Parliament has elected the 38 members of Switzerland’s top court amid a political controversy about the independence of the judiciary.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs
A joint session of both chambers of parliament on Wednesday confirmed 37 judges at the federal courtsExternal link in Lausanne and Lucerne for another six-year term.
One new member was also appointed to replace a judge who stepped down after spending 30 years of his career as a federal court judge.
The elections came amid a controversy over a recommendation by the Swiss People’s Party not to re-elect federal judge Yves Donzallaz, who they consider untenable. He was initially voted in as a candidate of the right-wing party 12 years ago but was criticised by party members for a ruling last year that allowed the transfer of UBS bank client data to French tax authorities.
Under the Swiss system, members of the top courts are chosen proportional to the main political parties in parliament and the country’s language regions.
The People’s Party denied allegations of political interference and the separation of powers.
FIFA case
In another development, parliament also appointed a special attorney general to prosecute the former Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber who is facing allegations of abuse of office and favouritism in the handling of an investigation into the world football governing body FIFA.
The special prosecutor, Stefan Keller, was the only candidate. He previously led an inquiry that denied Lauber legal immunity from prosecution.
Lauber stepped down at the beginning of September amid increasing pressure by politicians.
More
More
Switzerland’s niggling problem with the independence of the judiciary
This content was published on
The appointment of judges in Switzerland has recently made headlines – with more than just the separation of powers at stake.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Corruption at FIFA: 25 criminal cases and a prosecutor in hot water
This content was published on
Switzerland's attorney general Michael Lauber is facing impeachment proceedings over controversial secret meetings with the FIFA president.
Controversial Swiss attorney general wins re-election
This content was published on
Parliament has re-elected the attorney general, Michael Lauber, despite a controversy over his handling of a international corruption probe.
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.