Quitting smoking is much more expensive in Switzerland than abroad; roosters and cows spark controversy in a Swiss village; plus other news in our Tuesday roundup.
Quitting smoking is significantly more expensive in Switzerland than abroad
In Switzerland, nicotine replacement products often cost five times as much as they do elsewhere, like in France. This makes it more difficult for Swiss people to quit smoking.
For instance, a pack of 210 nicotine gum pieces costs the equivalent of around 22 francs at a pharmacy in the French town of Annemasse, near the Swiss order. In Geneva, the price is 109 francs for the exact same product.
The Swiss Pharmacists’ Association, PharmaSuisse, explains how this price disparity arises: prices are determined by the specific market, regulatory requirements, and local tax legislation.
Another difference: In France, 65 percent of the cost of these products is covered by health insurance. This is not the case in Switzerland.
Swiss villagers row over presence of roosters, cows… and milk truck
In Val de Bagnes, Valais, a number of residents have complained about roosters crowing too loudly, the milk truck passing by too early, and the whole countryside smelling of cow manure.
In response to these grievances, a pro-rooster and cow contingent in the village launched a petition, calling on local authorities to ensure that “the rural character of the region be officially recognised – thus justifying, through this action, the crowing and the odours.
Many have also pointed out, logically it would seem, that anyone disturbed by this distinctly rural ambience should be living in the city.
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Switzerland tops global ranking for Artificial Intelligence researchers and developers per capita
According to the 2026 AI Index Report, published by Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). the country recorded 110.5 AI researchers and developers per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025, placing it in the first place – ahead of Singapore (109.5) in terms of AI expert density.
Switzerland is indeed regarded as a leading global hub for AI research, talent density, and innovation in this field – as in others: it has been named for 15 consecutive years as the world’s most innovative country.
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Swiss football club turns down Kanye West concert over antisemitic comments
Basel football club (FCB) has rejected an approach about staging a Kanye West concert at their St. Jakob-Park arena.
The US rapper had a string of performances in Europe lined up over the coming months, but several have been cancelled or postponed in the last fortnight.
The 48-year-old artist, also known as Ye, has been heavily criticised for making antisemitic remarks and voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler.
Reigning Swiss champions Basel said they were interested in making more use of the venue and carefully reviewed all enquiries.
“In this case, FCB received an enquiry and considered it,” a spokesman for the club said.
“However, after a thorough review, we decided not to pursue the project further, as we cannot, in accordance with our values, provide a platform for the artist in question.” (AFP)
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