The number of applications from Americans to ETH Zurich has increased significantly.Image: keystone
The former chief of staff reportedly sought to prevent the release of his severance package, while applications to Swiss universities from the U.S. Are on the rise: the Sunday news.
February 22, 2026, 06:04February 22, 2026, 06:04
Swiss Companies Seek Reimbursement from Trump Administration
Several prominent Swiss companies are seeking refunds after a Supreme Court decision regarding the tariff policies of former President Donald Trump, according to reports in the “NZZ am Sonntag.” “We will try to recover the tariffs from the US government. Disclose how much we paid, but it is a significant amount,” Breitling CEO Georges Kern told the newspaper. The chocolate company Läderach is as well considering a refund. “If the opportunity arises to reclaim overpaid amounts, we will do so,” a spokesperson said. Companies with a U.S. Presence may have a strong case for reimbursement, and the affected fiscal year could prove more profitable than initially calculated. Auditors are examining the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision on financial results, Kern added.
Former Division Head Received Large Severance – and Tried to Block Release
Former chief of staff Claude Meier received a severance package of 179,016 Swiss francs upon his departure, according to “SonntagsBlick.” Despite a federal court requirement to disclose such payments, Meier initially objected to the release of the information. The Defense Department only released the amount after a recommendation from the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (EDÖB). Meier had hoped to develop into army chief, but Defense Minister Viola Amherd chose Thomas Süssli instead. Relations between Süssli and Meier were reportedly strained and deteriorated over time. Meier was offered several other positions, including commander of the air force, but ultimately was transferred to Geneva in 2021, where insiders say tensions also arose. Meier declined to comment when contacted by “SonntagsBlick.”
Up to 50,000 Francs: Federal Government Considers Increased Support for Crans-Montana Victims
The federal government is considering solidarity contributions of 30,000 to 50,000 francs per case for victims of the fire disaster in Crans-Montana, according to “NZZ am Sonntag.” Justice Minister Beat Jans informed parliamentarians on Friday about the details of this federal aid and urged their support, while the Federal Council plans to enshrine the aid in an urgent law on Wednesday. Parliament is expected to decide on the matter in an expedited process in March, allowing for quick disbursement of funds. The contributions would be in addition to the 10,000 francs in immediate aid from the canton of Wallis and the planned foundation, which the canton intends to fund with ten million francs. Critics argue that immediate aid is primarily the responsibility of municipalities and cantons, especially since Wallis is receiving 109 million francs from the National Bank’s profit distribution – double the budgeted amount.
IT Chaos at ALV: Budliger Asserts Progress in Payments
Despite major problems with the IT system for unemployment insurance, over 600 million Swiss francs have been paid out, according to Seco State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda in “SonntagsBlick.” The official rejected characterizations of the situation as a debacle. “Day by day, performance is improving, which cantonal councilors have assured me this week,” Budliger Artieda told the newspaper. She expressed regret for the uncertainty and frustration experienced by many unemployed individuals, and acknowledged that Seco employees have been working long hours since December. “I take responsibility for everything that has gone wrong at Seco. But some of the problems originated elsewhere, which the investigation will reveal.” Significant disruptions have plagued the disbursement of unemployment benefits since the introduction of the new payment system in January.
Akris Improperly Received Covid Support in the U.S.
The Swiss luxury fashion brand Akris improperly received Covid relief funds in the United States, according to “NZZ am Sonntag.” Its American subsidiary, with 64 employees at the time, received $1.2 million in 2021. The subsidiary did not disclose that it was part of a larger company in Switzerland. “During the pandemic, there were grants available in the U.S. For small and medium-sized businesses with up to 300 employees. Since we have a subsidiary in the U.S., our CFO on site took advantage of this opportunity,” said Chairman of the Board Peter Kriemler to the newspaper. They received approval from the authorities and believed everything was legitimate. When it became clear that they were not eligible, they cooperated with the authorities and repaid the funds with interest, totaling $1.823 million, the “NZZ am Sonntag” reported.
Lucerne Hospital Installs Patient Cameras – Data Protection Officer Unaware
Lucerne Cantonal Hospital has introduced patient surveillance cameras without consulting the cantonal data protection officer, according to “SonntagsBlick.” “I have not been informed about the project so far,” said Lucerne Data Protection Officer Natascha Ofner to the newspaper. “We must be involved when a data protection-relevant project has a high risk for the personality or fundamental rights of the persons concerned.” The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (EDÖB) stated that the issue is currently being discussed by many hospitals in Switzerland, and they are in communication with the cantonal data protection officers. The “Virtual Care” project involves cameras in patient rooms that, according to internal documents, can do more than officially communicated. The technology recognizes facial expressions and registers whether a bed is made or a plate is empty. Still, the hospital emphasizes that these functions are not practically used and only real-time transmission without recording takes place.
Swiss Top Universities See Surge in Applications from the U.S.
Swiss top universities have seen a significant increase in applications from the United States. At ETH Zurich, 680 individuals from the United States applied for a master’s degree last year, a 46 percent increase. 123 students with prior studies in the U.S. Actually began a master’s program. Applications from America to EPFL Lausanne have also risen by 60 percent. Students cite the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and high tuition costs in the U.S. As reasons. “The political situation in the U.S. Leads many students to consider studying outside the U.S.,” an American student enrolled in Geneva told the newspaper. A year of study in the U.S. Can quickly cost $90,000, making even studying in expensive Swiss cities financially attractive.
Morettis Had No Funds of Their Own When Taking Over “Le Constellation”
The French owners of the bar “Le Constellation” in Crans-Montana had no money of their own when they took over in 2015, according to “SonntagsZeitung” and “Le Matin Dimanche.” A friend explained to the newspapers that the operators took over the location without any capital. He has known the patron since the early 2000s from the prostitution scene, where he himself was active as an operator of an escort website. For the renovation, the French owners collected money from acquaintances. He himself lent them 30,000 francs. This amount has since been repaid and accounted for less than ten percent of the total 342,000 francs that the couple reportedly invested in the renovation. The friend described the location as “a wart in the middle of Crans-Montana” before the renovation. (sda/con)
