Cluster: Democracy

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…

Democracy

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…

Democracy

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…

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…

Democracy

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…

Democracy

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…

Democracy

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…

Democracy

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…

Democracy

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…

Democracy

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…

Cluster: Democracy

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Cluster: Democracy

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The curse of popular public transport

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The Swiss timetable is due to meticulous planning

More

Animals diseases debate misses target

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

Popular Stories

Most Discussed