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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.

• Franz Ruppen considers candidacy for the Federal Council

  Franz Ruppen, a politician from Upper Valais, could become one of the surprise candidates, but the source describes a possibility that is still open, not a candidacy already filed.

• Fireworks: initiative to limit their use

  On November 29, the proposal will be put to a federal vote. For the campaign of the federal popular initiative "For a limitation of fireworks", the promoting committee chose the slogan "Not everyone celebrates" and images of dogs, cats, cows and deer covering their ears.

• Mercosur, signature collection launched for the referendum

  Tuesday afternoon, during a press conference in Bern, a broad front of opponents to the free trade agreement involving Switzerland and the Mercosur countries launched the collection of signatures for a referendum.

• Marriage, the Government against the Centre's initiative

  In view of the November 29 vote, the Federal Council and Parliament recommend rejecting the Centre's initiative «Enough with marriage discrimination».

• 100'848 signatures against the counterproposal on rents

  100'848 signatures were handed in today to the Federal Chancellery.

• CDF: complex approval of plant protection products

  On 12 October 2026, in Bern, the Federal Audit Office (CDF) announced the findings of its review of the efficiency of the approval procedures for plant protection products.

• Agreement with the EU: goodbye to fiscal sovereignty too?

  On October 6, NZZ sounded an alarm that touches on Swiss fiscal federalism: the new agreement with the European Union, according to two tax law professors cited by the Zurich newspaper, could reduce Switzerland's tax sovereignty.

• SECO: US duties, votes and change at the top

  From 24 July 2026 US duties up to 12.5% on Swiss goods.

• Referendum against new nuclear power plants in Switzerland

  More than 131.800 signatures delivered to Bern by SP, Verdi, GLP and part of Centro to maintain the ban on nuclear power; vote possible on February 28, 2027.

• 2026 VAT referendum: increase for the thirteenth pension payment

  The referendum on the proposal will be held on November 29.

• Arms exports: the federal vote on November 29, 2026

  On November 29, 2026, the Swiss population will vote on a controversial easing of the law on war materiel.

• Cybersecurity: 1.587 reports in one week

  In the past week, the Federal Office for Cybersecurity (UFCS) recorded 1.587 voluntary reports, the highest weekly figure at least since the beginning of 2025.

• Civil protection in the Canton of Lucerne: requirements and compensation

  In the Canton of Lucerne, civil protection has a cantonal organization and operates within the framework of federal law.

• Cantonal elections in the Canton of Lucerne: schedule and voting

  In the Canton of Lucerne, the guide to cantonal elections revolves around five checks: electoral system, schedule, voting procedures, lists and the competent electoral office.

• Lucerne cantonal vote: guide to initiatives and referendums

  There are four federal voting dates scheduled each year: this is the first reference point to keep separate when consulting a guide to cantonal voting in the Canton of Lucerne.

• Parmelin leaves the Federal Council on December 31, 2026
• Switzerland and India: new agreements on migration and employment
• November 29 vote: VAT, OASI and four proposals

  On November 29, voters will vote on four proposals: an increase in VAT for the 13th AHV pension, two popular initiatives, and an amendment to the law on war materiel.

• MPS justice initiatives rejected by the Grand Council

  The Grand Council rejected the two MPS initiatives: reducing magistrates' retirement age from 70 to 65 years (41 votes against) and transferring dismissals to Parliament (61 votes against).

• Natalie Rickli is taking time to consider a federal candidacy

  Rickli, a Zurich cantonal councillor from the UDC, does not confirm her candidacy for the Federal Council and postpones her answer until after the autumn holidays; the deadline for applications is October 23.

• Rüegsegger UDC candidate for the Federal Council

  The Canton of Schwyz puts forward André Rüegsegger to succeed Guy Parmelin: it is the first official candidacy following the announcement of his resignation at the end of the year.

• Fireworks, the right launches the no campaign against the initiative

  Campaign against the fireworks initiative kicks off on Tuesday: the vote is on November 29. Centro, PLR, UDC and the business community support the no vote.

• Civil protection, Canton of Bern: requirements and allowance

  In the Canton of Bern, civil protection is coordinated at cantonal level. Call-up notices and allowances must be verified with the competent authority.

• Cantonal elections in Bern: guide to the calendar and voting

  Practical guide to cantonal elections in the Canton of Bern: electoral system, calendar, voting procedures, lists and institutional responsibilities.