Cluster: 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…

Democracy

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…

Democracy

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…

Democracy

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…

Swiss vote on boosting school music

This content was published on Sep 15, 2012

Democracy

Politicians hesitate despite health hazards

This content was published on Sep 13, 2012 Both the cabinet and health office are calling on voters on September 23 to say no to a proposal from health organisations, which would ban waiter service in smoker’s lounges. Currently, Switzerland resembles a patchwork rug when it comes to legislation on indoor smoking bans. The federal law introduced in 2010 bans smoking in public…

Cluster: Democracy

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Cluster: Democracy

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Row jeopardises purchase of new military jets

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Political irritation over animal epidemics

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Flu vaccines divide medical community

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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

More

Swiss vote on boosting school music

More

Politicians hesitate despite health hazards

Popular Stories

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