All the victims of Crans-Montana bar fire have been identified; major dispute brews over Switzerland’s motorway speed limits; and more news in our roundup on Monday.
All the victims of New Year’s fire have been identified
The deadly fire in the ski resort of Crans-Montana is continuing to dominate Swiss news.
On Sunday, authorities announced that all 40 people who perished in the blaze have been identified.
In addition to previously identified victims, the 16 others include three Swiss, six French, one dual national (Switzerland/France), three Italians, one Portuguese, one Belgian, as well as a triple national of France, Israel, and the UK.
They were aged between 14 and 33.
READ ALSO: Swiss grieve as all fire victims identified – half of them under 18
Major dispute is brewing in the parliament over motorway speed limits
The speed limit on Swiss motorways is typically 120 km/h, but the government is increasingly relying on 80 km/h limits during peak hours to prevent traffic jams and emissions.
However, MP Thomas Knutti has filed a parliamentary motion against the speed reduction, arguing that this measure is “the wrong approach from both a traffic engineering and economic perspective.”
In fact, “frequent changes in speed destabilise traffic flow, increase the risk of accidents, and lead to inefficient driving behaviour,” Knutti wrote in the motion. “They create precisely the traffic jams they are supposed to prevent.”
To back his claim, he cited the example of the A2 motorway near Pratteln (Basel-Country) where, despite a speed limit of 80 km/h, traffic jams of up to 45 minutes regularly occur during rush hour.
However, another deputy, Jon Pult, has said Knutti’s proposal would cause “great damage to the environment ” and he will therefore oppose it.
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Swiss citizens warned against travel to Venezuela
Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry (FDFA) has issued a travel alert on Sunday, warning Swiss citizens not to travel to Venezuela.
“It is uncertain whether security can be guaranteed throughout the country following the military operations conducted on January 3, 2026. The situation is very tense and its evolution remains uncertain.”
Further, “demonstrations with violent clashes are possible,” the FDFA said, adding that “there is a risk that foreign travellers may be arrested, questioned, and detained. Consular assistance cannot be guaranteed in the event of detention.”
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New flights between Switzerland and Egypt to begin in June
Egypt’s Nesma Airlines announced that in view of the “continued high demand for beach holidays in Egypt,” it is expanding its route network with direct flights between Hurghada and both Zurich and EuroAirport Basel.
It will launch its flights from Basel on June 28th, operating Thursdays and Sundays to Hurghada until October 15th.
Flights to Zurich will follow on July 11th, on Wednesdays and Saturdays until October 21st.
READ ALSO: All the new flights to and from Switzerland in 2026
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