Cluster: Archive

Commuting on the rise in Switzerland

This content was published on May 15, 2003 Private vehicles are still the preferred means of transport, although there has been a slight increase in rail use. Figures released on Thursday showed that six out of ten people now commute to work – an increase of ten per cent on a decade ago. However, while more people are commuting, the amount of time…

The family gains political ground in Switzerland

This content was published on May 15, 2003 The trend is noticeable as the United Nations pays tribute to the traditional social unit on the occasion of International Family Day. “Not so long ago, economic circles and the more conservative sections of society wouldn’t have hesitated to advise people to think hard before having a family,” said Jürg Krummenacher, president of the federal…

Global downturn plagues tourism industry

This content was published on May 14, 2003 The three-day Zurich fair, which attracted over 400 tour operators from 40 nations, came on the heels of a dire forecast for the forthcoming summer season. A study released on Tuesday by the Basel-based economics institute, BAK, predicted a 3.2 per cent drop in hotel overnight stays this summer compared with last year. The figure,…

Biotech loses some lustre

This content was published on May 14, 2003 While the sector does continue to attract capital – more than € 1 billion last year – it is cautious capital. According to the report, entitled Endurance 2003, a total of €1.1 billion was invested in entrepreneurial biotechnology firms, the third highest total ever. Some 26 percent of the venture capital investments made in Europe…

Swiss economy “suffocated” by complexity

This content was published on May 14, 2003 In a damning assessment of the country’s ability to compete around the world, the Lausanne-based business school IMD, warned that Switzerland faces an uphill battle to reform. “The economy is increasingly being suffocated by complex legislation, rules and practices that are blocking society’s ability to reform itself,” Stéphane Garelli, director of the World Competitiveness Report…

Unions fear wage dumping with EU expansion

This content was published on May 13, 2003 They called on the government to ensure that working conditions would not deteriorate if an accord between Switzerland and Brussels on the free movement of people was applied to the new EU members. The Trade Union Federation warned that dumping could ensue when the ten new eastern European countries are admitted to the 15-nation bloc.…

Italian president visits at time of tension

This content was published on May 13, 2003 Disputes over banking secrecy and the arrest last week of two Italian parliamentarians have caused relations to sour. Ciampi was received with full diplomatic honours in the capital, Bern, on Wednesday before meeting Swiss government ministers. On Thursday the president travelled to canton Ticino where he gave a speech at the Italian-language university in Lugano,…

Bikers rev up to throttle speed limit

This content was published on May 13, 2003 Pro Moto has presented the federal authorities with a petition bearing more than 200,000 signatures urging the government to rethink its “Vision Zero” blueprint. The motorcyclist association said on Tuesday it would challenge a transport ministry proposal to technically prevent motorcycles exceeding 80kmh. Touring Club Switzerland, the Swiss motoring association, said research showed that such…

Culture director escapes the sack

This content was published on May 13, 2003 Ritter, who has held the post for less than a year, has come under growing criticism for his management style. Only last week Pius Knüsel, the director of Pro Helvetia – which is responsible for the Swiss Cultural Centre in Paris – said he couldn’t continue working with Ritter. Knüsel’s comments came a day after…

Negotiating Zurich city centre in a wheelchair

This content was published on May 13, 2003 Ahead of the vote, Isobel Johnson spent a day with Rudolf Weiler – who is wheelchair-bound – to learn what challenges the disabled currently face in Switzerland. Rudolf Weiler is 37 years old and paralysed from the waist down, following an accident 20 years ago. The part-time metal worker agreed to come to Zurich for…

Cluster: Archive

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Cluster: Archive

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Commuting on the rise in Switzerland

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The family gains political ground in Switzerland

More

Global downturn plagues tourism industry

More

Biotech loses some lustre

More

Swiss economy “suffocated” by complexity

More

Unions fear wage dumping with EU expansion

More

Italian president visits at time of tension

More

Bikers rev up to throttle speed limit

More

Culture director escapes the sack

More

Negotiating Zurich city centre in a wheelchair

Popular Stories

Most Discussed