For example, the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and SportExternal link confirmed to the newspaper that it had received money from companies such as RUAG, Pilatus and Swisscom at three aviation events. Earlier this month, Defence Minister Viola Amherd ordered an internal audit of her department.
According to SonntagsBlick, a preliminary report noted that private funding for public administration had become more important in recent years due to ever scarcer budgetary resources. The full audit report is expected at the end of October.
As defence department head of communications Renato Kalbermatten told Swiss news agency Keystone-SDA on Sunday, there is no connection between his ministry’s internal investigation and the funding that Philip Morris International provided to the foreign ministry. However, the defence ministry directives on sponsoring and advertising have expired and are now being revised.
SonntagsBlick also pointed out that in 2012 and 2013, Japan Tobacco International had sponsored the Swiss Film Prize with CHF54,000 (ca. $56,000 in those years). However, this deal with the Federal Department of Home AffairsExternal link was not renewed after department head Alain Berset took office.
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Minister reviews deal with tobacco firm
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Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis says he is considering a request to exclude a tobacco firm from sponsoring the Swiss pavilion at the 2020 World Expo.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Zurich laboratory finds intestinal bacteria in coffee machines
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Last year, the Zurich Cantonal Laboratory found defects in one in four samples of milk drinks from coffee machines. Too many intestinal bacteria were found in a number of samples.
SWISS Belgrade-Zurich flight forced to land in Germany
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Swiss flight LX1413 from Belgrade to Zurich had to make an unscheduled landing today in Friedrichshafen, southern Germany.
New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting
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A new 3D simulation tool is enabling much more accurate avalanche forecasts. The model, which proved its worth during the landslides in Brienz (GR) and Blatten (VS), could lead to more effective management of alpine risks.
Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist group indicted in Switzerland
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The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has brought charges against a Kosovar on suspicion of being the leader of the Swiss branch of a Kosovar terrorist organisation. He is also suspected of having been active in the management of the organisation in Kosovo.
Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage
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The Faverges glacial lake on the Plaine Morte above Lenk in the Bernese Oberland drained over the weekend. There was no flooding or damage, the authorities announced on Monday.
Chihuahua leads Swiss rescue team to owner stuck in a crevasse
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A Chihuahua helped to rescue a man on the Fee Glacier above Saas-Fee VS on Friday. It alerted a rescue team to its owner who had fallen into a crevasse.
Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States
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According to a survey of managers, Swiss companies are increasingly turning away from the USA and orientating themselves more towards Southeast Asia and the EU. This is the result of a recent survey.
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The Fête de l'Epouvantail (scarecrow festival) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and returns to Denens in canton Vaud for its seventh edition from July 10-20.
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Ministry rebuked for taking tobacco money
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The Swiss foreign ministry is facing criticism over its deal to let the tobacco multinational Philip Morris act as co-sponsor of major events abroad.
Opening of Swiss embassy in Moscow sponsored by Russian oligarch
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Russian billionaire Gennady Timchenko was among those who sponsored the recent inauguration of the new Swiss embassy building in Moscow.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.