MP’s warnings about rising crime rate in Switzerland, and concerns about fewer employment opportunities – these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.
MP warns about Switzerland becoming an ‘unsafe’ country
Though Switzerland has a reputation for general safety, deputy Jacqueline de Quattro has sounded the alarm about what she considers to be a growing crime rate in Switzerland, as well as a growing trend toward less security.
“We thought we were safe because we are a small country with a peaceful population,” she said.
However, she pointed out that two factors “have destabilised us: the geopolitical situation – Switzerland is at the centre of Europe and is therefore impacted by the impending crises – as well as the rise in crime on our territory.”
READ ALSO: MP sounds alarm over crime rise in Switzerland
Concerns arise about lack of employment opportunities in Switzerland
Foreign residents in Switzerland have taken to social media and forums in recent weeks to express their dismay at how difficult it is to find a new job this autumn.
Is this actually the case?
“In general, the labour market is facing challenging times due to geopolitical and economic uncertainties, as well as increased costs and weak exports,” said Adecco’s spokesperson, Sophia Zuber.
However, there are still some sectors in which skills shortage is a real problem, especially in healthcare, production, and engineering,” she said. “Three of the 14 professional groups saw a rise in jobs.”
READ ALSO: Has it become harder to find a job in Switzerland?
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Fewer boats to sail between Switzerland and France
Navigation on Lake Geneva between Switzerland’s canton of Vaud and neighbouring French communities will be sharply reduced starting next year.
In 2026, peak-hour connections will be maintained, while the overall service will be adapted in a targeted manner.
The timetable will be will be reduced in terms of frequencies, particularly between Lausanne and Evian, as well as Lausanne and Thonon-les-Bains: crossings will be cut by half.
The connection with Yvoire will also be reduced.
However, rush-hour journeys will be maintained to ensure the travel of cross-border workers.
READ ALSO: Ferry services between Switzerland and France to be cut in 2026
Zurich airport could lose some flights to Germany
Lufthansa, SWISS airline’s parent company, reportedly seeks to centralise more operations in Germany, at the detriment of Zurich airport.
In concrete terms, Lufthansa wants to ‘move’ certain flights from Zurich to Frankfurt and Munich.
The centralisation of SWISS routes in Germany “should lead to the abandonment of the least profitable long-haul flights from Zurich in favour of German airports.”
This means that some of the direct flights from Zurich to destinations like North America and Asia could be scrapped, and passengers from Zurich would have to transit via Germany to reach those destinations.
READ ALSO: Zurich airport could lose long-haul flights in Swiss airline shake-up
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Is the public transport Half-fare card on the way out?
There are reports in Switzerland that the popular ‘Half-Fare’ public transport pass is facing the axe with the introduction of the “My Ride” system in 2027.
This was reported by a consumer magazine K-Tipp, which said that the SwissPass Alliance, the umbrella organisation which brings together 250 transport companies in Switzerland, plans to abolish the Half-fare card.
However, the Alliance denied the report, saying that even after the possible introduction of the “My Ride’s scheme (by 2035), “the half-fare ticket will remain in effect.”
READ ALSO: Could Switzerland’s popular ‘half-fare’ travel card be abolished?
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Everything that changes in November in Switzerland
National referendums, a key health insurance deadline and a vaccination week are among the important events in Switzerland in November 2025.
We’ve listed them all in our monthly roundup and paid particular attention to the two national referendums that are set to take place in November.
The first centres around inheritance tax and the second around civic service. If they are approved by Swiss voters they could have a profound impact on the country. Read all about them and what the latest polls say in the link below.
READ MORE: Everything that changes in Switzerland in November 2025
