Anti-Covid demos attract thousands in Swiss cities
“No to the pass, no to blackmail, yes to common sense,” read one banner in Geneva
Keystone / Salvatore Di Nolfi
Some 6,000 people have taken to the streets in Geneva and Basel, demonstrating against the government’s efforts to combat Covid-19.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
In Geneva a demonstration against the Covid certificate and “restrictions on freedoms” brought together nearly 3,000 protesters on Saturday afternoon, according to the Swiss News Agency Keystone-SDA. The march started from the Place de Neuve and ended up at the Place des Nations.
Currently people in Switzerland must show a Covid certificate to access indoor spaces like restaurants, bars and museums.
More
More
All you need to know about the Swiss Covid certificate
This content was published on
Many public places in Switzerland now require a Covid certificate. Here is what you need to know if you are travelling here.
The marchers chanted “Freedom, freedom!” and demanded the resignation of Interior Minister Alain Berset, who holds the health portfolio. “No to the pass, no to blackmail, yes to common sense,” read one banner.
Several speakers addressed the crowd at the Place de Neuve, calling for the rejection of the Covid law, which will be put to a national vote on November 28.
More
More
Swiss Covid law set for second public vote
This content was published on
Opponents have handed in signatures to force another vote on the law underpinning many of the government’s coronavirus measures.
The demonstration, which was authorised, went ahead without any disturbance, although traffic was badly disrupted for at least three hours.
Bridge stand-off
Another authorised rally, in Basel, saw around 3,000 opponents of the federal and cantonal Covid measures express their feelings.
At the same time, an unauthorised counter-demo from the “Basel Nazifrei” (Nazi-free) group formed in the city’s Kleinbasel district.
The two groups faced off across the Wettstein Bridge. The anti-Covid protesters interrupted their march, and the 200 or so anti-fascist demonstrators were stopped by the police. The Basel Nazifrei group then turned back.
The police said the Basel demo was peaceful and there was no material damage.
More than 10,000 people in Switzerland have died in connection with Covid-19.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
Around 25,000m3 of rockfall registered in Swiss village of Brienz
This content was published on
More rock has come loose in the eastern Swiss village of Brienz than initially assumed following rainfall last weekend, said a new situation report published on Friday.
Swiss government reacts with ‘great regret’ to new US tariffs
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it will continue to strive for a negotiated solution after the United States imposed 39% tariffs on the Alpine country.
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
UN in Geneva calls for reform of tariffs on plastics
This content was published on
The United Nations is calling for a reform of customs tariffs on plastics, which are lower than those imposed on alternatives, ahead of negotiations for a treaty to limit plastic pollution.
Two robots play hide-and-seek in space with Swiss help
This content was published on
Robots developed separately have worked together at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, helped in part by a control centre in Switzerland.
Giant Swiss flag torn by the wind at the foot of mountain
This content was published on
A giant Swiss flag tore as it was rolled out on a grassy slope at the foot of a mountain ahead of August 1 National Day celebrations.
This content was published on
More than 1,000 people demonstrated against extending the use of the Covid certificate in the Swiss capital, Bern, on Wednesday evening.
Covid certificate rule under attack from student groups
This content was published on
Students at several universities in Switzerland have staged protests against the mandatory use of Covid certificates to attend courses.
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.