Swiss Federal Council Touts Progress on Economic Deregulation

The government’s progress report highlights relief in niche areas, such as extending inspection intervals for 500 aviation firms and easing permit requirements for night-time road maintenance. Other ongoing efforts include digitizing government services and simplifying import regulations for wood products. While officials frame these moves as essential for maintaining favorable economic conditions, critics note that many of these actions were already in motion before the 2025 announcement, functioning as low-hanging fruit.

Meanwhile, the financial sector remains largely excluded from these immediate gains, awaiting the results of a separate FDF regulatory review expected in 2027. In a shift toward fiscal normalization, the Federal Council also announced plans to scale back pandemic-era short-time work benefits. The current 24-month maximum duration for compensation is set for review this December, with the waiting period for companies slated to return to three days by 2028. Additionally, the government amended its minimum tax ordinance to delay applying OECD administrative guidance by one year, a move intended to align with parliamentary motions.