Archive – Democracy

People’s rights put strain on political system

This content was published on Nov 12, 2012 Opponents have accused the authorities of dragging their feet and have called on the supreme court. The case shows how complex it can be to assure direct democratic rights, including the correct use of initiatives and referendums. Both political instruments have helped minorities in parliament and the government to get their voices heard. In the…

How the Swiss Air Force struggled to grow wings

This content was published on Nov 7, 2012 As the cabinet is about to present the latest next draft armament programme – including a SFr3.1 billion ($3.3 billion) for the purchase of 22 Swedish Gripen fighters to be discussed by parliament over the next year – the defence ministry has come in for plenty of flak. Not only pacifist groups and leftwing political…

Row jeopardises purchase of new military jets

This content was published on Nov 7, 2012 Experts agree on one thing: It would only be required in order for the Swiss Air Force to carry out its mission of protecting national air space in the event of a terrorist attack. Even the pacifist Switzerland without an Army group, which opposes the purchase of new planes, is not totally averse to the…

Political irritation over animal epidemics

This content was published on Nov 4, 2012 Parliament almost unanimously approved the legal amendment to boost epidemic prevention measures, but a committee led by a holistic therapist, Daniel Trappitsch, has collected enough signatures for a referendum. The group has criticised the increased powers for the federal authorities and wants individual farmers to be able to opt out of vaccination campaigns. At the…

Flu vaccines divide medical community

This content was published on Nov 2, 2012 “It is very difficult to convince staff – be it in homes for the elderly or hospitals – that they should get themselves vaccinated out of a spirit of collective duty,” explains Claire-Anne Siegrist, the president of the Federal Commission for Vaccinations. A study led by Geneva’s teaching hospitals last year showed that many care…

The secret of Switzerland’s low abortion rate

This content was published on Oct 2, 2012 One of the few women to go public about her abortion experience, Doris Agazzi, told swissinfo.ch she received understanding from her immediate community but also hate mail. “I never felt ashamed or considered that it should be kept secret but I know many women did feel that way,” Agazzi said. Swiss law changed in 2002…

First-hand accounts of abortion

This content was published on Oct 2, 2012 Simona Isler was 18 when she got pregnant, Doris Agazzi was 31. Both terminated their pregnancies but went on to have children later in life. With the advent of the abortion pill, abortion is gradually changing from a surgical experience to a medication-based one. Three-quarters of abortions in Switzerland take place in the first…

Weighing up Swiss-EU open-door policy

This content was published on Oct 1, 2012 Under the agreement Swiss and EU citizens are free to choose where they live and work in countries belonging to the Union and the European Free Trade Association (Efta). Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) recently pointed out that the accord had significantly boosted the country’s growth, although opponents have their doubts. The rightwing…

Strict nationwide smoking rules voted down

This content was published on Sep 23, 2012 Two out of three voters rejected an initiative by the Lung League aimed at boosting the protection of waiting staff against the effects of second-hand smoke. The proposal, supported by health organisations and centre-left parties, sought to tighten current minimum legislation which bans smoking in restaurants but allows cantonal authorities to grant exceptions. Eighteen of…

The run on direct democracy

This content was published on Sep 18, 2012 German-speaking neighbours have been to Switzerland twice this year. Back in March a delegation from the German state of Baden-Württemberg came to follow the federal elections first-hand. Then in May the Austrian vice chancellor, Michael Spindelegger, travelled with Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter to the Landsgemeinde, or citizens’ assembly, which meets once a year in…

Archive – Democracy

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Archive – Democracy

More

People’s rights put strain on political system

More

How the Swiss Air Force struggled to grow wings

More

Row jeopardises purchase of new military jets

More

Political irritation over animal epidemics

More

Flu vaccines divide medical community

More

The secret of Switzerland’s low abortion rate

More

First-hand accounts of abortion

More

Weighing up Swiss-EU open-door policy

More

Strict nationwide smoking rules voted down

More

The run on direct democracy

Popular Stories

Most Discussed