Unstable Swiss glaciers are at risk of collapsing, and Swiss police sound alarm over fake train tickets scam — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. Catch up on on everything in this weekly roundup.
Unstable Swiss glaciers are at risk of collapsing
As the Weisshorn glacier in Valais is breaking off piece by piece, scientists warn that Switzerland’s glaciers in general are becoming unstable and could rupture as well.
Various studies confirm that rock faces are at risk of collapse due to climate change and permafrost thaw.
According to experts, melting glaciers, shrinking snow cover and thawing permafrost are destabilising mountains, triggering more rockfalls, debris flows and cascading hazards that threaten communities and infrastructure.
READ MORE: What are the risks of glaciers collapsing in Switzerland?
Swiss government to introduce a new biometric ID card
The Swiss government has adopted the necessary legal framework for the introduction of a new biometric ID card in November.
It will be equipped with a chip containing an image of the face and two fingerprints.
It will therefore offer reinforced protection against abuse.
The card will guarantee that Swiss citizens will continue to move freely within the European Union in the future, as EU countries issue biometric identity cards only.
READ MORE: Switzerland to introduce a new biometric ID card from November
Government reveals the extent of drought-inflicted damages
All the Swiss regions have suffered from a severe dry spell since June, and the consequences are significant and far-reaching, the government reported.
It reiterated just how seriously Swiss rivers and lakes have been affected “by a severe water deficit…impacting virtually all sectors of water management.”
This means that agriculture can no longer irrigate on the usual scale. Many Alpine farms have had to bring their cows down to the valley earlier than planned because water and fodder have become scarce. Some are therefore reducing the size of their herds.
READ MORE: How the summer’s devastating drought has hit life in Switzerland
MP seeks stricter safety rules for older drivers
Deputy Marionna Schlatter from the Green Party has asked the federal government to examine whether current legislation regarding older drivers should be toughened.
She argued that with age, the decline in visual acuity and cognitive impairments increase considerably.
Among the ideas she suggested is the possibility of introducing gradual age-related restrictions – such as for instance no longer driving at night or on motorways.
READ MORE: Could Switzerland tighten rules around elderly drivers?
Government will harmonise rules for international property inheritance
Since January 1st, 2025, new rules apply to international successions.
Given that they often involve real estate located in Switzerland being inherited by people abroad, the government will revise certain provisions.
The proposed change concerns the inscription of properties in question in the Land Registry, as currently they are “sometimes unclear or not sufficiently harmonised.”
READ MORE: Switzerland to clarify rules for international property inheritance
Police sounds the alert against fake train tickets
Zurich cantonal police have issued a warning about a fake Swiss national railway company (SBB) website, which looks eerily like the real one.
Cybercriminals use it to deceive travellers and steal their data during a fake ticket purchase.
While the website address differs slightly, the design, navigation elements, and functionality are, at first glance, almost identical to those of the official SBB website.”
Then, on the fake platform, tickets are offered at a significantly lower price. Departure times, platform information, and routes appear plausible and correspond to official information. Travellers thus have the impression of purchasing a genuine ticket
READ MORE: Public warned to be aware of Switzerland’s ‘cheap train tickets’ scam
