Council of States doesn’t want Switzerland to join the UN migration pact

The pact in question sets out measures to regulate migration across borders. This involves the rights of migrants but also, for example, securing borders and combating smuggling gangs.

However, most MPs said they don’t see any concrete advantages of joining the pact, pointing out that its risks outweigh the benefits.

For instance, the pact does not impose any direct obligations on states, so it can have only a limited effect, the deputies said.

A minority, on the other hand, argued unsuccessfully that Switzerland should declare its support for the guiding principles of the pact.

Also in the Council of States….

Deputies want the the law against unsolicited sales calls to be strengthened

Even though unsolicited sales calls from insurance carriers have been banned since September 1st, ‘cold’ calls in general remain too frequent.

On Tuesday, MPs accepted a motion seeking to end such phone contacts emanating from call centres, located predominantly abroad, though many also come from scammers.

According to minister Albert Rösti, who heads the Department of Communications, the legislation outlawing such nuisance calls will soon be drawn up.

Zurich homeowners should expect significantly higher taxes

Because the canton of Zurich is re-evaluating all properties, homeowners will have to brace themselves for significantly higher tax bills from 2027, according to a press release on Tuesday. 

This step was triggered by two court rulings, according to which  many properties in the canton were undervalued. The last estimate took place in 2009, but real estate prices have soared since then.

Property tax values are to increase by an average of 48 percent, while  imputed rental values for single-family homes will rise by an average of 11 percent and for condominiums by 10 percent.

With this measure, the canton and municipalities can expect additional income of 85 million each.

SWISS airline suspends flights to Tel Aviv — again

After resuming its suspended  service to Tel Aviv on September 5th, the airline has again cancelled the flights to the Israeli city up to and including September 19th.

This step was taken for the same reason as before: “due to recent change in the security situation.”

During this period, the Israeli and Iranian airspace will also be bypassed, the airline said, adding that it will “continue to monitor the situation closely and will assess it further in the coming days.”

Passengers affected by the cancellation can rebook for a later travel date free of charge or, alternatively, get a full refund of the ticket price.
 
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