Federal Council evaluates tax on super-rich; Ban on unsolicited health insurance calls; SBB to stabilise ‘shaking’ trains

News For 27 August 2024

In July, The Socialist Youth, a wing of the Social Democratic Party, collected enough signatures to launch an initiative calling for a 50-percent inheritance tax to be imposed on people whose assets exceed 50 million francs. The proceeds would be used for environmental causes and climate control measures. A number of wealthy people have already said that if this measure is accepted, they will leave Switzerland. The Federal Council has not given its opinion, yet. But it argues that imposing a hefty tax on the wealthy is, "not an adequate means of achieving Switzerland's climate objectives.” And that “the burden to compensate for these losses in revenue will fall on the middle class.”

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From September 1st, health insurance brokers will no longer be allowed to sell an insurance policy over the phone to someone who has never been insured with their company, or who has not been insured there for at least 36 months. This move was approved by the parliament in December 2022 because these “unwanted calls are a major source of annoyance for policyholders.” In addition, during a consultation with a client, the broker will be required to draw up a report and have it signed by that client. "Thanks to these measures, the activity of insurance intermediaries will be better regulated," the government said. If these rules are broken after September 1st, insurance carriers risk a fine of up to 100'000 francs.

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The national railway company, SBB, will upgrade its flagship fleet – the double-decker long-distance FV-Dosto trains, notorious for shaking passengers every which way when they switch gears. The SBB says it is going to transform its 62 FV-Dosto trains by 2030. Specifically, the chassis located under each carriage, on which the axles are fixed, allowing the train to steer around curves, are going to be improved to ensure a smoother, shake-free ride. However, this is not the only problem commuters have experienced on Dosto rolling stock. In 2022, passengers complained about a foul odour in those trains which, upon investigation turned out to be a stench from incorrectly installed disinfecting system in the toilets – a problem which has been since corrected.