Coop will offer lower discounts on food nearing its expiration date; a new emergency number for victims of domestic abuse will be launched in May; and more Swiss news in our roundup this Tuesday.
Coop to offer smaller discounts on soon-to-be expired food
Under its longstanding ‘Use Instead of Waste’ strategy, the supermarket chain has been offering a 50-percent discount for food products nearing their expiration date.
But from January 6th, this deal will become less lucrative: Coop will mark the price for these products down by only 40 percent.
However, the retailer explained that customers will be able to benefit from the offer longer because discounts will be offered earlier, and not just a few hours before the store closes, as is currently the case.
READ ALSO: What will be more and less expensive in Switzerland in 2026?
New Swiss emergency number will operate from May 2026
It took Switzerland a record-breaking 15 years to establish a national emergency hotline for victims of domestic violence.
This significant delay is attributed to numerous legal, administrative, and technical hurdles.
Once it goes into effect, however, victims of domestic violence will be able to contact this national helpline – a toll-free number 142 – around the clock.
There, they will receive immediate assistance, counseling, or the necessary contacts to other services.
READ ALSO: The essential Swiss phone numbers you should never forget
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Basel is the Swiss champion of…bunkers
Many locations throughout Switzerland still have the old military bunkers on their territory, which date from WWII. But Basel has most – 12 of them.
As reported by SRF publilc broadcaster, a new book on this subject explains how these bunkers – and soldiers manning them – were meant to prevent German troops from invading France via Basel.
“Basel resembled a fortress,” providing shelter for 15,000 Swiss soldiers who were stationed at the German and French border at that time, the report said.
According to the book’s author Oswald Inglin, “Basel was armed to the teeth. If the city had been conquered during the war, it would have been devastating for Switzerland as well.”
READ ALSO: Swiss army seeks to resurrect once-secret combat bunkers
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
