The announcement, officially accepting Jura as Switzerland's 26th canton, was celebrated in 1978.
Keystone
Self-styled “terrorist” Marcel Boillat, leader of a 1960s movement to separate the Jura region in Switzerland from canton Bern, has died in Spain at the age of 91.
Boillat formed the Jura Liberation Front (JLF) in 1962, which has been credited with helping to force independence for Switzerland’s youngest canton, in the northwest of the country, in 1979. The JLF also earned a reputation for its uncompromising tactics during the independence struggle in the 1960s and 1970s.
Among other measures, the JLF burned down several farms that had been sold by canton Bern to the Swiss army to be converted into military facilities.
Boillat was arrested in 1964 and sentenced to eight years imprisonment in 1966. But a year later he escaped prison and fled to Spain.
The activist, who has been quoted in the media describing himself as a “retired terrorist”, returned to the Jura for the first time in 1987 after Switzerland had dropped its extradition request to Spain. His last reported visit to the region was in November 2019.
In later life Boillat took to painting and six years ago some of his works were exhibited in Jura, where he remains a revered figure.
The separatist issue has not quite died away in Jura. Last year a court overruled a vote in the town of Moutier, which had decided to move the community from canton Bern to the administration of Jura.
More
More
Four decades on, Switzerland’s newest region is still growing up
This content was published on
Born in 1979, Switzerland’s youngest canton still owes much of its political and economic fate to the federal system that houses it.
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?
This content was published on
The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), Swissinfo's parent company, must restructure due to financial pressures and to stay competitive in the fast-moving media environment.
This content was published on
There has been a sharp decline in the consumption of single-use disposable plastic bags and reusable plastic bags in the Swiss retail sector.
This content was published on
A biometric Swiss identity card (ID) is expected to be available in Switzerland by the end of 2026. The Federal Office of Police and its federal and cantonal partners are working on a new ID card that features a chip.
Heatwave reduces output at Swiss nuclear power plant by 50%
This content was published on
The ongoing heatwave has forced the Beznau nuclear power plant, which relies on water from the River Aare, to halve its output.
Swiss continue to enjoy high social mobility, study shows
This content was published on
Opportunities for upward social mobility have remained intact in Switzerland since the 1980s. Social mobility is exceptionally high by international comparison, a study shows.
Swiss government affected by cyberattack on health foundation
This content was published on
Switzerland says a ransomware attack on the non-profit health foundation Radix that involved data being stolen and encrypted had also affected the federal administration.
Federal Council agrees to investigation into alleged Swiss-Russian spying affair
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland can open spying investigations into the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (FIS).
Appeal launched against Starlink satellite antennae project planned in Swiss village
This content was published on
A group of Swiss citizens has filed an appeal against plans to install 40 Starlink satellite antennae in the mountain village of Leuk in southern Switzerland.
UBS launches buyback scheme for up to $2 billion in shares
This content was published on
UBS is starting a share buyback programme for up to $2 billion (CHF1.6 billion) in shares, in line with a plan approved at its annual general meeting (AGM) in April, the Swiss bank said on Monday.
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.
Read more
More
Four decades on, Switzerland’s newest region is still growing up
This content was published on
Born in 1979, Switzerland’s youngest canton still owes much of its political and economic fate to the federal system that houses it.
Thousands of separatists protest Moutier vote court decision
This content was published on
Several thousand protesters held a mock funeral in the Swiss town of Moutier, criticising a court decision to overturn a contentious vote.
Canton Jura celebrates 40th birthday – without Bern delegation
This content was published on
Large crowds gathered in Saignelégier, canton Jura, on Sunday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Switzerland’s youngest canton.
Court supports decision to declare Moutier vote invalid
This content was published on
The Bern administrative court has backed a decision to cancel the results of a separatist vote by the Swiss town of Moutier.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
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.