Police officers were injured and extensive damage inflicted during pro-Gaza riots in Bern; Switzerland will need fewer teachers in the future; and more news in our roundup on Monday.
18 police officers injured at pro-Palestinian rally in Bern
Violent clashes at a pro-Palestinian rally in the Swiss capital this weekend left 18 law enforcement officers and two protesters injured, and caused extensive property damage.
The unauthorised protest drew more than 5,000 people, including a large number clad in black and wearing masks, who clashed with police and vandalised property.
“Law enforcement officers were also repeatedly attacked with dangerous objects,” including construction equipment, furniture, rocks, bottles, fire extinguishers, fireworks and laser and pointers,” according to police.
Police had responded “with force”, using water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets and police batons, it added.
In all, 16 male and two female officers were injured, including four who had to be hospitalised.
The property damage was “extensive,” with the total amount of damage expected to be “in the millions” of francs.
A total of 536 people were detained and had their identities checked before being removed from the area (AFP).
Switzerland faces lower demand for primary school teachers
According to projections from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the number of primary school students will peak in 2027 before declining across all cantons.
The FSO expects 50,000 fewer schoolchildren due to the falling birth rate.
This development will have a direct impact on the teaching profession: the need for new teachers, currently high in several regions, is expected to drop by 40 percent within 10 years.
Netflix is increasing its prices in Switzerland, effective immediately
The streaming service is raising its subscription prices by 2 francs per month.
The basic subscription now costs 14.90 francs per month.
These new rates will affect new subscribers first.
For existing customers, the increase will be applied gradually, based on their billing cycle. They will be notified approximately one month before the hike.
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New LED streetlights keep Basel residents awake
The city of Basel has started to convert its street lighting to energy-efficient LED technology.
However, many residents are not happy about this change because the new lights are much brighter and disturb their sleep.
“At night, my home is as bright as day,” a local politician complained.
Even so, the city will continue the conversion, with around 13,000 lights to be replaced by LED by 2028.
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And now…a new Swiss Army knife for coffee lovers
The multi-functional pocket knife that can do everything from opening wine bottles to hoofing horses now has a new tool “crafted to elevate every step of the coffee ritual” – specifically, to be used with La Marzocco espresso machines.
Victorinox media
According to manufacturer Victorinox, “the Barista Tool was created for professional baristas and passionate home brewers alike” and can be used for coffee-making tasks like “tightening the steam wand and measuring grounds.”
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