Expertise: business, social issues, history. Initials: AT
Alexander Thoele began working for SWI swissinfo.ch in 2002. He is of German and Brazilian origin. He was born in Rio de Janeiro and completed studies in journalism and computer science in Brasilia and Stuttgart.
The Young Gods: four decades of electronic experimentation
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The Young Gods: the Swiss band that became an industrial rock icon and inspired artists from David Bowie and U2 to Nine Inch Nails and Faith No More.
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Why the upcoming presidential elections in Brazil are crucial for Switzerland, which wants to ratify a free trade agreement.
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History has not looked kindly on the legacy of Swiss poet Heinrich Anacker, who the Nazi Party called “a singer of our times”.
Swiss corona protests: conspiracy theories vs political rights
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Switzerland is now well into phase two of its three-stage loosening of Covid-19 restrictions, but this hasn’t stopped citizen protests.
Swiss-Brazilian disease research faces uncertain future
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Scientists are working to unlock the genetic secret behind tuberculosis (TB), which kills more people than AIDS and malaria combined.
Minister sets sights on Swiss free trade deal with Mercosur
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A mission to South America led by the Swiss Economics Minister hopes to advance free-trade negotiations with South American nations.
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Swiss president Doris Leuthard has reassured Portugal of the important contribution its sizeable community in Switzerland makes to the Swiss economy.
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Regli, who has been in his post for nearly three years, says Rio will benefit from the summer Olympics, which are due to open on August 5. “The Games are a wonderful platform to present the country to potential investors,” he says. Beyond that, the two-week event will also provide some relief to people in…
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The Olympic Games do not immediately conjure up images of bells, but they are frequently heard heralding the start of the final lap in running and cycling races. The watchmaker Omega, the official timer of the Olympic Games 2016, has ordered 21 bells for Rio. The bellmaker is a small family business founded in the…
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While this form of communication has its critics, its proponents believe that it is an indispensable part of direct democracy. The “explanations by the cabinet” are sent to all citizens’ homes three weeks before a vote takes place. This is a standard procedure laid down by law, which is repeated before each nationwide vote. The…
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Germany’s More Democracy group is an example of worldwide attempts to boost citizens’ participation in politics. Two representatives of the NGO told swissinfo.ch about the potential risks of direct democracy. The building in the heart of Berlin that houses More Democracy External link(Mehr Demokratie) is somewhat pompously called House of Democracy and Human Rights. Close…
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Emotions run high but ultimately the best games turn into one big party – unless you’re on the losing side. In Basel, which borders Germany and France, several locations hosted events for an army of fans cheering for both Croatia and hosts Brazil. The Museum of Sport and the Terres des Hommes organisation have set…
‘The World Cup is not the cause of global inequality’
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The 58-year-old member of the Communist Party of Brazil is friendly and informal – he is wearing a guayabera, a traditional linen shirt, and a pair of leather sandals without socks. The month-long tournament kicks off on June 12. swissinfo.ch: FIFA, world football’s Zurich-based governing body, says eight new stadiums are enough. Had you followed…
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Richard Wolff, head of the police department in the city of Zurich, did not expect so much controversy when, in mid-September, he took stock of his first 100 days in office. He had proposed to integrate foreigners into the police force of Switzerland’s largest city. Criticism wasn’t long in coming. Both the police officers’ union and…
