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Swiss Ski Bar Fire Exposes Safety Lapses After Years Without Inspection

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Authorities in Switzerland have revealed that Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a devastating fire killed 40 people and injured 116 on New Year’s Day, had not undergone a safety inspection for five years. Mayor Nicolas Feraud said the council could not explain the lapse but expressed deep regret, acknowledging responsibility and apologising to the victims’ families.

The mayor announced that sparklers, believed to have ignited the blaze after being held too close to the ceiling, would be banned from all local venues. An external contractor will be appointed to inspect and audit all 128 establishments in the area. Feraud admitted that a small inspection team was responsible for overseeing more than 10,000 buildings, but said he had no explanation for why the bar had not been checked since 2019.

Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation, placing the two managers of the bar under scrutiny for suspected manslaughter and arson by negligence. While Feraud said it would be up to judges to determine whether local officials would also face investigation, the tragedy has raised wider questions about Switzerland’s decentralised safety enforcement system and whether warning signs were overlooked.

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Swiss Authorities Identify All 40 Victims of Crans-Montana Bar Fire

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Swiss authorities have identified all 40 victims of the New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. The victims, aged 14 to 39, included teenagers and young adults from multiple nationalities, including Swiss, French, Italian, Romanian, Turkish, Portuguese, Belgian, UK, and Israeli. A national day of mourning has been declared in Switzerland for 9 January. In addition to the fatalities, 119 people were injured, many with severe burns.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire started when sparklers on bottles came too close to the ceiling, potentially igniting acoustic foam. Prosecutors are investigating the French owners of the bar, suspected of manslaughter and negligence. Le Constellation was known as a popular venue for younger visitors, with the legal drinking age in the region at 16. Authorities have withheld further victim details out of respect for their families.

Several victims’ families have publicly mourned their loss, including Arthur Brodard and Charlotte Niddam. Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer from Italy, was also confirmed among the dead. The tragedy has shocked the international community, with tributes pouring in and authorities promising a thorough criminal investigation into the causes and safety violations linked to the fire.

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Dignitas Founder Ludwig Minelli Dies at 92 by Assisted Suicide

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Ludwig Minelli, the founder of the Swiss right-to-die organisation Dignitas, has died by assisted suicide at the age of 92, just days before his 93rd birthday. Dignitas paid tribute to Minelli, describing his life as one dedicated to freedom of choice, self-determination, and human rights. Since he founded the organisation in 1998, Dignitas has assisted thousands of people seeking an end to their suffering, becoming one of the most recognised names in global debates on assisted dying.

Minelli initially worked as a journalist before turning to law and human rights advocacy, becoming a leading voice in the international right-to-die movement. He campaigned passionately for what he called society’s “last human right”—the ability to decide one’s own end in a safe and painless way. His efforts helped shape legal and ethical discussions worldwide, including a notable 2011 European Court of Human Rights ruling affirming the right of competent individuals to determine the manner and timing of their death.

Despite his influence, Minelli also faced criticism and legal challenges within Switzerland, particularly over Dignitas’ openness to helping non-terminally ill individuals and foreigners seeking assisted suicide. While euthanasia remains illegal in Switzerland, assisted dying has been permitted since 1942 under strict conditions. Dignitas emphasised that it will continue Minelli’s mission, operating as an international organisation committed to self-determination and freedom of choice at the end of life.

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Switzerland to Vote on Major Wealth Tax Aimed at Climate Funding

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Switzerland will vote on Sunday on a proposed wealth tax targeting fortunes of 50 million Swiss francs ($62 million) or more, a move seen as a test of the public’s appetite for redistribution in one of the world’s richest nations. The initiative, launched by the youth wing of the Social Democrats (JUSO), calls for a 50% levy on ultra-large inheritances, with the revenue earmarked for climate-impact reduction projects. Swiss authorities estimate around 2,500 taxpayers hold assets exceeding 50 million francs, collectively worth about 500 billion francs.

Polls suggest the measure is unlikely to pass, with up to two-thirds of voters opposed, though analysts say the margin of rejection will signal how far Switzerland may shift toward wealth-distribution policies. Business leaders such as UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti have expressed concern, warning the outcome will indicate the country’s future economic direction. This comes amid rising living-cost pressures and previous voter approval of additional pension payments, reflecting growing financial anxieties.

Supporters argue that the super-rich contribute disproportionately to climate damage through luxury consumption, with JUSO leaders claiming the 10 richest families emit as much carbon as most of the population. Critics, including the Swiss government, fear the plan would drive wealthy residents out of the country and undermine tax revenues. Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter warned the initiative would harm Switzerland’s attractiveness, reinforcing the government’s call to reject it.

