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
Swiss public finances at all government levels are under pressure due to an aging population, rising health and education costs, and new mandates for municipalities, requiring an honest debate on fisc
Stephanie Gartenmann, 23, becomes Bern's youngest Grand Councillor, bringing eight years of political experience and a focus on fiscal autonomy and federalism.
Swiss tourism leaders convened in Bern to tackle climate change, focusing on adaptation and net-zero goals. New tools and strategies are emerging to secure the industry's future.
Bern Cantonal Police have launched a three-week campaign to combat rising pickpocketing during the pre-Christmas season, focusing on crowded areas like train stations and Christmas markets. The initia
Swiss hospitals face financial and operational unsustainability, with potential losses of CHF 1.1 billion by 2045. A new study by H+ urges transformation through better coordination, increased outpati
Parents in Köniz, Switzerland, are seeking community-wide rules to limit smartphone access until upper secondary school and restrict social media until ninth grade for their children, with up to 90% p
Leading Swiss business associations demand fewer regulations, claiming 30 billion Swiss francs in annual savings and 55,000 jobs could be freed up by cutting bureaucracy. They urge a halt to new susta
A 41-year-old man died after a severe car crash on Neuen Murtenstrasse in Bern. The driver lost control, collided with a concrete barrier, and later succumbed to his injuries. Vehicle parts damaged an
Bern's Rendez-vous Bundesplatz light show, "Voyage," attracted 465,000 visitors, transforming the Federal Palace. A Swiss-Tibetan protest highlighted content exclusion.
Bern City Council has approved a 400,000 CHF fee waiver for the 2026 Bern City Festival, transforming the city center into a vibrant celebration with free entry from June 19-21.
Bern City Council rejects reinstating widespread funding for school ski camps, citing financial stability goals. Current support includes a 50-franc per child contribution and organized snow days, but
US Ambassador Callista Gingrich has outlined her commitment to strengthening economic ties and pursuing a "historic trade agreement" with Switzerland. She aims for Switzerland to become the fifth-larg
Switzerland's Federal Commission for Consumer Affairs (EKK) faces dissolution as part of a 2027 federal savings package, sparking concerns over weakened consumer protection.
Bern's Federal Assembly is planning a new visitor and information center for the Swiss Parliament, set to open by 2029. Located in the former Credit Suisse building at Bundesplatz 2, the 28 million Sw
Markus Wegmüller has been appointed as the new Commander of the Bern Fire Department, taking office on January 1, 2026. He will lead 250 firefighters across Bern, Bolligen, and Ostermundigen, bringing
Bern city authorities have decided against a major reconstruction of Thunstrasse, opting instead for targeted measures to improve traffic flow and safety for pedestrians and cyclists between Helvetiap
Bern residents will vote on November 30 on plans to transform the Gaswerk site into a new quarter with 500 affordable homes, green spaces, and commercial areas. The project aims to address housing sho
A Swiss defense industry meeting in Bern, which for the first time included foreign military attachés, has raised concerns about potential Chinese espionage risks, according to intelligence experts.
The Prix Suisse gala in Bern honored medical technology entrepreneur Willy Michel for his lifetime achievements. Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney also spoke, discussing war crimes and international ju
Bern Cantonal Police conducted a targeted traffic control on the A1 motorway near Wileroltigen, checking 66 vehicles. The operation led to charges for driving without a license, drug offenses, and una
