Swiss government to ease tax burden on families; easyJet strike to hit flights to Switzerland; and more news in our roundup this Thursday.
Swiss government to ease tax burden on families
The Federal Department of Finance (FDF) announced an adjustment to the tax brackets and deductions for direct federal tax, effective from 2027, to compensate for a 0.47-percent increase in the cost of living since the last adjustment.
Parents paying for childcare will be able to deduct up to 25,900 francs—an increase of 100 francs. The deduction for vocational training rises to 13,100 francs, also an increase of 100 francs.
For married couples, the income threshold for entering the tax system rises to 29,900 francs. The maximum tax rate will now apply only to taxable income of 946,000 francs or more, up from the previous 941,000 francs. Withholding tax scales are being adjusted accordingly.
However, the deduction for professional expenses remains unchanged, with the rounded amounts staying the same.
Don’t miss our journalists’ daily news roundup from Switzerland
Voters expected are expected to reject stricter neutrality
The Swiss will vote Sunday on a heavily debated proposal to tighten their country’s traditional neutrality, amid fears that an expected “no” could be interpreted abroad as abandoning the principle altogether.
According to polls, voters are also expected to reject another initiative on Sunday’s ballot, calling for the country to raise its food self-sufficiency rate to 70 percent, up from the 42 percent in 2024. (AFP)
READ MORE: Swiss voters set to decide on their neutrality and food supply
EasyJet crew to strike right in the middle of the Swiss autumn holidays
Cabin crew members for the low-cost airline in Portugal have announced a multi-day strike, from October 2nd to 6th.
Therefore, flights departing from Zurich, Geneva, and Basel EuroAirport to Lisbon, Porto and Faro will also be affected.
The timing of the industrial action is inconvenient for many families: In Basel, the strike days coincide with the autumn school holidays. And In the Canton of Zurich, school holidays begin on October 5th – meaning the first weekend of the break also falls within the strike period.
Switzerland is no longer the best country for retirees
Though it took the top spot in 2024, this year Switzerland made it only to fourth place, according to the “Global Retirement Index 2026” published on Wednesday.
It performs less well particularly in terms of material prosperity.
On the other hand, Switzerland ranks second in the area of health – surpassing all other countries in terms of life expectancy.
READ MORE: Why living in Switzerland means you’ll (probably) have a longer life
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