June 28, 2026, 05:31June 28, 2026, 05:31
Despite early knowledge of serious allegations of abuse against Doctors Without Borders in Chad, the SDC continued its financial support for the aid project in question, federal judge Julia Hänni is faced with anonymous allegations of plagiarism before a possible election to the ECHR, and Switzerland could face temperatures of up to 45 degrees.
This is the Sunday news.
SDC continues financial support despite allegations
According to “NZZ am Sonntag”, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) continued to pay millions to Doctors Without Borders in Chad despite allegations of abuse. At the end of 2024, the organization launched an internal investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation in the Adré refugee area and found 59 cases of misconduct. 18 employees were laid off. The SDC learned of the allegations in November 2024 and continued to finance the project. In 2024 and 2025, almost seven million francs went to the aid project in question. “Taking into account the measures announced at the time by Doctors Without Borders Switzerland and the extent of the humanitarian needs, the project continued to be supported for the benefit of the population in need,” wrote the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA) in response to a request from “NZZ am Sonntag”. The SDC is now examining additional measures and is in close contact with the organization.
Switzerland transfers millions early for F-35
The early payments were intended to ensure that the joint financing account for Swiss defense transactions in the USA remained sufficiently covered.Image: keystone
According to “NZZ am Sonntag”, Switzerland has transferred around 500 million francs early to the USA for the procurement of the F-35. This means that all payments for the fighter jet planned for 2026 have already been made, said armaments chief Urs Loher in an interview with the newspaper. According to Loher, a prolonged payment freeze could have resulted in the USA stopping deliveries of F/A-18 spare parts or the F-35 project being damaged. “The risk was too great for us.” The early payments were intended to ensure that the joint financing account for Swiss defense transactions in the USA remained sufficiently covered. Loher also said that Germany could possibly give Switzerland components of Patriot systems that were originally intended for Switzerland and did not correspond to the Bundeswehr’s desired configuration. “We’ll take everything we can get,” said Loher.
Alleged violations of animal welfare on a chicken farm near Bern
According to “SonntagsBlicks”, secretly taken images from a chicken farm near Bern document suspected violations of animal protection. The recordings would show, among other things, chickens with their heads stuck between bars, carcasses lying around and signs of cannibalism among the animals. The Animal in Focus (TIF) association has filed a criminal complaint against unknown persons for alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The veterinary office of the canton of Bern had already initiated clarifications in January and contacted the operations manager, said cantonal veterinarian Reto Wyss to the newspaper. The cantonal police are investigating. According to TIF spokesman Tobias Sennhauser, what was particularly serious was that several chickens had their heads stuck in the facility and may have died of thirst. “Such animals would have been noticed immediately if they had been properly inspected,” he told “SonntagsBlick”.
Federal judge Julia Hänni confronted with allegations of plagiarism
Federal judge Julia HänniImage: KEYSTONE
According to “SonntagsBlick”, federal judge Julia Hänni is facing allegations of plagiarism before her possible election to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). In letters to the universities of St.Gallen and Lucerne, anonymous whistleblowers stated that Hänni had copied parts of her dissertation and habilitation and had worked scientifically dishonestly. Because of the alleged plagiarism, her academic titles should be revoked. The federal judge rejected the allegations. She described the allegations as a politically motivated attack in connection with her candidacy for the ECtHR in Strasbourg. The Federal Court continues to assume their scientific integrity. The University of Lucerne confirmed receipt of the allegations and stated that they would be examined in accordance with university regulations. The University of St.Gallen said reports would be forwarded to the responsible authority without commenting further on the case.
Temperatures of up to 45 degrees are conceivable in Switzerland
According to statements by Jörg Kachelmann in the “SonntagsZeitung”, temperatures of up to 45 degrees would already be conceivable in Switzerland. In the interview, the meteorologist explained what conditions are necessary for this scenario. If climate change continues unabated, even higher temperatures can be expected. The speed of the temperature rise is completely overwhelming our vegetation, says Kachelmann. If this development continues, it will lead to a “massive drought problem in the Central Plateau”. According to the newspaper, researchers from ETH Zurich also came to the conclusion that temperatures of 43 to 44 degrees in the Mittelland are unlikely, but not impossible. The estimates from the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology are somewhat lower. As climate change progresses, it says, “a 50-year event of the order of 42 to 45 degrees is to be expected towards the end of the century, taking into account the uncertainties in the Central Plateau.”
Illegal ceremonies involving psychedelic substances are on the rise
According to “Le Matin Dimanche”, illegal shamanic ceremonies using psychedelic substances have increased in Switzerland. Psychedelic substances are banned and only permitted in exceptional cases with a permit from the Federal Office of Public Health for scientific research, drug development or limited medical use. A spokeswoman for the Federal Office explained in the newspaper that such ceremonies could under no circumstances be approved under the current legal framework. “If we become aware of the existence of providers or organizers, we will of course carry out the necessary checks,” explained a spokesman for the Bern cantonal police.
MSD in the sights of the USA
The US tax authority is examining several tax returns and has already ordered billions in back payments.Image: www.imago-images.de
According to the “SonntagsZeitung”, MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) has increasingly come into conflict with the USA because of its tax practices. The pharmaceutical company pays around 1.8 billion francs in taxes in Switzerland, making it one of the largest taxpayers in the country. MSD benefits from a special tax regulation in Lucerne and, according to its annual report, has saved $1.4 billion as a result. In the USA, the company has long been accused of evading corporate taxes through foreign subsidiaries. The US tax authority is examining several tax returns and has already ordered billions in back payments. According to its annual report, MSD wants to “vigorously contest” these claims and, if necessary, take them to court. According to the “SonntagsZeitung”, the group is also being criticized in the Netherlands because innovations are heavily taxed there and MSD is said to have saved $900 million as a result. (sda)