Zurich experienced a ‘frenzy of destruction’ on Saturday; Switzerland’s new biometric ID card is launched today; and more news in our roundup on Monday.
.Zurich experienced a ‘frenzy of destruction’ this weekend
Though Switzerland had not been affected by massive riots that began in France and spread through Europe, local far-left groups took to the streets in Zurich’s District 4 on Halloween night.
Throughout the neighbourhood, windows were smashed, buildings vandalised, and police barricades set on fire in what Swiss media called a “frenzy of destruction.”
Similar protests erupted on the same night in Basel, Geneva, and Bern.
Don’t miss our journalists’ daily news roundup from Switzerland
The new biometric ID card is introduced today
From today, November 2nd, Swiss citizens will be able to apply for the new biometric ID card.
Like the biometric Swiss passport, the new identity card (not to be confused with the still-in-the-making e-ID cards) will feature a chip containing a facial image and two fingerprints.
It is intended to allow Swiss citizens to travel within the European Union more easily.
READ MORE: Switzerland to introduce a new biometric ID card on November 2nd
High rents in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are fuelled by immigrants, new study shows
An increasing number of people in major urban cantons like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, where rents are among highest in Switzerland, are relocating to ‘cheaper’ neighbouring cantons, according to a new analysis carried out by the real estate consultancy Wüest Partner.
However, this trend doesn’t mean there are fewer people now living in these places.
To the contrary, newly arriving immigrants are compensating for this ‘loss’: While Zurich loses about 3,500 residents to other cantons each year, this is offset by a net influx of nearly 19,000 foreigners. Geneva is experiencing the same phenomenon, where 1,400 locals leave the canton annually, while 10,300 arrive from abroad.
Consequently, the demand for housing or the rents in these cantons shows no signs of easing.
Ahead this week:
November 2nd to November 7th is the National Vaccination Week in doctors’ offices and pharmacies throughout Switzerland.
Anyone wishing to be vaccinated can receive shots against the flu, COVID-19, and – in some cases – for the respiratory virus RSV at participating doctors’ offices and pharmacies.
(Note that second Vaccination Week will take place from November 23rd to November 28th, which was exceptionally added due to vaccine delivery delays).
READ MORE: What viruses to expect in Switzerland this winter?
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch w ith us at news@thelocal.ch
