Deputies will consider a new idea for deporting foreign criminals; federal court to rule on Zurich’s controversial speed limit issue; plus more Swiss news in our Friday roundup.
Deputies will consider introduction of a new rule for deporting foreign criminals
The National Council’s Political Institutions Committee is proposing to expel foreign criminals to their home countries, even if they have no links to their country of origin.
The Committee believes that current law is too lax in this regard, as the offenders’ personal connection to their home countries is being taken into account before deportations can take place.
Under the new proposal, however, lack of links with the nation of origin would not count in cases of crimes such as murder, rape, and serious bodily harm.
A consultation on this proposal is open until October 2nd.
Federal Court to rule on Zurich’s speed limit
The Zurich Administrative Court has rejected a complaint from a local resident against the 30 km/h speed limit to be put in place on a section of Bergstrasse in Männedorf.
According to the court, the speed reduction is needed because it noticeably lowers road noise without significantly impairing traffic flow: travel time would only increase by five to six seconds.
Intent on maintainig the current 50 km/hour speed, the complainant is, however, appealing this decision to Switzerland’s highest judicial authority, the Federal Court.
In the meantime, the 50 km/h speed limit remains in effect on this stretch of the road.
MPs want to make baby formula safer
To prevent further cases of contaminated infant formula, the Council of States adopted on Thursday a motion to strengthen food safety and transparency rules.
This is in reference to cases of contaminated milk being supplied in 2025 to dozens of countries, including Switzerland.
The motion is asking the Federal Council to examine whether the provisions governing self-monitoring, health protection, traceability, and the obligation for businesses to provide information have been complied with in these cases.
If necessary, measures must be taken to ensure food and health, safety, as well as the complete and immediate provision of information to the competent authorities and the public.
Doctor’s prescriptions to be digitalised in Switzerland
Healthcare professionals will now be required to issue prescriptions exclusively electronically.
This measure, approved by the Council of States on Thursday, applies to both prescriptions and medication plans.
Its aim is to reduce the risk of incorrect dispensing of drugs, as well as to improve the exchange of information between various healthcare providers.
However, patients will still be able to request a physical printout of their electronic medication plan.
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