Interior Minister Berset has again been facing criticism about the government's alleged authoritarian rule in handling the Covid crisis.
Keystone/Peter Klaunzer
Parliament has criticised the Swiss government’s Covid-19 policy, notably the restrictions for businesses and citizens.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs
العربية
ar
الحكومة السويسرية تتعرض لانتقادات بسبب سياستها لمكافحة الجائحة
The main political groups in the House of Representatives aired their grievances during a special debate on Wednesday.
The right-wing Swiss People’s Party slammed the government measures as disproportionate, undermining the responsibility of the 26 cantons, limiting personal freedoms and running up huge debts.
Other political parties focused on the government’s vaccination strategy, saying it lacked efficiency and was too slow.
The Centre Party, including the Christian Democrats, called for a national vaccination document, to be coordinated with the European Union, to ease travel restrictions.
The left-wing Social Democrats criticised the reticence to suspend the intellectual property rights of vaccines to give poorer countries access to anti-Covid technology.
Hope and concerns
Interior Minister Alain Berset, whose portfolio includes health issues, said a successful vaccination campaign was the most promising way of coping with the pandemic.
However, he warned that the increase in the number of infections and other key factors left little hope for a swift return to normality.
He said a third wave of infections could not be ruled out. On Wednesday, Switzerland recorded 1,858 new infections. The seven-day infection rate has increased 14% from a week ago.
The debate came ahead of a decision by the government on Friday on possible steps towards a further easing of restrictions, notably the opening of restaurants, cultural and sports venues, which have been shut down since measures were introduced in mid-January.
At the beginning of the current spring session nearly three weeks ago, the House approved a declaration urging the government to lift the curbs before the end of the month.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Bodycams: essential for good law enforcement, or a privacy risk?
Did you ever come across bodycams in your place of residence and if so, how do you think the use of bodycams alter the relationship between the public and (transport) police?
This content was published on
Swiss wheelchair racer Catherine Debrunner won the 5,000 metres to bring home Switzerland’s first gold medal at the Paralympics in Paris.
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.
Read more
More
Swiss Covid restrictions to be lifted cautiously and gradually
This content was published on
The government plans to re-open shops, museums and sports facilities from March 1 as part of its exit strategy for the Covid-19 restrictions.
Semi-lockdown to stave off third Covid wave, says Swiss interior minister
This content was published on
Health Minister Alain Berset has defended further Covid-19 restrictions as a preemptive attempt to prevent a third wave of the pandemic.
Pressure builds on Swiss government over Covid lockdown
This content was published on
The Swiss government is facing a difficult balancing act between lifting lockdown measures and preventing a third wave of infections.
Calls grow louder to ease Swiss Covid-19 restrictions
This content was published on
Cantonal ministers and business associations are putting mounting pressure on the Federal Council to ease pandemic restrictions.
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.