The Swiss voice in the world since 1935

Environmental protestors object to Bern Formula E race

Formula E racing car in Bern
Bern is the second Swiss city to host a Formula E race, following Zurich in 2018. © Keystone / Anthony Anex

Around a thousand demonstrators took to the streets of the Swiss capital Bern to protest against the forthcoming Formula E motor race that will take place through the city at the weekend.

Although the racing cars are electric powered, protestors complained that the event will be harmful to the environment, with hundreds of trucks arriving in Bern to set up the race and thousands of spectators probably driving to the event.

Furthermore, the critics argue that electric cars alone will not solve the environmental damage caused by traffic unless overall volumes of cars on the streets are reduced.

Demonstrators made their point by cycling around the race track on the streets of Bern. The event was peaceful, although some posters and banners advertising the race on June 22 were ripped down.

Protesters also expressed their disappointment at the city authorities for allowing the race to take place. A committee has been set with the aim of blocking future Formula EExternal link races in Bern, arguing that such events only benefit organisers and the tourism industry.

Formula E made its Swiss debut appearance in Zurich. Geneva plans to host a race in 2021. However, last week it was announced that Switzerland does not figure on the 2019/20 racing calendar.

Before 2018, motor racing had been banned in Switzerland for more than 60 years.

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Migros plans first supermarket branch with non-stop sales

More

Migros plans first Swiss 24/7 supermarket

This content was published on Shopping around the clock, even on Sundays and public holidays: retailer Migros is planning Switzerland's first Migros supermarket with continuous opening hours in Herisau.

Read more: Migros plans first Swiss 24/7 supermarket
The Olma pig race occupies the Swiss judiciary

More

Is pig racing a sport? Swiss judges to decide

This content was published on The traditional Olma pig race is not a sporting event and may therefore not be authorised by the city of St Gallen under the title of sports betting, says the intercantonal gambling watchdog.

Read more: Is pig racing a sport? Swiss judges to decide
Courthouse

More

Swiss man charged for planned jihad trip

This content was published on The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has filed charges against a 21-year-old Swiss national with the Federal Criminal Court for a planned jihad trip.

Read more: Swiss man charged for planned jihad trip
Property prices up slightly

More

Swiss property prices up slightly in Q1

This content was published on Transaction prices for owner-occupied homes in Switzerland rose slightly in the first quarter of 2025. Demand is being supported in particular by mortgage rates, which remain low.

Read more: Swiss property prices up slightly in Q1

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR