New study reveals the five values that all Swiss share; property prices are on the rise in Switzerland; and more news in our roundup on Thursday.
Despite political differences, the Swiss share five key values
A new study from the University of Zurich highlights a reality that is often overlooked in the Swiss political discourse: despite the differences between political parties, five key principles continue to generate consensus across all segments of the population.
They are:
- A successful economic model
- A neutral but open Switzerland
- Respect, constructive debate, and the search for compromise that are part of Swiss politics
- Switzerland’s natural beauty and the need to protect it
- Solidarity, fairness, and a commitment to humanitarian action
Swiss president: ‘Switzerland’s future is in Trump’s hands’
In an interview with public broadcaster RTS on Wednesday, Karin Keller-Sutter said the future of the country’s economy — and most specifically its export industry — relies heavily on the decision of US president Donald Trump about the tariffs he will impose on Swiss imports.
The decision is expected on Switzerland’s National Day, August 1st.
Originally set at 31 percent, the Swiss government is hoping that it will be reduced substantially — even lower than the 15-percent tariff to be levied on the EU.
“It is now in the hands of the United States, in the hands of President Donald Trump,” Keller-Sutter said.
She emphasised the limited influence that Switzerland has globally, as “a small country.”
“We are not a superpower. We have some economic clout, but not political power [like the EU]. We have to live with that,” she said.
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Housing costs will increase by another 5 percent this year
The Swiss Residential Property Price Index (IMPI), which measures changes in the market prices for residential properties, increased by 1.9 percent in the second quarter of 2025 — that is, between April and July.
For the whole of 2025, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) predicts a 5-percent increase.
In the second quarter of 2025, prices went up for both single-family homes —1.5 percent — and apartments (2.2 percent), especially in so-called ‘rural municipalities, that is, locations which are not as heavily populated as urban centres.
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50 train stations in Switzerland lack disability access
Swiss law has required accessibility in trains since 2024, and the SBB’s InterCity (IC) 2000 fleet — long-distance double-deck trains which connect some of the most important national hubs — have been modernised accordingly.
Even so, 50 out of the total of 68 stations where the IC 2000 stops are not accessible to wheelchairs or other reduced-mobility equipment, according to Infosperber research platform.
Included are central hubs such as Zurich main station, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, and Geneva, among others.
All these stations are listed here.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
