Cluster: Archive

Couchepin unveils plan to “save” pensions

This content was published on May 26, 2003 The Left and trade unions are up in arms. Couchepin presented his controversial plans to the media on Monday during his annual walk on St Peter’s island in canton Bern. According to the government’s figures, spending on the state pension scheme will increase significantly until 2040 as a result of demographic changes. The interior minister…

Massaging away the motorway blues

This content was published on May 26, 2003 It is employing what is claimed to be Europe’s first ever motorway masseur to knead away the strains and stresses of life on the open road. Andreas Nägeli has set up shop in a service station on the A1 at Würenlos near Baden, and he claims his back rubs make drivers less tense, more awake,…

Swiss propose plan for fair supply of water

This content was published on May 26, 2003 But non-governmental organisations claim the only way to ensure water reaches everyone is to keep it in public hands. The group includes the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco), along with a number of private companies, including Switzerland’s second-largest insurer, Swiss Re. The plan is intended…

Life-saving work earns biologist top award

This content was published on May 25, 2003 When a non-native insect threatened to wipe out the continent’s cassava crop, Herren came up with a natural – and award-winning – answer. His work has now won him the 2003 Tyler prize for Environmental Achievement. Herren, who was born in Mühleberg near Bern, was just 31 years old when he took a new job…

Swiss students offer hope to landmine victims

This content was published on May 24, 2003 The new design – suitable for both adults and children – is lighter than existing prostheses, making it easier for victims to walk. The artificial limb project is the brainchild of Johan Müller, dean of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty at the University of Applied Sciences in Aargau. Müller – who came up with the idea…

Theme park investigates mysteries of the world

This content was published on May 24, 2003 Housed in replica pyramids, Indian temples and golden planets, “Mysteries of the World” showcases past cultures and their possible contact with extraterrestrials. Von Däniken’s books, including “Chariots of the Gods”, argue that knowledge gained through contact with aliens enabled the ancient Egyptians, for example, to construct their giant pyramids. However, the author told swissinfo: “This…

Government offers support for smaller firms

This content was published on May 23, 2003 The economics minister, Joseph Deiss, said his department was willing to act as a point of contact for SMEs, which have been hit hard by the economic downturn. The announcement comes after a new study showed that Switzerland’s major banks have been squeezing the credit lines for smaller businesses. Many SMEs complain about the restrictive…

New York festival offers fresh view of Switzerland

This content was published on May 23, 2003 Organisers have described swisspeaks as “a real success story”, saying it has altered perceptions of the alpine nation in the United States. However, out on the streets of the Big Apple swissinfo found that attitudes towards Switzerland had not changed a great deal. Asked what images Switzerland brought to mind, people spoke of mountains, chocolate,…

UBS boss blames peers for denting trust in markets

This content was published on May 23, 2003 The head of Switzerland’s biggest bank, speaking at the St Gallen Management Symposium, took aim at his peers for undermining investor confidence. “The image of the financial markets has been unnecessarily tarnished,” said Ospel. His comments are also being seen as a thinly veiled swipe at UBS rival Credit Suisse. Although Ospel never named his…

Switzerland contributes to Algerian rescue efforts

This content was published on May 22, 2003 A 90-strong Swiss rescue team arrived in Algiers on Thursday. Their mission is to support local rescuers trying to free those trapped under the rubble. The Swiss government set up a crisis committee on Wednesday night after the extent of the catastrophe in northern Algeria became apparent. The earthquake – Algeria’s deadliest in years –…

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Couchepin unveils plan to “save” pensions

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Massaging away the motorway blues

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Swiss propose plan for fair supply of water

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Life-saving work earns biologist top award

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Swiss students offer hope to landmine victims

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Theme park investigates mysteries of the world

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Government offers support for smaller firms

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New York festival offers fresh view of Switzerland

More

UBS boss blames peers for denting trust in markets

More

Switzerland contributes to Algerian rescue efforts

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