Migrants, pension reform and robots
Here are the top stories we’re following the week of September 14:
Monday
European Union interior ministers will be holding an extraordinary meeting to discuss the European Commission’s new proposals to tackle the migrant crisis, which include a refugee quota plan – also relevant for Switzerland. Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga will be attending. Switzerland will be closely watching to see if there will be pressure to do more.
Tuesday
On the International Day of Democracy, which Switzerland is marking for the first time, we interview chancellor of canton Geneva Anja Wyden Guelpa to find out how the country of direct democracy is doing. You can find out what she has to say, especially about young people’s participation, in our article.
Monday-Wednesday
There will be a parliamentary debate on thereform of the old age and occupational pension schemes – the so called 1st and 2nd pillar of the social security system. The reform aims to compensate for expected shortfalls in future revenue. But it remains controversial.
Wednesday
What’s on your mind, son? Well, as our video story shows, for Luca Mondada, it was an experiment to control robots with his mind. For this, he has been using a robot developed by his innovator father Francesco, who has also served as a test subject. Luca’s prize-winning project will compete with Europe’s best budding scientists in Milan from September 17.
Thursday
Nowhere in Switzerland is completely dark at night any more. swissinfo.ch reports on how light pollution is not just a problem for astronomers, it also has serious consequences for human health and entire ecosystems.
What you may have missed last week:
More
Buskers brighten the streets of Bern
More
Ups and downs: Swiss drivers benefit from world’s only mobile bridge
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The American who quit art to discover the odd side of Switzerland
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‘We’ve lost half the group!’ Swiss Abroad visit the carnival in Basel
More
Cocoa-free chocolate arrives in Switzerland
More
The SWIplus app: your connection to Switzerland
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