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Switzerland

Switzerland
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Switzerland. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Capital
Bern
Head of State
President Viola Amherd
Head of Government
President Viola Amherd
Young people enjoy the waves on a beach near the Nouakchott Artisanal Port in Mauritania on July 17 last year. The UN projects that the world population will grow to 11.2 billion by 2100. Photo: Reuters
Poverty

Opinion | Why we should aspire to raising living standards for all

Our history of progress shows we can care for a growing population, but only if we tackle inequality and protect the environment.

Ukraine war

Top Ukrainian negotiator says talks with US to continue in Davos

Greenland

Europe prepares retaliation over Trump’s Greenland ultimatum

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Indonesia

‘False pride’: Indonesia’s UN rights role clashes with its domestic record

While officials tout a diplomatic win, rights groups ask how a nation that ‘criminalises expression’ can lead the UN Human Rights Council.

A session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held in Geneva in 2024. Photo: AFP
Timepieces

Horology’s most storied addresses: watch museums, workshops and archives

These locales, from museums to brands’ own premises, are hallowed grounds for watch fans, giving them insights and a peek into timekeeping history.

Pakistan

Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia plan defence deal to counter chaos in Middle East

Iran’s neighbours are worried that the US’ increasingly erratic behaviour may pose a risk to regional power balance and trade, analysts say.

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Timepieces

The Swatch x Guggenheim range is released as Swatch Art Peace Hotel turns 15

4 new collectable Art Journey watches feature works by artists Claude Monet, Jackson Pollock, Edgar Degas and Paul Klee.

The 2026 Swatch Art Journey range is a collaboration with the Guggenheim New York and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. Photo: Handout
US-Venezuela conflict

China-linked hackers ‘used Venezuela-themed phishing to target US agencies’

Swiss firm says Mustang Panda leveraged US-Venezuela tensions as geopolitical lures in a malware campaign against government-related targets.

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Iran

US says Iran halted 800 protester executions after Trump warnings

White House cites direct pressure for the stay of executions, as Gulf allies scramble to de-escalate threats of a US military strike on Iran.

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IPO

China’s stock rally on AI optimism to stretch fundraising frenzy in 2026

Tech companies on Shanghai, Shenzhen exchanges now trade nearly 40 per cent above the Nasdaq 100, boosting the appeal of going public.

People walk near a screen displaying stock exchange and economic data in Shanghai on January 6, 2026. Photo: EPA
Hong Kong society

WHO, ex-Hong Kong leader CY Leung’s charity pledge to boost health ties

WHO chief praises GX Foundation for focusing on practical solutions as both sides target vector-borne diseases.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (left) meets with CY Leung in Geneva. Photo: GX Foundation
Science

China offers full-time job to top European immunologist Andrew Macpherson

Distinguished professor leaves Switzerland to take up role in China, attracted by its reputation for cutting-edge biomedical research.

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Italy

Swiss bar owner put in pre-trial detention over deadly New Year’s Eve fire

Switzerland held a national day of mourning for the 40 people who were killed in the blaze at an Alpine resort.

Swiss bar in deadly blaze missed five years of safety checks

After admitting a lack of safety checks, Crans-Montana mayor says ‘we are profoundly sorry’ as prosecutors open criminal probe into bar’s managers.

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Mourners lay flowers and candles on January 2 near Le Constellation bar, where a New Year’s fire broke out in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Photo: AFP
Italy

Swiss grieve as all 40 bar fire victims identified - many of them under 18

Hundreds march in silence to honour victims of the New Year’s Swiss bar fire who were as young as 14.

People gather during a memorial procession in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on Sunday. Photo: AP

‘Someone made a mistake’: Swiss bar managers face negligence probe after fire

Investigators scrutinise ceiling materials and safety exits at Le Constellation bar in the resort town of Crans-Montana.

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Africa

Owner of Swiss bar where New Year fire killed 40 insists safety norms followed

‘Everything was done according to the regulations,’ Jacques Moretti, a Frenchman who manages the Le Constellation bar, told local media.

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Italy

Champagne sparklers blamed for Swiss inferno that killed 40 people

Witnesses saw a candle in a bottle ignite the ceiling at Le Constellation bar. Officials say the flashover trapped revellers in the basement.

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The entrance to Le Constellation bar is seen on Friday, a day after a deadly New Year’s Eve fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Photo: AFP
Italy

Swiss investigators rush to identify victims of New Year’s fire

Swiss officials say it may take days to identify victims of the Le Constellation fire, as many young revellers suffered severe burns.

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Video | Vigil held for victims of Switzerland’s deadliest fire

Hundreds attended a vigil a day after a blaze at a packed bar in the town of Crans-Montana, one of Switzerland’s deadliest fires.

The Philippines

Explainer | Swiss bar inferno joins long list of world’s worst club fires

A look at some of the worst fires in bars, nightclubs and music venues in past decades, where celebrations turned to tragedy in seconds.

The Mountain B pub in Thailand after it was ravaged by fire in 2022. Photo: AP

Dozens dead, 115 hurt in Swiss bar fire during New Year’s celebration

It is not yet clear what started the blaze at the Crans-Montana resort, a popular international ski and golf destination.

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Fire breaks out in bar at Crans-Montana ski resort, Switzerland, early Thursday.
Middle East

‘Hell to pay’: Trump warns Hamas and Iran after talks with Netanyahu

Trump presses for Hamas disarmament in Gaza, warns Iran of further US action if it reconstitutes nuclear programme.

Russia

‘Ball in French court’: Russia makes ‘proposal’ over jailed NGO researcher

Laurent Vinatier is in prison in Russia and facing more spying allegations, but Moscow says it has reached out to Paris.

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Malaysia

With 1MDB verdict due, will Malaysia’s Najib have to ‘prepare for the worst’?

The High Court will rule on abuse of power and money laundering charges, with Najib facing the prospect of lengthy prison terms if found guilty.

Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak attends the verdict of his house arrest bid at Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex in Malaysia on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

Seeking climate justice: Indonesian fishermen’s case against Holcim to proceed

The lawsuit states that Holcim has ‘significantly contributed to climate change with its massive CO2 emissions’.

Edi Mulyono and Asmania, two of four plaintiffs who have filed a lawsuit against cement company Holcim for its role in climate change, stand in front of Holcim’s Eclepens cement plant in 2023. Photo: Lorenz Kumme/HEKS/EPER
Timepieces

9 top moments in watches in 2025: Trump tariffs, Urban Jürgensen and more

Taylor Swift announced her engagement wearing a Cartier Santos Demoiselle, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson was named Omega’s new brand ambassador.

European Union

Trump tariffs push Swiss pharma CEO to urge price alignment with US

Switzerland and the United States are locked in negotiations on the details of a deal slashing a whopping 39 per cent levy to 15 per cent.

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