Lockdown opponents ratchet up pressure on Swiss government
Several peaceful protests have been staged around Switzerland in recent weeks.
Keystone / Urs Flueeler
The Swiss government is facing intensified calls from cantons and parliamentarians to re-open restaurants and ease lockdown measures at a faster rate than previously announced.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
Español
es
Presión en Suiza por una mayor flexibilización de restricciones
Shops, cultural and outdoor recreational facilities will be allowed to open up from Monday as part of a staggered easing of measures. But restaurants and bars will have to wait until at least March 22 and only re-open on this date if the Covid-19 infection rate remains under control.
This ruling has generated protest from many cantons, several of which this week reluctantly ordered restaurants to stop serving food to skiers from outdoor terraces. The Swiss hotel association has also warned of further losses for its members over the winter season.
Their protests have been backed by a parliamentary cross-party commission that has voted to recommend that restaurants can definitely re-open on March 22. It also believes that cantons should be given more autonomy on deciding when to impose temporary lockdown measures. The commission’s recommendations carry no binding weight but send a powerful signal of parliamentary sentiment to the government.
Around 800 demonstrators gathered in the Swiss city of Neuchâtel on Saturday to protest against the continued enforced closure of restaurants. The demonstration, which featured signs with slogans such as “Take off your masks”, “Freedom” and “Enough”, passed off without incident.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
This content was published on
The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), Swissinfo's parent company, must restructure due to financial pressures and to stay competitive in the fast-moving media environment.
This content was published on
There has been a sharp decline in the consumption of single-use disposable plastic bags and reusable plastic bags in the Swiss retail sector.
This content was published on
A biometric Swiss identity card (ID) is expected to be available in Switzerland by the end of 2026. The Federal Office of Police and its federal and cantonal partners are working on a new ID card that features a chip.
Heatwave reduces output at Swiss nuclear power plant by 50%
This content was published on
The ongoing heatwave has forced the Beznau nuclear power plant, which relies on water from the River Aare, to halve its output.
Swiss continue to enjoy high social mobility, study shows
This content was published on
Opportunities for upward social mobility have remained intact in Switzerland since the 1980s. Social mobility is exceptionally high by international comparison, a study shows.
Swiss government affected by cyberattack on health foundation
This content was published on
Switzerland says a ransomware attack on the non-profit health foundation Radix that involved data being stolen and encrypted had also affected the federal administration.
Federal Council agrees to investigation into alleged Swiss-Russian spying affair
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland can open spying investigations into the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (FIS).
Appeal launched against Starlink satellite antennae project planned in Swiss village
This content was published on
A group of Swiss citizens has filed an appeal against plans to install 40 Starlink satellite antennae in the mountain village of Leuk in southern Switzerland.
UBS launches buyback scheme for up to $2 billion in shares
This content was published on
UBS is starting a share buyback programme for up to $2 billion (CHF1.6 billion) in shares, in line with a plan approved at its annual general meeting (AGM) in April, the Swiss bank said on Monday.
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.
Read more
More
Calls grow louder to ease Swiss Covid-19 restrictions
This content was published on
Cantonal ministers and business associations are putting mounting pressure on the Federal Council to ease pandemic restrictions.
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.