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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.

• Swiss neutrality: constitutional tightening rejected

  The Swiss people have confirmed the current interpretation of neutrality: the initiative for a stricter conception in the Constitution has been rejected.

• Parmelin in India: focus on the economy and investment

  Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin in New Delhi to strengthen economic cooperation, intellectual property protection and migration agreements.

• Parmelin in India: agreement to protect investments

  From New Delhi, Guy Parmelin reports that Bern hopes for an agreement on investment protection and highlights the importance of intellectual property.

• VAT vote for AHV: date and details of the federal vote

  On November 26, 2026, a vote will be held on financing the AVS 13th monthly payment through the VAT increase. Discover rates, deadlines, and impacts on the budget.

• Civil protection in the Canton of Zurich: requirements and allowances

  In the Canton of Zurich, civil protection is coordinated at the cantonal level. Call-ups and allowances are verified with the competent authority.

• Zurich cantonal elections: how to vote and where to find the date

  Zurich cantonal elections explained: how the vote works, what to check on lists and voting methods, and which office publishes the official date.

• Cantonal vote in Zurich: guide to initiatives and referendums

  Cantonal vote in Zurich: initiatives, referendums, calendar and eligible voters. Federal thresholds: 100'000 signatures in 18 months and 50'000 in 100 days.

• Federal Council without women: Rita Fuhrer’s analysis

  Rita Fuhrer, former Zurich State Councillor and former UDC candidate in 2000, comments on the succession in government and the issue of the presence of women.

• No woman needed on the Federal Council

  Rita Fuhrer: 'Those days are over: it simply has to be the most suitable person'.

• EU bilateral agreements, AXA CEO: «important, not decisive»

  Thomas Buberl, CEO of AXA, considers the bilateral agreements with the EU important but not decisive for Switzerland's position in Europe.

• Forward with Ticino&Lavoro: 2027 Government list

  Sergio Savoia, Amalia Mirante, Valentina Mühlemann, Evaristo Roncelli and Giovanni Albertini are on the list for the State Council on 11 aprile 2027.

• SECO: New US Tariffs and 2026 Federal Vote

  Variable U.S. tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from Switzerland; vote on the War Materiel Act on November 29, 2026.

• Parmelin resigns: the business community thanks him

  The 66-year-old Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin announced his resignation today; Economiesuisse and the FSVO praise its agreements with India, Vietnam and renewal with China, as well as the Corporate Relief Act in force from 2024.

• Monetary aid: extension to 10 billion until 2033

  The Federal Council proposes that Parliament extend the decree until April 2033, maintaining the cap of 10 billion.

• Parmelin Leaves the Government: Race to Succeed Him in the SVP

  Guy Parmelin announced his resignation from the government on October 2, 2026; the SVP succession race closes on October 23, with the election scheduled for December 9, 2026.

• Corporate Bankruptcies in Switzerland: Up 37% in Nine Months

  In the first nine months, there were 11,412 bankruptcies in Switzerland, up 37% from 2025. Ticino and Graubünden were above average; 40,487 new companies were established.

• Parmelin Resigns: SVP Retains Two Seats

  Guy Parmelin to step down at the end of the year. The Center acknowledges the two SVP seats; the PLR calls for candidates from French-speaking Switzerland.

• Fall Session: Mercosur, UBS Act & Bilaterals III

  The Federal Chambers conclude their fall session. Green light for the Bilateral Agreements III, the Mercosur agreement, and the UBS Act.

• Bankruptcies on the rise. And Ticino is above average

  In the first nine months of the year, corporate bankruptcies in Switzerland rose to 11,412 (+37%). Ticino recorded 721 bankruptcies, an increase of 48%.

• SECO: US tariffs, vote and resignation

  On 24 July 2026, the United States adopted additional tariffs on Switzerland of up to 12.5%; on 29 November 2026, the vote will be held on war material.

• SNB: Up to six billion per year to the Confederation and cantons

  The new FDF-SNB agreement for 2026-2030 provides for up to six billion per year, if profit and financial situation allow.

• Council of States: yes to EU health agreement

  31 yes, 11 no: health decree approved. Optional referendum chosen. Electricity paused.

• Council of States approves EU healthcare agreement

  31 against 11: green light for EU healthcare. Now to the National. Optional referendum chosen, electricity in winter.

• Centro Initiative: vote 29 November for tax fairness

  On November 29, a vote will be held on the Centro initiative which wants to eliminate the tax disadvantages of marriage, maintaining the joint declaration for direct federal taxation; Parliament would have three years to implement it, while individual taxation is expected from 2032.