The anti-WEF protest in Lucerne.
Keystone / Urs Flueeler
On Saturday, around 250 people demonstrated against the World Economic Forum in Davos and a thousand against homophobia in different parts of the country.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-Keystone/ac
The Anti-WEF procession, referred to by the organisers as “WEF off – the future belongs to us”, took place in the central Swiss city of Lucerne. Around 250 people marched in the procession as part of an organised demonstration that referred to Davos as a “fig leaf of the powerful”. Under the pretext of making the world a better place, the powerful are only increasing their wealth, destroying the environment, dividing and dehumanizing society, accused the organisers, calling for solidarity as a response to the power of the state and capital.
The 50th edition of the WEF will be held from January 21 to 24 in the ski resort town of Davos. Several powerful political and economic decision-makers, including US President Donald Trump, are expected to congregate to discuss major global challenges.
Denouncing discrimination
Some 200 people, according to the organisers, gathered on Saturday in the city of Lausanne on Lake Geneva to denounce hate speech and discrimination against sexual minorities. A similar demonstration brought together 800 activists in Zurich.
The demonstrations come ahead of nation-wide referendum on February 9 on the government’s proposal to extend the anti-racism law to the include discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Switzerland currently has no legislation affording special protection to them. A clause in the Swiss Criminal Code penalises discrimination based on racial, ethnic or religious identity, but not sexual orientation or gender identity. Those behind the referendum believe that the new law is an attack on freedom of speech
This content was published on
Swiss voters will decide whether discrimination against homosexuals is acceptable. Will the law combat homophobia or is it an attack on free speech?
Swiss study: Humans can train their brain to communicate with machines
This content was published on
Humans can learn to share their thoughts with machines according to a new study by researchers at the University of Geneva.
Geneva politician arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking
This content was published on
A local Geneva politician was arrested on Wednesday as part of a major police operation to dismantle an organised drug trafficking ring.
Trade conflict: How Swiss companies are preparing for Trump tariffs
This content was published on
Switzerland has so far been spared tariff threats from the new US President Donald Trump. Nevertheless, Swiss companies are taking precautions.
Economists lower Switzerland’s growth forecast for 2025
This content was published on
Economic experts believe that Switzerland's growth will only be marginally weaker than recently. But GDP is expected to accelerate in 2026.
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.