Construction workers’ strike to disrupt traffic in Geneva today; Zurich residents fight back against rent increases; and more Swiss news in our Monday roundup.
Striking construction workers to block the centre of Geneva today
A construction workers’ strike will severely disrupt traffic and public transportation in Geneva today, with much of the city centre closed from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm due to a union march departing from Place Lise-Girardin.
Several key routes will be inaccessible or heavily disrupted, including: Rue de Chantepoulet, Pont du Mont-Blanc, Quai du Général-Guisan, Rue du Rhône, Rue de la Confédération, Boulevard de Saint-Georges, and Boulevard James-Fazy.
Geneva’s public transport network (TPG) also announced significant disruptions to its network, expected to last all day. Approximately 30 percent of urban bus lines will be affected by detours or service cancellations, particularly those crossing the downtown area.
Zurich residents fight back against rent increases
In Zurich, resistance is growing against massive rent increases by Baloise Group, one of Switzerland’s largest landlords.
Within three days of its launch, over 5,300 people have signed a petition against the hikes, triggered by a recent case where the rent for an apartment was increased by more than 1,000 francs per month after a change of tenants.
According to the Zurich Tenants’ Association, “such cases are not isolated incidents”; therefore, the petition is demanding that the Baloise Group ends its “drastic rent increases, discloses its pricing policy, and assumes social responsibility.”
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Fewer Swiss retailers now accept cash
Even though Switzerland’s population likes paying by cash, a survey carried out by the Swiss National Bank (SNB) found that “cash acceptance among retail companies today is lower overall” as compared with two years ago.
And this trend is expected to continue among the retailers – including in public transport.
“Over the next two years, public transport companies in particular plan to restrict their acceptance of cash – mainly at ticket machines and in trains,” the SNB reports.
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A Valais community joins the ranks of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland
Champéry, the municipality in the district of Monthey, “is remarkable, with its historical and architectural features so representative of this captivating Alpine valley,” according to a press release from the Most Beautiful Villages of Switzerland association.
It is the 56th Swiss village in 19 cantons that has been named among the most beautiful.
Champéry classé parmi les plus beaux Villages de Suisse https://t.co/QuRVrW2Egk pic.twitter.com/WUgq4worCW
— Rhône FM (@rhonefm) October 31, 2025
The association added that Champéry, with its 1,400 inhabitants, “embodies a rare balance between nature, heritage, and agricultural traditions, as well as sporting and leisure activities.”
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