Switzerland's Top Six Newsworthy Tales from the Past Week:
Swiss Job Market Woes for Older Workers
Struggling to find employment is a common tale among older job seekers in Switzerland, especially those aged 50 and above. Despite strong credentials, including multilingual abilities, and extensive experience, even highly qualified individuals frequently face rejection, according to recent reports [1].
The issue of age discrimination in the Swiss labor market runs deep, with a law professor from University of Basel confirming that three out of four workers encounter age-related disadvantages while seeking new employment [1]. Testimonies from older workers depict extended periods of unemployment, repeated rejections, and even difficulties in landing interviews, even in sectors like education [1].
While the Swiss government acknowledges the need to encourage older individuals to continue working, policies are yet to significantly impact the hiring landscape. For instance, recent reforms in the state pension system aim to make early retirement less attractive and to incentivize work beyond the age of 65 [5]. Measures include removing contribution ceilings for social security at age 70 and increasing earnings exemptions for workers who continue past 65. However, the statutory retirement age has yet to be raised, with government officials hinting at possible future changes [5].
Interestingly, older Swiss workers tend to prioritize autonomy, flexibility, and a positive working environment over salary considerations compared to younger generations [3]. This preference may influence their job satisfaction and retention prospects but doesn't alleviate the initial challenge of finding work.
To delve deeper into Switzerland's job market for older workers, read more about their experiences, government initiatives, and the role of societal and employer attitudes here [1][3][5].
Government Aims to End Dual-National Army Exemption
A decades-old agreement between Bern and Paris that grants dual Swiss-French nationals a way out of military service in Switzerland could soon be revisited. Each year, around 800 Franco-Swiss individuals take advantage of this law to avoid mandatory military service [2]. However, low recruit numbers and European security concerns have prompted the parliament and now the Federal Council to seek changes to this agreement with Paris [2].
Swiss Parliament Promotes National Languages in International Communication
Swiss MPs have recently passed a parliamentary motion proposing that the country's top politicians communicate in German, French, or Italian with foreign politicians or organizations that use these languages, rather than defaulting to English [4]. While the Swiss President, Karin Keller-Sutter, criticized this proposal as "absurd," arguing that it unnecessarily curtails freedom of communication while abroad, MPs insist that this move promotes language preservation and cultural exchange [4].
Tax Reforms for Married Couples in Switzerland
After years of debate, Swiss MPs have finally approved reforms allowing separate, rather than joint, taxation of spouses, which will become law [6]. This measure addresses an ongoing issue and reflects parliamentary support for individual taxation of married couples in Switzerland.
Traffic Congestion Ails Geneva Residents
A booming construction sector in Geneva has led to recurring traffic jams, causing concerns for residents and local businesses. The city's second-largest traffic trouble spot is expected to carry on for decades, with a significant project projected to last until 2045 [7].
Climate Change Pose Environmental Threats to Switzerland
Following a massive glacier collapse in Valais in May 2025, the Swiss government published a report outlining potential climate change risks facing the country until 2060 [8]. The Federal Office for the Environment identified a list of 34 hazards, including increased heat, natural disasters, and impacts on the environment.
[1] Switzerland's Ageing Population and its Challenges (https://www.bak.admin.ch/bak/en/home/kontakte/presse/aktuelle-pressemitteilungen/2019-06-20-switzerlands-ageing-population-and-its-challenges.html)
[2] Switzerland Considers Ending Army Exemption for Dual Nationals (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/switzerland-considers-ending-army-exemption-dual-nationals-2021-08-06/)
[3] Older Swiss Workers Prioritize Work Environment (https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/older-swiss-workers-prioritize-work-environment--contrasta_id=46905795)
[4] Swiss Politicians to Speak National Languages, Not English, with Foreign Counterparts (https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/swiss-politicians-to-speak-national-languages--not-english--with--foreign-counterparts_id=46906215)
[5] Pension Reforms Aim to Encourage Older Swiss to Work Longer (https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/pension-reforms-aim-to-encourage-older-swiss-to-work-longer_id=46208906)
[6] Switzerland Approves Separate Taxation for Married Couples [7] Why Geneva's Traffic Congestion is Unsolvable (https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/why-geneva-s-traffic-congestion-is-unsolvable_id=46666106)
[8] Swiss Government Releases Report on Climate Change Risks (https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/environment/swiss-government-publishes-report-on-climate-change-risks_id=46907520)
- In contrast to the challenges faced by older workers in finding employment, policy-and-legislation surrounding climate-change issues has led to the Environmental-Science community publishing reports outlining potential environmental threats to Switzerland, such as increased heat and natural disasters, until 2060.
- In the realm of Science and Politics, a law professor from University of Basel confirmed that three out of four workers encounter age-related disadvantages while seeking new employment, similar to the persistent issue of crime-and-justice, where around 800 Franco-Swiss individuals take advantage of a decades-old agreement to avoid mandatory military service each year.
- Joining the discussion on policy-and-legislation, Swiss MPs have recently passed a parliamentary motion promoting the use of national languages in international communication, echoing the separate taxation reform for married couples in Switzerland.
- As General-News headlines focus on traffic congestion in Geneva, one cannot forget the attentionclimate-change events deserve, such as the massive glacier collapse in Valais in May 2025.
