Issues regarding illegal construction in Verbier, relations between Switzerland and the EU, and warnings from health insurers dominate the Sunday press. The Valais Public Prosecutor’s Office has completed its investigation into illegal constructions, with local officials facing charges. Additionally, the Federal Council will discuss increased contributions to the EU. The health insurance sector is concerned about rising costs from reimbursed caregiving services, while gaps in military-supported civil event oversight were highlighted. Lastly, the automobile industry’s struggles in Germany affect Swiss exporters.
Berne – The illegal construction case in Verbier (VS), the resumption of discussions between Switzerland and the EU at the Federal Council, and a warning from health insurers are the main headliners in today’s Sunday press. Here are the key points, which have not been confirmed by Keystone-ATS:
Le Matin Dimanche: The Valais public prosecutor has concluded their criminal investigation into the illegal constructions in Verbier, according to Le Matin Dimanche, which acquired the indictment document. Four former local officials and the municipal secretary are facing charges of mismanagement of public interests and abuse of authority. The issuance of illegal building permits was part of a broader political and economic strategy aimed at developing high-end tourism and attracting wealthy residents, as stated by prosecutor Cindy Kämpf in the 44-page indictment. This case was brought to light in 2015, and of the 248 illegal constructions identified, 23 have been selected for substantiating the charges.
NZZ am Sonntag: The Federal Council is scheduled to discuss the future contribution to Swiss cohesion within the European Union (EU) next Wednesday, reports NZZ am Sonntag. The current annual contribution of 130 million Swiss francs is expected to rise significantly, with comparisons drawn to Norway’s contribution of 450 million Swiss francs. Additionally, the EU is reportedly pressuring for the Swiss rail network to be opened to foreign providers, which is facing resistance within the industry.
SonntagsZeitung: The umbrella organization for health insurers, SantéSuisse, warns in the SonntagsZeitung about the exponential growth of companies specializing in care for relatives, which began receiving reimbursements from basic insurance for their work. Over the last four years, a lucrative market has emerged, with SantéSuisse predicting that costs to insurers will exceed 100 million Swiss francs by 2025. This increase is expected to have a direct impact on health insurance premiums. Furthermore, the two largest health insurers in Switzerland, CSS and Helsana, are also involved in this market through subsidiaries. They claim there is no conflict of interest, asserting that innovative solutions in healthcare are essential.
SonntagsBlick: A report from the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS) highlights deficiencies in the oversight of civil events supported by the army or civil protection, according to SonntagsBlick. The document indicates that many guidelines are frequently ignored. Soldiers and civil protection members provide over 50,000 days of service each year for ski races and other major events, such as the Federal Wrestling Festival, which could not occur without this support. Defence Minister Viola Amherd has mandated the strengthening of control mechanisms, adds SonntagsBlick.
Le Matin Dimanche/SonntagsZeitung: National Councillor Christian Imark (UDC/SO) accuses Economy Minister Guy Parmelin, of the same party, of spreading ‘fake news’ regarding the troubled steelworks Stahl Gerlafingen in Solothurn. The federal councillor stated on German-speaking TV that over 20 subsidized steelworks within a 150 km radius of Switzerland could meet the country’s demand. Imark counters in the newspapers that there are only three, referencing an index from the Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA). He warns that if Parmelin persists, he will face dismal results in the upcoming Confederation presidency election in 2026, which the Vaudois is slated to assume. The Federal Council has denied financial assistance to the company deemed non-systemic.
SonntagsZeitung: The penalties for rape are less severe than those for drug trafficking in Switzerland, even with a majority of positions in the Swiss public ministries occupied by women, notes SonntagsZeitung. In 2023, 75 rapists were convicted: 41 received prison sentences while the others were given suspended sentences or partial suspensions averaging 4.5 years, which may not be fully served due to reductions. For comparison, trafficking three kilograms of cocaine is punishable by five years in prison. According to Daniel Jositsch, a penal law professor and member of the Council of States (PS/ZH), women jurists assess rape cases using the same criteria as their male colleagues, though they tend to be more lenient towards offenders.
NZZ am Sonntag: The Swiss branch of Spar supermarkets has decided to halt its facial recognition project for customers in its stores, as reported by NZZ am Sonntag. The chain had planned to install sensors in its 147 Swiss locations to determine customers’ age and sex for targeted advertising. The system had been implemented in several stores but is now being gradually dismantled. Spar stated that customer feedback prompted their decision to abandon personalized advertising,