FIFA investigation, illegal Viagra and unusual refugee centres
Stories we are following the week of September 28, 2015
The ethics of FIFA
swissinfo.ch will be keeping close tabs on FIFA as outgoing president Sepp Blatter faces criminal charges from the Swiss Attorney General’s office for mismanagement and misappropriation. This week, FIFA’s independent ethics committee is expected to investigate both Blatter and UEFA head Michel Platini, and to decide whether Blatter will be forced to resign early, before his anticipated exit in February 2016.
Reinventing Swiss hospitality
We’ll be looking at how Swiss hotels are trying to offer clients more bang for their franc. There is definitely room for improvement according to hospitality experts. Can funky concept hotels, local produce, attentive service and tasteful renovations ensure that guests are not disappointed?
Swiss competitive edge
On Wednesday, all eyes will be on the World Economic Forum’s annual World Competitiveness Report to see if Switzerland can stay top of the rankings for a seventh consecutive year. Is the Alpine nation going the way of tennis ace Roger Federer: competitive but no longer world number one. Last years’ report warned that the Swiss are in danger of losing ground due to measures to restrict immigration.
The illegal Viagra business
Erectile stimulants like Viagra are the most popular drugs on the Swiss illegal medicine market. Online vendors have made it child’s play to order them on the internet without a prescription. But do you know where they come from and who’s benefiting from the illegal purchases?
Refuges for refugees
Swiss authorities are struggling to find housing for asylum seekers and refugees given resistance from local residents and dearth of suitable accommodation. While attitudes towards the newcomers have improved in recent months, housing them remains a challenge. As a result they are being placed in unconventional accommodation like underground military bunkers, converted shipping containers, army tents, hospitals, fire stations and chateaus.
What you may have missed last week
With its vast gas and oil resources and more than 80 million inhabitants, many of whom are well-educated and wealthy, Iran has great economic potential, especially if sanctions are lifted. But are Swiss companies ready for the risks involved?
More
Swiss opportunities in Iran
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