MPs turn down motion to tax foreign tourists

The National Council’s Committee on Political Institutions voted on Friday to reject a parliamentary initiative filed by deputy Thomas Aeschi from the rightwing Swiss People Party (SVP), which called for the introduction of a 25-franc ‘entry fee’ for foreign tourists. 

According to the motion, this tax would be used to combat ‘overtourism’ and its proceeds would be donated to the state pension fund.

The MPs decided, however, that this measure would be “extremely complicated and costly to implement”: for example, it would require the reintroduction of systematic border controls.

It would also go against the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons that Switzerland signed with the European Union.

Another, somewhat similar motion, is still before the MPs: they have not yet weighed in on a proposal of another SVP deputy, who wants to make foreign nationals pay a tax for the privilege of living in Switzerland.

READ ALSO: Could foreigners in Switzerland be forced to pay ‘immigration tax’? 

Self-driving cars will soon be allowed on Swiss roads

The first ‘autonomous’ vehicles could be permitted in Switzerland from 2025.

According to Jürg Röthlisberger, head of the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), cars with ‘level 3’ driver assistance systems will soon approved. 

These types of automobiles allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel on motorways while the car brakes, accelerates, changes lanes, and avoids obstacles on its own. However, the systems are not yet able to drive safely at night or in the rain.

Currently, FEDRO is working on creating the legal basis for this measure to be introduced.

“The Federal Council is expected to adopt the necessary ordinances still this year,” FEDRO spokesperson said. 

British couple want to die together in Swiss ‘death capsule’

Peter and Christine Scott told UK media on Sunday they are in contact with the Swiss assisted dying organisation, The Last Resort, which created the controversial ‘death pod,’ Sarco.

Former RAF engineer, 86, and his nurse wife, 80, sign up to die in each other's arms as first British couple to use double suicide pod in Switzerland after her dementia diagnosis https://t.co/qWBQ6OvMPx pic.twitter.com/DYBwfmwzzF

— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) September 8, 2024

They decided to go this route after the 80-year-old Christine was diagnosed with early-stage dementia.

The fear of medical costs and the poor health system prompted the couple to decide to go to Switzerland and die together.

The date has not yet been set, as they must undergo various verification procedures to comply with the requirements set out by Swiss assisted dying law:

READ ALSO: What you should know about assisted dying in Switzerland 

Eurovision makes hotel prices in Basel skyrocket

If you want to visit the Swiss city on or around May 17, 2025, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets than normally.

Due to the Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Basel on that date, hotels and Airbnbs have doubled and, in some cases even tripled their prices.

And this phenomenon is not limited to Basel: since Zurich is only 75 km away and within an easy train or car ride, prices of accommodations there have also soared significantly, according to a report by RTS public broadcaster. 

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