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Switzerland Moves to Revise U.S. Trade Offer Amid Threat of Heavy Tariffs

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Switzerland is preparing to revise its trade offer to the United States after President Donald Trump announced a steep 39% tariff on Swiss imports, one of the highest in his global trade reset. Business Minister Guy Parmelin said the government would act quickly ahead of the August 7 implementation date, with the cabinet set to hold a special meeting on Monday. Parmelin indicated that options under consideration include increased Swiss purchases of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) and further investments in the U.S., Switzerland’s largest export market for pharmaceuticals, watches, and machinery.

The move follows reports of a tense but non-confrontational call between Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Trump, in which the U.S. leader rejected the idea of a lower 10% tariff. Swiss officials stressed they are in close contact with Washington and open to sending top representatives to the U.S. to negotiate. Parmelin said understanding U.S. expectations would be key to forming a basis for continued talks. Industry associations have warned the tariffs could put tens of thousands of Swiss jobs at risk, particularly in export-oriented sectors.

Economists warn that the tariff hike could significantly slow Switzerland’s economy, with Hans Gersbach of ETH Zurich estimating a 0.3% to 0.6% GDP drop, rising above 0.7% if pharmaceuticals are included. Prolonged trade disruptions could lead to a recession, he said. Financial analysts at Nomura predict the Swiss National Bank may cut its policy rate by 25 basis points to -0.25% in September to counter deflationary pressures. Swiss shares are expected to feel the impact when markets reopen after the National Day holiday.

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Switzerland Cancels Geneva Conventions Conference on Palestinian Territories

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Switzerland has cancelled a planned conference on the application of the Geneva Conventions to the occupied Palestinian territories due to a lack of consensus among participating states. The event, scheduled for March 7 in Geneva, aimed to address the humanitarian situation in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem under the Fourth Geneva Convention. However, Switzerland’s Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the cancellation after some countries expressed dissatisfaction with the draft declaration.

The Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ibrahim Khraishi, criticized the proposed declaration for lacking concrete measures, calling instead for economic and diplomatic actions against Israel to ensure the implementation of the Geneva Conventions. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also planned to boycott the event, stating that the document failed to reflect the severity of the situation. Israel, which has been engaged in a war with Hamas and expanding settlements in the West Bank, dismissed the conference as “legal warfare” against the country.

Several Western nations, including Britain, declined to fully support the proposed declaration, leading to a lack of participation. While some European states intended to attend, concerns from Israel’s allies contributed to the conference’s cancellation, marking a diplomatic setback for neutral Switzerland, which has long been known for hosting peace talks and conflict mediation efforts.

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Switzerland Joins German-Led Defense Initiative to Strengthen Europe’s Air Security

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Switzerland has announced its decision to join a German-led initiative designed to enhance Europe’s defense capabilities against air strikes. This strategic move marks a significant shift for the traditionally neutral country, which has been reevaluating its defense policies in the wake of heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Switzerland’s participation signals its commitment to strengthening European security and collaborating with neighboring nations on defense matters.

The initiative aims to bolster air defense systems across Europe, focusing on developing advanced technologies and improving operational coordination among member countries. By participating, Switzerland will contribute its expertise and resources to a collective defense framework, addressing the growing threats posed by air attacks. This collaboration underscores a broader trend of European nations reassessing their defense strategies in response to geopolitical tensions.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, Switzerland’s involvement in this defense initiative highlights the necessity for nations to work together to safeguard their airspace. The move is expected to resonate positively among European allies, who view enhanced air defense as critical in maintaining regional stability and security in an increasingly uncertain world.

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Swiss museum removes art over Nazi looting fears

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A leading art museum in Switzerland, the Kunsthaus Zurich, has announced the removal of five paintings from its exhibition for investigation into whether they were looted by the Nazis. These artworks are part of the Emil Bührle Collection, which includes pieces by renowned artists such as Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. The collection is named after Emil Bührle, a German-born arms dealer who profited during World War II by supplying weapons to the Nazis.

The investigation follows the release of new guidelines to address the restitution of cultural artifacts that were never returned to their rightful owners after being stolen during the Nazi era. The paintings under scrutiny are Monet’s “Jardin de Monet à Giverny,” Gustave Courbet’s “Portrait of the Sculptor Louis-Joseph,” Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s “Georges-Henri Manuel,” Vincent van Gogh’s “The Old Tower,” and Paul Gauguin’s “La route montante.”

The Emil Bührle Collection foundation board stated its commitment to finding a fair solution with the legal successors of the original owners, adhering to best practices. Another painting, “La Sultane” by Edouard Manet, is also under examination but will be handled separately as the foundation does not believe the new guidelines apply to it. The foundation has expressed willingness to offer financial compensation to the estate of Max Silberberg, the former owner, who was a German Jewish industrialist. Silberberg’s extensive art collection was sold under duress by the Nazis, and he is believed to have been murdered at Auschwitz.

