Police Officers’ Association opposes the rightwing anti-immigration initiative; the EU could force Switzerland to pay millions to unemployed cross-border workers; plus other news in our roundup this Friday.
Police Officers’ Association opposes the rightwing anti-immigration initiative
The umbrella association (VSPB) has warned that international police cooperation between Switzerland and EU countries would be jeopardised if the “No 10-Million” initiative is approved in a referendum on June 14th.
Therefore, it is “unequivocally” calling for a “No” vote, it said in a press release on Thursday.
The VSPB is the latest in a long lineup of political parties and various organisations that have been sounding the alarm over the potential consequences of this measure.
READ MORE: Who is leading the fight in Switzerland against the anti-immigration proposal?
The EU could force Switzerland to pay millions to unemployed cross-border workers
After lengthy debates, the European Union has finally reached an agreement on a social reform.
This means that going forward, unemployed cross-border employees will no longer receive their benefits in their country of residence – as has been the case – but instead in the country where they last worked.
As Switzerland is home to a large number of cross-border commuters – over 410,000 in 2025 – it would be particularly affected by the new measure, though the exact figures of what it would have to pay is not yet certain.
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SWISS introduces new budget fare and scraps free carry-on baggage
The Lufthansa Group, which includes SWISS, is discontinuing the previously free allowance of a small carry-on suitcase on its short- and medium-haul flights.
Instead, it is introducing a new Economy Basic fare, which includes only one small personal item such as a laptop bag or a backpack.
Tickets for these low fares – initially available on selected routes only – can be booked starting on April 28th for travel beginning from May 19th.
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A wolf is seen roaming the Zurich area
Spotted on the left bank of Lake Zurich, authorities believe it is the same animal that had already killed several sheep last autumn.
Even so, the canton is allowing the lone wolf to roam freely.
That’s because it is a protected species and may only be shot under strict conditions – for example, if it kills several farm animals within four months.
In the meantime, authorities are warning livestock farmers in the area to protect their herds, with sufficiently high electrified fences.
This is the second sighting of a wolf in Switzerland in recent months: in February, a ‘migratory’ wolf swam across Lake Lucerne on his cross-country journey – the first such documented case in Switzerland.
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