Archive – Democracy

Showcasing the roles of women in Switzerland

This content was published on Mar 8, 2013 Organised by major national women’s groups, the motto of the expo was “the life cycle of women in family, work and state”. In keeping with the traditional image of women in the 1950s, the expo promoted the following curriculum vitae: training and employment before marriage, motherhood and homemaking after that, and then a return to…

Free movement did not affect Swiss salaries

This content was published on Feb 18, 2013 Researchers from the University of Geneva, who were commissioned by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) to assess the agreement’s impact, concluded that the effects of immigration were in general “minor” and may only have lowered salaries of employees with a higher education. The accord on the free movement of people between Switzerland and…

Troops value morale but question meaning

This content was published on Feb 15, 2013 The survey asked troops to what extent they agreed with a series of statements about leadership, tasks and attitudes toward their military service. It surveyed 15 per cent of all recruits, soldiers, course participants and officers across the Swiss military. For the first time, the survey made use of telephone text messaging technology for data…

For a better world – and party political ends

This content was published on Feb 10, 2013 At least five like-minded initiatives will continue to make the news headlines over the next few months. A political trend or simply a fluke on the political agenda? The move by a coalition of trade unions and centre-left parties to tax assets and property worth more than SFr2 million ($2.2 million) that is passed on to…

Swiss direct democracy in full swing

This content was published on Feb 10, 2013 To be valid, initiatives have to be signed by 100,000 people within a period of 18 months. Parliament can accept them, reject them or make counter-proposals. A nationwide vote follows, regardless of the parliamentary decision. (SRF/swissinfo.ch)

Support wanes for conscript system in Europe

This content was published on Jan 18, 2013 Seventeen countries in Europe have abolished or suspended conscription in the 21st century. Only six European Union member states still maintain the principle of mandatory military service and nearly two-thirds of the total 43 states with armed forces have a professional army. Just what has led to the gradual scrapping of conscription over the past…

Minister calls for open dialogue on immigration

This content was published on Dec 27, 2012 Sommaruga said it is a mistake to ignore difficulties. Open and fair information about pros and cons is needed. “It is understandable but not right to single out positive aspects in a bid to convince voters. People like being told the truth,” she said in an interview printed on Thursday in the Tages-Anzeiger and Der…

The curse of popular public transport

This content was published on Dec 9, 2012 With popular backing the government has been promoting public transport. As a result, more than two million people – a quarter of the population – have a half-price pass. The Railways’ slogan “Those with a brain take the train” is not only a household name in Switzerland; many also follow the call. In 2010, every…

The Swiss timetable is due to meticulous planning

This content was published on Dec 9, 2012 Like every year and across much of western and central Europe, new timetables kick in on the second Sunday in December. The Swiss Federal Railways and network coordinator Trasse are responsible for the timetable. Despite the dense population and the challenging topography, travellers changing trains make 98 per cent of their connections. “In Switzerland the…

Animals diseases debate misses target

This content was published on Nov 25, 2012 The amendment to the law on animal diseases – which received 68.3 per cent popular support – was guided by factors such as climate change and the arrival of more recent pathologies such as mad cow disease. But that didn’t satisfy opponents behind the referendum after concerns over the impact of a vaccination campaign against bluetongue ordered by the…

Archive – Democracy

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Archive – Democracy

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Showcasing the roles of women in Switzerland

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Free movement did not affect Swiss salaries

More

Troops value morale but question meaning

More

For a better world – and party political ends

More

Swiss direct democracy in full swing

More

Support wanes for conscript system in Europe

More

Minister calls for open dialogue on immigration

More

The curse of popular public transport

More

The Swiss timetable is due to meticulous planning

More

Animals diseases debate misses target

Popular Stories

Most Discussed