More 125cc motorcycle accidents, a failure to take minutes of federal government meetings and ignoring warnings about swaying trains: these and more can be found in the Sunday papers.
More accidents at 125 seconds – should happen again from 18 seconds onwards
The number of accidents involving new drivers of 125cc motorcycles has almost tripled since the law was changed. According to “SonntagsZeitung”, the Federal Roads Office (Astra) recorded 580 accidents involving teenagers aged 16 to 18 last year. More than 20% of drivers were seriously injured. The main causes of accidents are lack of driving experience, excessive risk of lane guidance, and lack of concentration. Starting from 2021, teenagers under the age of 16 are allowed to drive motorcycles with a displacement of 125 cubic centimeters. Annual sales of these motorcycles have nearly tripled since the law was changed, the newspaper wrote.
At Federal Palace, meeting minutes were not kept as required
Contrary to the instructions of the entire Federal Council, the Selection Committee did not record the meeting to appoint the new Secretary of State for Immigration. According to “NZZ am Sonntag”, Justice Minister Beat Jans attended the meeting. The directive effectively states that the selection committee must record its work in writing. A spokesman explained the decision not to provide written information to Jens, saying the attorney general had been involved in discussions early on. The process represents a trend across the federal government, the newspaper reported. This circumvents public information laws.
SBB train vibration accident apparently avoidable
According to SonntagsZeitung, the fiasco surrounding the CHF1.9 billion purchase of long-distance double-decker trains known as “shake trains” could have been avoided. As the newspaper noted, in early 2014, an expert appointed by SBB recommended halting the procurement and promptly preparing alternatives. He said in an internal report that the project was likely to fail. Railroad management ignored early warnings and failed to inform the board of directors of the situation. However, management has not ruled out the possibility of project failure. However, an exit is out of the question as train manufacturer Bombardier threatens to sue for hefty damages.
One of the “rocking trains”.Image: KEYSTONE
Senior VP, hardliner and former Trump fan travels to U.S. as Swiss election observer
Valais senior vice-president National Councilor Jean-Luc Addor will travel to the United States as an election observer. He received the order because he is a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe parliament, as reported by Le Sonntag and Le Sonntag. Addo will visit election offices in the US state of Nevada. According to the Valais Canton newspaper, it is impossible for election observers to control everything. Laws in 18 states prohibit or restrict the use of international observers. The newspaper wrote that four years ago, Addo declared himself a Trump supporter. “As an election observer, I remain neutral,” he said.
Jean-Luc Addor will travel to the United States as an election observer.Image: trapezoid
Ski resorts and health facilities also benefit from cheaper electricity
The number of Swiss companies benefiting from cheap electricity has steadily increased in recent years. NZZ am Sonntag reports that 253 companies have recently been exempted from so-called network surcharges to promote solar, hydro and wind power plants, based on data from the Federal Energy Office. The original idea of liberation was to support power-intensive and export-oriented industries. Other industries have already benefited, such as ski resorts and health facilities, the newspaper wrote. Industry and civic politicians are calling for more relief.
80% market share in 2040: A bright future for electric vehicles?
Despite the recent drop in demand, one report predicts a positive future for electric vehicles. According to “NZZ am Sonntag”, a report by the consulting company EBP shows that in the worst case scenario, the market share of electric vehicles will reach 80% by 2040. If European politicians tighten the screws as planned, electric cars will have a market share of nearly 100% by 2040. By 2050, there will be almost no fossil fuel cars on the road. EBP believes that electric vehicles being quieter and cheaper throughout their life cycle is one of the reasons for this growth.
Federal government's top saver defends 3A tax worsening
Serge Gaillard has defended the proposals of his expert committee to reduce tax benefits when paying the second and third pillars. Gaillard told the Journal du Dimanche that there were still advantages to implementing the reforms. Because income is lower in old age, tax rates are lower than during working years. He said it was still worthwhile to invest in pillars two and three within a “normal framework”. Buying a tax-optimized pension at age 50 or 55 will become less attractive. “No final decision has been made yet,” FDP chairman Thierry Burkart told SonntagsBlick, announcing a referendum if the proposal passes parliament.
Federal government wants to hold Ukrainian and Swiss companies unwilling to work accountable
The federal commissioner responsible for the labor market integration of Ukrainian refugees held the companies accountable. Adrian Gerber said in an interview with “SonntagsBlick” that the Federal Council has developed a medium-term plan for security. The government extended the protective status and allowed work to continue for another year. Gerber denied that the year-end employment target of 40% was symbolic politics. First and foremost, states, cities, companies and people from Ukraine must participate. “The federal government can support that.”
Swiss animal protection attempts new start
The new regulations will be approved at a meeting of representatives of the Swiss Animal Welfare Association in March 2025. As “SonntagsBlick” discovered in the draft, they make significant changes to the structure of the association. Therefore, board size and terms should be limited. In three weeks, regional associations will discuss the changes behind closed doors. Bureau members will also be filled at delegate meetings. Law professor Peter Kunz expressed interest. As SonntagsBlick writes, it remains unclear whether he will actually run for office. (sda/con)
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