Earlier this year, more than 20 countries, including Switzerland, adopted new best practices from the US State Department for handling Nazi-looted art. These guidelines were introduced on the 25th anniversary of the 1998 Washington Conference Principles, which aim to facilitate the restitution of stolen or forcibly sold items. These principles are crucial for families seeking to recover looted art, as Swiss law prevents legal claims for restitution or compensation for works from the Bührle collection due to statutes of limitations.

Stuart Eizenstat, the US Secretary of State’s special advisor on Holocaust issues, highlighted that an estimated 100,000 out of 600,000 stolen paintings, along with many books, manuscripts, religious items, and other cultural objects, have not been returned. Up to his death in 1956, Bührle amassed around 600 artworks, many of which are managed by the Bührle Foundation and have been on loan to the Kunsthaus Zurich. Other pieces remain with Bührle’s descendants.

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Swiss Women’s Climate Victory at European Court

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Swiss women who won a landmark climate change ruling at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) are feeling shocked and betrayed by their parliament’s refusal to comply with the decision. These women, referred to as the “climate seniors,” had previously argued in Strasbourg, France, that the Swiss government’s inadequate response to climate change, particularly extreme heat events linked to global warming, was harming their right to health and life.

In April, the court sided with them and mandated Switzerland, which has yet to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, to take more action. The court’s rulings are binding for member states, making this decision unprecedented. Climate activists had hoped it would set a precedent for using human rights law to protect citizens from health harms caused by worsening environmental conditions.

However, on Wednesday, the Swiss parliament voted against adhering to the ECHR’s ruling, claiming Switzerland already had an effective climate strategy in place. The parliamentary debate was emotionally charged, with right-wing politicians criticizing what they saw as overreach by “foreign judges,” while Green Party members condemned the discussion as “shameful” and “populist.”

Despite Switzerland’s struggles to meet its Paris Climate Agreement goals, which aim to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, opinion polls show many Swiss are concerned about climate change. The Alpine region is particularly vulnerable, with studies indicating that its glaciers, crucial to Europe’s water supply, could vanish by the century’s end if temperatures continue to rise.

The Swiss value their direct democracy system and prefer making decisions themselves, which explains why the “foreign judges” argument resonates with them. Recently, voters supported government proposals to increase renewable electricity production, though environmental groups argue these measures are insufficient to meet climate goals. Polls show a majority of Swiss voters oppose the ECHR’s involvement, believing the country is already doing enough to protect the environment.

Other nations, particularly the United Kingdom, are closely watching Switzerland’s rejection of the ECHR ruling. The UK government has faced pushback from the Strasbourg court over its plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, leading some British voters to suggest leaving the court. However, such a move is unlikely in Switzerland, at least for now.

The final decision on whether to comply with the ECHR’s climate ruling rests with the Swiss government, which will announce its verdict in August. The ECHR did not specify what Switzerland must do, only that it must take more action. In a typical Swiss compromise, the government might present a list of measures taken since the climate seniors began their case, hoping for acceptance. If not, the climate seniors may return to court.

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Switzerland: Police shoot dead axe-wielding hostage-taker on train

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In Switzerland, police intervened in a hostage situation on a train near Yverdon, resulting in the fatal shooting of a man who had taken 15 passengers captive. The perpetrator, reported to be a 32-year-old asylum seeker from Iran, armed himself with an axe and a knife before coercing the train driver to stop and enter the carriage with the passengers.

Despite attempts by authorities to negotiate with the hostage-taker, who spoke both English and Farsi, their efforts proved unsuccessful. As negotiations faltered, police, including a special unit from Geneva, surrounded the train and initiated communication with the perpetrator. However, after several hours, the situation escalated when the hostage-taker moved away from the passengers, prompting law enforcement to take decisive action.

When the hostage-taker attacked the police during the intervention, officers responded by using firearms to protect both the hostages and themselves. Regrettably, the confrontation resulted in the fatal shooting of the perpetrator. The motives behind the hostage-taking remain unclear, although witnesses reported that the perpetrator appeared visibly distressed during the ordeal.

Following the resolution of the hostage situation, authorities are providing support to the hostages and their families through the Swiss health service’s psychological department. The man responsible for the incident was originally from Iran and had been residing in an asylum seeker center in Neuchatel. While hostage incidents are rare in Switzerland, past occurrences have been recorded in various settings, including banks and businesses, underscoring the importance of effective law enforcement responses to such crises.

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