Public Policy
Liam Carter is a public policy correspondent for Bern News Today, specializing in government accountability, regulatory affairs, and the oversight of non-profit organizations. He reports on consumer protection issues and the use of public funds.
20 published articles
Bern's Federal Media Center has implemented new high-security turnstiles, causing delays and injuries for journalists, despite officials stating measures were pre-planned.
Bern City Council overwhelmingly approved a major urban development in Ausserholligen with 200+ cooperative apartments, 1,000+ jobs, and four high-rises. Public vote expected in June.
Bern's Grand Council has overwhelmingly approved a motion demanding a clear strategy for healthcare innovation, digitalization, and integrated care, criticizing the current lack of a cohesive plan.
Juso Kanton Bern proposes cutting Regierungsrat salaries from over 23,000 to 7,000 francs monthly, citing 'reality proximity.' Conservative parties reject the drastic reduction, emphasizing the high r
Bern's hunting community is in turmoil as 17 clubs challenge President Lorenz Hess over new regulations, accusing him of poor representation and lack of transparency. Hess denies the claims, calling t
Switzerland's latest federal referendum on March 8, 2026, saw mixed results, with the Individualbesteuerung approved while key initiatives on cash and public broadcasting were rejected. Bern showed ex
A man in Bern received a significant fine and conditional sentence for driving an unroadworthy trailer with an incorrect license plate, lacking registration and proper safety features.
The Swiss Parliament is significantly altering the federal savings package, rejecting pension tax hikes and agricultural cuts while endorsing personnel reductions and administrative savings.
Swiss expatriates in Dubai and Doha describe their experiences amid recent drone and missile strikes, reporting widespread unease, misinformation challenges, and confidence in local defense systems.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin signed new EU treaties in Brussels today, immediately drawing strong protests from his own party, the SVP, in Bern. The party called it a "dark day" for Switzerland, citin
Four incumbent Bern government members – Evi Allemann, Philippe Müller, Pierre Alain Schnegg, and Astrid Bärtschi – are seeking re-election on March 29, each facing scrutiny over their past performanc
Bern faces a critical debate over its domestic violence strategy as left-wing parties push for more funding and resources amid rising cases. The government proposes merging services for efficiency, wh
Bern's Dählhölzli Zoo faces a transformative public vote in June on extensive renovation plans. The City Council approved proposals for new facilities, including a main entrance and family zoo, aimed
Bern experiences a swift transition to spring with temperatures reaching 17 degrees Celsius and widespread flower blooms, just days after heavy snowfall and winter disruptions.
An Eurocity train from Basel to Milan became stranded in Switzerland's Murgenthal Tunnel due to a vehicle malfunction, causing two-hour delays and rerouting other services.
Bern Animal Park is culling older animals to make space for breeding programs, a controversial move aimed at species protection amid aging zoo populations. Animal rights groups criticize the practice.
The Green Party faces a significant leadership transition as Aline Trede and Balthasar Glättli consider leaving federal roles for cantonal and city governments. This shift could impact the party's par
A teacher in Fraubrunnen will keep his job despite an eight-week UK jail sentence for football violence. Authorities cited his good record and remorse.
A growing wage gap between federal employees in Bern and private sector workers is fueling a national debate, with data showing public salaries rising 1.5-4% annually.
Bern's Cantonal Parliament will debate public transport expansion in March, including adding services to regional lines and a contentious renovation of Tram Line 6.
