Qatar funded projects in Switzerland, including a building complex costing CHF22 million ($21.5 million), have been stopped. The decision comes amid controversial revelations of the ‘Qatar Papers,’ a book published by French journalists.
The cultural organisation is best known for its Museum of Islamic Civilisations in the western Swiss city of La Chaux-de-Fonds that was inaugurated in 2016. In total, it is estimated that the institute received around CHF4 million from the Qatar Charity foundation. This sum included support for the mosques of Prilly, Bienne and Lugano.
Losing Qatari funding will have a significant impact on the Swiss Muslim Cultural Institute. The Museum of Islamic Civilisations is not profitable as it receives few visitors. Its long-term success was dependent on revenue from a proposed complex next door that would include a mosque and a swimming pool with separate hours for women. Qatar Charity was involved in the purchase of the land for CHF1 million but construction costs of around CHF22 million will not be forthcoming as planned.
More
More
Qatar said to be leading funder of mosques in Europe
This content was published on
Qatar has funded mosque and Islamic centre projects in Switzerland to the tune of several million francs, according to a new book.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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.