Swiss government to lower motorway speed limits; doctors banned from practice abroad are working in Switzerland; and more news in our roundup on Friday.
Swiss government to lower speed limits on some the country’s motorways
Since 2019, the number of hours of traffic jams on Swiss motorways has almost doubled.
As a countermeasure, the federal government is implementing lower speed limits – from the current 120 km/h to 80 km/h – on some motorway sections during rush hour.
This is made possible by electronic speed displays above the roadways.
This measure is already implemented on some motorways, but it will be expanded to others as well.
No word yet which roads will be impacted by this measure, or when.
Massive demonstration in Lausanne against budget cuts
Between 12,000 and 15,000 protesters marched through the streets of the Vaud capital on Thursday evening.
The demonstration followed the State Council’s announcement that the canton will have to save 305 million francs for 2026, with cuts in healthcare, childcare centres, and in civil servant salaries.
Doctors banned in foreign countries are allowed to practice in Switzerland
An international research team working on this issue, found that six doctors whose licenses had been revoked in their home countries are working In Switzerland – including one who was convicted in Norway of sexually assaulting female patients.
Today, he works unhindered in a Zurich medical practice.
How could this have happened?
Unlike the EU, Switzerland is not part of an international warning system that exchanges information about banned doctors.
As a result of this lack, local authorities often remain in the dark – and conversely, other countries do not automatically learn of withdrawals in Switzerland.
“Networking with the EU warning system would help enormously in combating the problem,” said Yvonne Gilli, President of the Swiss Medical Association.
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Geneva’s minimum wage to go up – though slightly
From January 2026, the rate will increase from 24.48 francs to 24.59 francs per hour, an 11-cent adjustment.
In sectors with a special rate, such as agriculture, the minimum will climb from 17.99 to 18.07 francs.
Introduced in 2020, Geneva’s minimum wage is indexed annually to the cost of living.
This wage applies whenever wages set by contracts or collective bargaining agreements fall below the minimum rate.
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These are the three principal concerns for Switzerland’s population right now
According to a new survey by Tamedia media group, health insurance costs remain by far the most pressing issue for the Swiss population today.
Some 70 percent of respondents said that constantly rising premiums – which will go up by 4.4 percent on average in 2026 – are their biggest headache right now.
Migration follows in the second place, as it is of concern to 51 percent of survey participants.
Rounding up the top three concerns are Switzerland’s relations with the European Union, cited by 42 percent of respondents as a concern, especially since Swiss voters will have to weigh in on the latest package of agreements concluded in December 2024.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
