Switzerland News Roundup for Friday: Latest Updates on Friday's Happenings in Switzerland
14K Join Zurich's Labour Day Parade, Convention in Geneva
Over 14,000 individuals participated in the official Labour Day parade in Zurich's bustling city center on May 1st, according to union estimates. The police, however, put the number at several thousand participants. The march was under the slogan of 'solidarity instead of hate speech' and 'against war and fascism.'
The demonstration was generally peaceful, as reported by the authorities. Yet, a few protesters in disguise, wearing all-black attire and masks, caused property damage.
In Geneva, approximately 2,500 United Nations employees voiced their discontent with the US budget cuts that have already resulted in job losses. With more layoffs expected, they took to the streets in a collective protest.
A New Chapter with the European Union
After concluding negotiations with Brussels in December 2024, the Federal Council indicated that the new treaties may be subject to four separate referendums before they become law.
The Federal Council confirmed this week that one referendum would focus on stabilizing bilateral relationships between Switzerland and the EU, and the remaining three would touch upon further developments in food safety, electricity, and health, respectively. The date for the referendums has yet to be announced, but the Swiss People's Party (SVP) has already expressed their intentions to advocate for three 'no' votes.
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Zurich and Basel Rank Low in Expat-Friendliness
According to a recent survey by expat community platform InterNations, Zurich and Basel fall among the least expat-friendly cities globally. Zurich held the 49th position, while Basel came in 47th place. This is a considerable decline from 2023, when Zurich ranked 37th. Munich in Germany ranked last, while Malaga in Spain took the top spot.
Both cities struggled with making friends and social contacts, finishing at the bottom of the list. Sixty-five percent of Zurich's respondents claimed to have mainly expat friends, while the figure was 58 percent for Basel. The global average is 37 percent.
Respondents highlighted the challenges of adapting to local culture, with only 33 percent of Zurich's respondents stating that they found it easy to adjust, down from 51 percent in 2023.
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Switzerland Approves Respiratory Virus Vaccine
Following the European Medicines Agency's lead, Switzerland's drug regulatory body, Swissmedic, has authorized a vaccine against lower respiratory tract diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, for adults aged 60 years or above. The vaccine, mRESVIA, seeks to prevent highly contagious seasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, which can have serious implications for older individuals.
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- Protesters wearing all-black attire and masks, disguised among the participants, caused property damage during the Zurich Labour Day parade.
- In Zurich, over 14,000 individuals participated in the official Labour Day parade on May 1st.
- Geneva saw approximately 2,500 United Nations employees protesting against US budget cuts that have led to job losses.
- After concluding negotiations with Brussels in December 2024, the Federal Council indicated that new treaties may be subject to four separate referendums.
- The Federal Council confirmed that one of the referendums would focus on stabilizing bilateral relationships between Switzerland and the EU.
- Zurich and Basel were ranked among the least expat-friendly cities globally, according to a recent survey by InterNations.
- The survey revealed that both cities struggled with making friends and social contacts.
- Switzerland has approved a vaccine against lower respiratory tract diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, for adults aged 60 years or above.
- The vaccine, mRESVIA, seeks to prevent highly contagious seasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
- The demonstration in Geneva was against job losses due to US budget cuts.
- In the world of personal-finance, the Swiss People's Party (SVP) has expressed their intentions to advocate for three 'no' votes in the upcoming referendums.
- In terms of lifestyle, both Zurich and Basel faced challenges in adapting to local culture.
- In the realm of entertainment, The Local invites you to share queries, article ideas, or news tips at news@our website.
