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Agreements and politics

Bilateral treaties, the tax agreement, federal votes and reforms affecting cross-border workers.

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333 articles on agreements and politics, newest first.

• Switzerland-China: Farewell to Duties on Swiss Exports

  Switzerland and China have concluded negotiations on the optimisation of the free trade agreement, allowing 99.8% of Swiss exports to enter the Chinese market duty-free.

• Switzerland-China: Optimised trade agreement

  Negotiations concluded: 99.8% of Swiss exports to China will have customs exemption. Signature expected in 2026.

• Electric scooters: mandatory helmet in sight?

  The Federal Council will evaluate the obligation of the helmet for scooters. Accidents doubled, trauma risks higher than cyclists.

• Ticino hospital planning: adequate 2019 data?

  The PLR question on the consultation started on 1 June 2026 raises doubts about the statistical basis of hospital needs in the canton.

• Federal Council adopts 2027 budget

  On August 19, the Federal Council approves the 2027 budget with PICF 2028-2030. Document available online at aff.admin.ch.

• Neutrality survey: Ticino at 52% and Switzerland at 36%

  Ahead of the September 27 vote on the neutrality initiative, the Tamedia survey reveals a strong divergence between Ticino and the rest of the nation.

• Antara Tantra Festival in Lenk: the new rules

  The Tantra Festival Switzerland changes its name to Antara Tantra Festival, introducing strict consent rules and safety manuals to Lenk.

• Vote 27 September: two no to initiatives

  Leewas survey: 36% yes to the neutrality initiative (62% no), 31% yes to food (65% no). Analysis for parties and cantons on two ballots.

• Federal budget 2026: surplus of 0.8 billion

  The Federal Council projects a surplus of CHF 0.8 billion in 2026 thanks to windfall income tax revenues. Implications for taxpayers and public finances.

• Air defense: 970 million from the Federal Council

  The Federal Council is asking for 970 million for air defence: 250 million short range, 650 million average, 60 million radar, 10 million drones. Self-protection 100 mln by 2029.

• Federal surplus 2026: +800 million

  The Confederation expects a surplus of just under CHF 800 million for 2026, against the budgeted deficit of CHF 700 million. The improvement is due to the increase in income tax of 1.4 billion.

• Swiss neutrality: Ticino contradicts the country

  20-minute survey/Tamedia: 62% of Swiss against the neutrality initiative. But Ticino votes yes with 52%. Vote on 27 September 2026.

• Popular votes, Cassis' first

  Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis takes responsibility for the neutrality initiative.

• The neutrality initiative: a pro-Putin text that harms Switzerland

  The neutrality initiative is a text that limits Switzerland's ability to act on foreign policy and endangers its security.

• Neutrality initiative puts Switzerland's security at risk

  PLR, Centro, Liberal Greens, PS and Greens support the initiative.

• Travail.Suisse calls for a general increase in wages in Switzerland

  Travail.Suisse is asking for a 2% increase for all workers, but the negotiations are going to be difficult.

• Naturalization Canton of Lucerne: requirements and procedure

  To obtain Swiss citizenship in the Canton of Lucerne, you must meet certain requirements and follow a precise procedure.

• Disillusioned unions: we may withdraw our support

  The decision of the Economic Commission to the Council of States not to modify the measures on wage protection irritates the president of Travail Suisse Adrian Wüthrich.

• EU deal rejection remains an option

  The Economic Commission of the Council of States rejected parts of the measures negotiated by the social partners to protect wages under the package of agreements with the EU.

• Hospital bills in Switzerland: what the law requires

  By law in Switzerland every patient receives a copy of the invoices issued in their name, but understanding remains complex for non-attendants.

• Abusive prisons, the initiative succeeded with over 108,000 signatures

  The popular initiative "Yes to protection against illegal rents" has reached the minimum number of signatures needed to be presented to the referendum.

• The Federal Council adopted the message on the Compass Initiative.

  The Federal Council adopted the message on the Compass Initiative.

• Amendment of the Banking Act: Federal Department of Finance

  The Federal Council approved the benchmarks for the elaboration of regulatory adjustments according to the measures and recommendations contained in the Federal Council's report on the stability of banks and in the report of the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry.

• Compass Initiative: the Government proposes to reject it

  The Federal Council recommends that Parliament reject the Compass Initiative without counter-proposals. At the center is the node on future Bilaterals III.