French-speaking cantons are unanimously opposed to limiting immigration; anti-smoking group wants to ban vaping on Swiss train platforms; plus other news in our roundup this Tuesday,
French-speaking cantons are unanimously opposed to limiting immigration
The Conference of Western Swiss Governments (CGSO) “firmly opposes” the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) ‘No to 10 million’ initiative,” the group said on Monday.
Its reasons are in line with those voiced by other organisations and political parties: the move, to be voted on in a referendum on June 14th, “poses a lasting threat to the economy and jeopardises bilateral agreements with the EU.”
Furthermore, certain cantons – such as Jura, where the population is stagnating – would be adversely affected by this measure, the CGSO pointed out.
READ MORE: Who is leading the fight in Switzerland against the anti-immigration proposal?
Anti-smoking group wants to ban vaping on train platforms
At Swiss train stations, smoking is still permitted on the platforms within a two-metre radius of ashtrays. Users of electronic cigarettes also must observe these designated zones.
However, the Swiss Association for Tobacco Prevention reports that it regularly receives complaints regarding vaping in other areas of train platforms – and even inside the trains themselves.
It is therefore calling on the SBB to crack down on this practice.
“From our perspective, a fine of 500 francs for violations of the smoking ban would be reasonable and justified,” said the association’s director Luciano Ruggia.
Further, “the signs should be clearer, depicting not only traditional cigarettes but also electronic ones. The SBB should have floor markings as well in areas where smoking is permitted,” he added.
“Otherwise, smokers show no respect for the ban.”
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Zurich contributes one-fifth to Switzerland’s GDP
An economic powerhouse, Zurich – and especially its service sector – accounts for one-quarter of all services in Switzerland, according to a study published on Monday by the Zurich Cantonal Bank.
These services make up approximately 70 percent of the canton’s GDP.
Overall, Zurich’s share of Switzerland’s total economic output and value creation stands at 21 percent.
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More people in Switzerland are working beyond retirement age
The number of employed persons of retirement age has increased significantly over the past two decades, according to data from the Swiss Labour Force Survey.
Twenty years ago, around 87,000 people were still working after reaching the standard retirement age. By 2025, this figure had risen to 220,000.
This is actually a good thing: Faced with serious labour shortages and dwindling pension funds, Swiss government is encouraging people to work past their retirement.
READ MORE: How Switzerland wants to keep pensioners working longer in life
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