Switzerland’s economy feels the impact of US tariffs, and Zurich voters may have to decide whether the local population should be given priority access to housing — these are among the news stories The Local has reported this week.
US tariffs are already impacting Swiss economy
Switzerland’s economic growth slowed sharply in the second quarter (April to June) as exports fell after companies rushed to stockpile goods ahead of new, 39-percent US tariffs.
Concretely, the export-reliant country’s economy grew 0.1 percent in the April to June period compared to the first quarter, when it expanded by 0.8 percent.
The Swiss government is still hoping to negotiate a lower tariff after last-ditch talks in Washington failed to change the US government’s mind.
READ ALSO: Swiss economy slows after pre-tariff export rush
New move to give locals priority access for Zurich housing is underway
The populist Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has launched a referendum bid, seeking a vote on the obligation to prioritise Swiss people and longtime local residents for Zurich apartments.
The bid, instigated by the SVP’s Zurich section is calling for legislation requiring housing allocation to the local population, rather than newly arrived foreigners.
The party has six months to collect the 6,000 signatures needed to bring this issue the cantonal ballot box.
READ ALSO: Right-wing party wants to give Swiss citizens priority access to housing
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High-pollution cars are temporarily banned from Geneva centre
After several days of intense heat and sunshine, ozone concentrations in the air over Geneva have exceeded regulatory thresholds, bringing the alert level to 2 out of 3.
In order to prevent the air quality from worsening, city authorities have activated, for the first time since 2020, the anti-pollution car sticker system, StickAIR, which must be affixed to each automobile’s windshield to indicate its environmental performance.
This is a temporary move, but authorities have not set when it will be lifted.
READ ALSO: Why are some vehicles being banned from driving in Geneva?
Dozens of people lost their lives in Swiss Alps this summer
In summer, the (mostly) good weather and school holidays make Switzerland’s mountains a popular destination for people of all ages, so there are automatically more accidents as well.
And there is also plenty of carelessness.
Experts say they see more and more people hiking in the high mountains without ropes or crampons, or other safety gear, clearly underestimating the dangers, such as the risk of rock falls or falling into a crevasse.
READ ALSO: Why have Swiss Alps claimed so many lives this summer?
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Solar-powered plane sets an altitude record
Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan beat the altitude record for a solar-powered electric plane in a flight that took him soaring to 9,521 metres.
The SolarStratos plane made the landmark flight from Sion airport in canton Valais, taking advantage of warm air thermals to go beyond the 15-year-old record.
This historic flight lasted five hours and nine minutes.
READ ALSO: Swiss pilot surpasses solar-powered plane altitude record
