Switzerland launches effort to combat youth radicalisation; SBB employs plainclothes ticket inspectors on long-distance trains; plus other news in our roundup this Monday.
Switzerland launches an effort to combat youth radicalisation
The number of minors becoming radicalised is rising in Switzerland
In response to this worrisome trend, the federal government, cantons, and municipalities have formally agreed on Friday to jointly tackle all forms of radicalisation and extremism.
“This phenomenon affects society as a whole and can only be combated through a collective effort,” the Federal Council said.
The agreement provides support and practical tools for individuals and institutions – such as parents and teachers – who may come into contact with at-risk youths.
READ MORE: Switzerland faces new form of extremism in 2026
SBB employs plainclothes ticket inspectors on long-distance trains
Teams of un-uniformed agents are now reinforcing staff on board long-distance train lines.
The goal of this move is to recover the millions of francs that the national railway, SBB, loses due to fare dodgers.
Plain-clothes agents are not meant to deceive commuters, but to relieve permanent staff, who are often overwhelmed on busy trains, where there is not enough time to combine ticket checks with passenger service, the company pointed out.
And in other public transport news…
Due to staff shortage, Zurich will not expand two tram lines until next year
Tram lines 6 and 10 were originally scheduled to be extended in conjunction with the timetable change on December 13, 2026.
However, due to a staff shortage, this extension is being postponed until May 10, 2027, Zurich’s public transport operator (VBZ) announced on Friday.
“Despite intensive recruitment efforts, staffing levels have not yet been built up sufficiently to meet the requirements of the planned service expansions—and the line extensions in particular,” VBZ stated, adding that it hopes to be able to hire more employees within the next few months.
And Switzerland’s most popular baby names are…
In 2025, Noah, Liam, and Gabriel were the most frequently given names for newborn boys.
For baby girls, parents favoured Sofia, Emma, and Mia, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on Friday.
As for surnames, Müller is the most common one among Switzerland’s permanent resident population in Swiss-German areas, followed by Meier and Schmid.
In French and Italian-speaking regions, Da Silva and Bernasconi dominate, respectively, according to the FSO.
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