst case scenario
Zurich Airport eases rules on liquids in carry-on baggage
Passengers flying from Zurich Airport will soon be able to carry up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage after the airport installed high-tech security scanners, bringing an end to the the strict 100ml limit established in 2006.
The new rules mean that passengers will no longer need to unpack or show liquid containers at security or even pack them separately in clear plastic bags.
This should make going through security faster and more efficient.
READ MORE: Zurich Airport relaxes liquid restrictions for hand luggage
Geneva is considering simpler regulations for air conditioners
Authorities in the canton of Geneva are considering making access to air conditioning devices simpler, as the region, along with the rest of Switzerland, has been hit by a record-breaking heatwave.
Authorities are now looking into the feasibility of “simplifying administrative procedures,” while still keeping them within the existing legal framework.
“The goal is not to open the floodgates, but to make the system more practical,” Delphine Bachmann, who is in charge of th Energy Department, said.
READ MORE: Geneva could ease requirements for air-conditioning for private homes
Switzerland’s ‘best’ community revealed in a new study
The analysis in question was carried out by a leading Swiss financial magazine Bilanz, which used 56 different criteria, sub-divided into categories, to rank 966 municipalities with at least 2,000 residents, to determine the ‘best’ one among them.
Based on criteria such as real estate prices, rental possibilities, taxes, and unemployment, among others, the magazine chose Oberkirch, in canton Lucerne, a community of just over 5,000 people.
Not only does it have direct access to Lake Sempach and views of the Alps, but it is also only 21 km from Lucerne, which can be reached in half an hour by both train and car.
Furthermore, “a vibrant community life and a diverse range of sports and cultural activities characterise this community,” according to Bilanz.
READ MORE: The ‘best municipality’ in Switzerland to live in 2026
