US president has an issue with Switzerland – again; government supports the move to expand Sunday shop openings; and more news in our roundup this Thursday.
US president has an issue with Switzerland – again
Donald Trump has once more spoken about his dislike of Switzerland to the US media.
Previously, he had publicly insulted the then Swiss president Karin Keller-Sutter for the way she negotiated for lower customs duties, and said that “he didn’t like the woman.”
In an interview with CNBC broadcaster this week about the trade tariffs, the US president accused Switzerland of profiting from the United States while contributing little in return.
Specifically, he said that Switzerland “is one of those countries long considered ‘elite’ – not because of their own performance, but because they made billions upon billions of dollars thanks to the United States.”
He added that he had tried to put an end to Switzerland’s ‘entitled attitude.’ , notably through high tariffs (which have since been deemed illegal).
“That’s when I realized that they weren’t the elite,” he added. “The elite – that’s us.”
Government speaks in favour of expanding Sunday shop openings
The Federal Council said on Wednesday that it supports the move by the Council of State’s Committee on Economic Affairs toward more frequent Sunday store openings.
The measure would allow cantons to authorise retailers on their territories to open for business on up to 12 Sundays per year – that is, one Sunday a month – without the need to apply for a special permit.
The current limit is four Sundays a year.
READ MORE: Where exactly can you shop in Switzerland on a Sunday?
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Switzerland wants to remedy housing shortage by boosting construction
The Federal Council aims to accelerate the long-stalled construction of residential buildings, which has significantly contributed to continued housing shortage.
As outlined in a report adopted on Wednesday, the government is examining several measures to shorten lengthy planning and building permit procedures.
Concretely, it is assessing whether private individuals should continue to have unfettered rights to challenge new construction projects – a tactic often used to slow down the building process.
Concurrently, abusive or groundless appeals could face stricter sanctions – for instance, by imposing procedural costs on the objecting parties.
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SWISS steps in to help Lufthansa operate more flights
SWISS airline’s parent company, Germany’s Lufthansa, is cutting 20,000 flights to save fuel.
Like a dutiful child, Switzerland’s flagship carrier is – literally – flying to Lufthansa’s aid by offering around 140 additional flights within Europe through the end of May.
SWISS’ goal is to help fill in for Lufthansa’s cancellations on some high-traffic routes.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
