The autumn session of the Swiss parliament is likely to be dominated by the election of a new cabinet minister to succeed Interior Minister Pascal Couchepin.
The centre-right Radicals face a challenge by the Christian Democrats for an additional seat in the seven-member cabinet.
Other highlights over the next three weeks in parliament are debates about a third economic stimulus package worth SFr400million ($378 million) to mitigate the impact of the global economic downturn and an increase in unemployment.
It foresees measures to boost retraining, as well as the promotion of renewable energy and information technology.
High on the agenda also in both the House of Representatives and the Senate are controversial plans to send a contingent of Swiss soldiers to a European Union anti-pirate force in the Gulf of Aden.
Parliament is also due to begin discussions on proposals to cut health spending, including the introduction of a standard fee to be paid by patients for doctor’s consultations as well as allowing health insurance companies to refuse cooperation with expensive doctors.
As a rule the Swiss parliament meets four times a year for three-week sessions in the capital, Bern.
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Cabinet agrees to troops for anti-pirate force
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The decision, which is subject to approval by parliament, has prompted opposition by the rightwing Swiss People’s Party and the Greens, but the three other main parties indicated their approval. The mandate of the Swiss soldiers and experts is limited to the protection of vessels of the United Nations World Food Programme. It also includes…
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The cabinet on Wednesday called on parliament to approve three-fold measures worth SFr750 million ($688 million) that aim to meet the challenges of rising unemployment and higher health insurance premiums. A first stimulus package of SFr1.5 billion was announced in November last year, and a second of more than SFr700 million followed in March. “The…
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A survey conducted by a leading research institute also found a majority in favour of extending the role of Swiss president but rejecting plans to choose cabinet ministers in a nationwide election rather than by parliament. Four out of five respondents approved the idea of cross-party cooperation, while clear majorities also came out in favour…
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The group photo of the Swiss Federal Council is an annual ritual. It is not just a souvenir but also captures the ambitions through symbolism.
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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.