SVP now backs free testing

Pixabay

In what appears to be a U-turn, the Swiss People’s Party is now backing the continuation of free Covid tests.

It was only last month when the two party members on the Federal Council, Guy Parmelin and Ueli Maurer, wanted to end free testing for the unvaccinated. 

But now the right-wing party has changed its position and is backing free testing. The party says if testing needed to be paid for, it would be a burden on the young and those with less financial means. 

The change in position may have something to do with a petition aiming to keep the tests free has now hit 235,000 signatures. 

The tests are costing the Confederation millions. 

But it now seems likely they will stay free as the left-wing parties have long supported free tests. 

More from Bitesize News

  • Govt won't react to Trump tariff immediately

    The Federal Council says it will not take any immediate retaliatory measures against the United States following the Trump Administration’s decision hit Switzerland with a 31% tax on exports.

  • Geneva will be hard hit by tariffs

    Geneva is likely to be one of the worst hit cantons following the new US tariffs.

  • 'Blick' calls Trump 'angry old man'

    In a hard-hitting editorial in the Blick newspaper this morning – it calls Trump an ‘angry old man’ - the paper says the Federal Council has to face the issue of world trade with clarity and courage – but admits it has a tough job ahead.

  • Population hits new high

    The number of people living in Switzerland has risen to a record 9.05 million – a rise of 1% - despite a fall in immigration.

  • Court rejects car tax arguments

    A Geneva court has thrown out an appeal against the new vehicle tax levied by Geneva which caused shock and surprise at the beginning of the year when many saw their tax bills soar.

  • Tariffs on US Swiss goods 'confusing'

    US president Donald Trump unveiled a series of tariffs against countries around the world. He says the United States has been ‘looted, robbed and raped’ by friends and foes alike.

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play