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Politics is a big turn-off for Switzerland’s youth

This content was published on Oct 6, 2003 In an attempt to reverse the trend, hundreds of delegates – including young Swiss – gathered to discuss the problem in Lucerne. The international conference was organised by the Swiss government and the Council of Europe, under the theme “Democracy can be taught”. The international conference was organised under the theme “Democracy can be taught”.…

Discover Ticino’s autumn pleasures

This content was published on Oct 6, 2003 There are walks of varying lengths and difficulty, and all offer rare insights into the age-old culture of Switzerland’s native Italian-speaking population. The chestnut was for centuries the main ingredient used in traditional dishes of the people in the poor valleys of Ticino. But since it was considered the “poor man’s bread”, it was cast…

Unions threaten autumn of discontent

This content was published on Oct 5, 2003 Vasco Pedrina, president of the construction workers’ union, told swissinfo that controversial welfare reforms had pushed employees to boiling point. Unions are incensed by proposals to cut pension benefits and raise the retirement age to 67. Last month more than 25,000 people protested in the Swiss capital, Bern, against the plans, put forward by the…

Exhibition provides platform for railway buffs

This content was published on Oct 4, 2003 But the main focus of the Rail 03 exhibition at the Transport Museum in Lucerne is on those who collect and restore railway artefacts. “Visitors can touch the railways, play with them, put them together, and even help to restore them,” exhibition director Kilian Elsasser told swissinfo. Hidden treasures This is a chance for enthusiasts…

Employers urge Swiss to be open to reforms

This content was published on Oct 4, 2003 In an interview with swissinfo, Hasler also argues that Switzerland’s economy can only get back on track once it opens up its markets. As the October 19 parliamentary elections approach, reform of pensions and social security has been dominating the political debate. Hasler is backing proposals by the interior minister, Pascal Couchepin, to trim pension…

Swiss take lead in Australian wine battle

This content was published on Oct 3, 2003 The board of Peter Lehmann Wines has urged its shareholders to accept a partial takeover offer from Hess, thereby snubbing a larger offer from the British group, Allied Domecq. “All Allied is interested in is case sales,” Peter Lehmann, who is currently in Switzerland, told swissinfo. “And from what I’ve heard about the Hess family…

Internet roadshow hits Swiss cities

This content was published on Oct 3, 2003 On Friday a high-tech van made the first stop of a nationwide roadshow in the lakeside town of Biel, targeting immigrants, the elderly and the less web-savvy. The “Tour-de-Clic” project is part of a campaign by the Federal Office of Communications (Ofcom) to bridge the technological divide – both at home and across the globe.…

Pension debate looms large in run-up to election

This content was published on Oct 3, 2003 Last month more than 25,000 people protested in the Swiss capital, Bern, against government proposals to slash retirement benefits. A recent poll showed 42 per cent of the electorate cited pensions as the most important issue ahead of parliamentary elections on October 19. Swiss pensions are under pressure from a range of factors. Firstly, longer…

Jobless rate set to surge

This content was published on Oct 2, 2003 But while there is little hope of growth within the job market, Switzerland’s stagnant economy is due to show modest signs of recovery next year. “Next year, we’ll see positive growth,” said Bernd Schips, the head of the Swiss Institute for Business Cycle Research (KOF). Schips said the economy, after stagnating in 2003, would bounce…

Scientists warn of gene doping threat

This content was published on Oct 2, 2003 Concerns over genetically engineered athletes should be taken seriously, experts claim, even though gene therapy is still in its infancy. The potential use of synthetic genes to cure people suffering from otherwise fatal diseases has made gene therapy one of the most talked-about fields in modern medicine. But although gene therapy technology is only at…

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Politics is a big turn-off for Switzerland’s youth

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Discover Ticino’s autumn pleasures

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Unions threaten autumn of discontent

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Exhibition provides platform for railway buffs

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Employers urge Swiss to be open to reforms

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Swiss take lead in Australian wine battle

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Internet roadshow hits Swiss cities

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Pension debate looms large in run-up to election

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Jobless rate set to surge

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Scientists warn of gene doping threat

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