Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Rich and poor taxed alike as cantons compete

This content was published on Nov 13, 2008 Obwalden became the first canton to introduce a single income tax rate for all inhabitants regardless of wealth at the start of the year. Canton Uri has voted to follow suit and Thurgau may soon join them. The radical change is the latest development in a race by smaller cantons to transform their economic fortunes…

Swiss Politics

Israel warned to halt house demolitions

This content was published on Nov 13, 2008 The ministry said it was “deeply concerned” by the destruction of houses belonging to Palestinian families in so-called “administrative demolitions”. It commented there was no military need to justify the destruction of these houses. In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said East Jerusalem was an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory. It noted…

Swiss Politics

UBS executive charged with aiding tax evasion

This content was published on Nov 12, 2008 In an indictment made public on Wednesday, Raoul Weil is accused of being part of an effort to help around 20,000 clients hide $20 billion (SFr23.6 billion) in assets in overseas accounts between 2002 and 2007. UBS allegedly gained $200 million a year in revenue as a result during the five-year period, US justice authorities…

Swiss Politics

Asylum bid fails for rescued Ukrainian family

This content was published on Nov 12, 2008 Switzerland’s Federal Court announced on Wednesday it had upheld a decision to that effect by the Federal Migration Office. The court said it was now reasonable for the family to return to Ukraine, which it described as a safe country. It also took into consideration that the family had relatives in Ukraine who had previously…

Swiss Politics

Swiss observer “appalled” by conditions in Gaza

This content was published on Nov 12, 2008 The politicians sailed to Gaza from Cyprus on a yacht organised by US-based Free Gaza activist group to deliver medical supplies. Speaking from Cyprus on his return, Communist Party parliamentarian Joseph Zisyadis described the living conditions of the population as appalling. Gaza’s population of 1.4 million has been virtually cut off from the world since…

Swiss Politics

Police laws on use of force approved

This content was published on Nov 12, 2008 The legislation approved by the cabinet on Wednesday aims to ensure a minimum infringement of individuals’ rights by police using violence or weapons. It lays down strict conditions for the use of Taser devices. Among the scenarios where the use of stun guns would be permitted would be an attempted aeroplane hijacking or when overpowering…

Swiss Politics

In hard times, a comeback for soft power

This content was published on Nov 12, 2008 But some of the principles outlined in the Obama platform and in his campaign rhetoric – dialogue, multilateralism and a more conciliatory approach to statecraft – are already being employed, a conference in Switzerland’s capital heard on Tuesday. “The difference has already started,” Mari Fitzduff, an expert in peace processes, told delegates attending the 20th…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland and Turkey reinforce friendship

This content was published on Nov 11, 2008 It is one of a number of visits by Swiss ministers to Turkey this month and marks a significant warming in relations between the two sides. During his stay Couchepin, who is interior minister as well as holding the rotating Swiss presidency for 2008, discussed economic matters. He also joined Turkish president, Abdullah Gül, in…

Swiss Politics

Farmers expected to do more for climate

This content was published on Nov 10, 2008 Farmers will be expected to cut annual emissions of nitrogen from the current average of 44,000 to 25,000 tons, the federal environment and agriculture offices said in a joint statement on Monday. The nitrogen reduction was one of 13 environmental goals listed by the two offices to protect biodiversity, the climate, water and the soil.…

Swiss Politics

Money matters dominate old age pension reform

This content was published on Nov 10, 2008 But critics say discussions ahead of the nationwide vote on November 30 do not take into account the contribution made by experienced workers and the role of the older generation in society. The proposal – launched by trade unions and supported by the centre-left Social Democrats and the Greens – is aimed at granting early…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

More

Rich and poor taxed alike as cantons compete

More

Israel warned to halt house demolitions

More

UBS executive charged with aiding tax evasion

More

Asylum bid fails for rescued Ukrainian family

More

Swiss observer “appalled” by conditions in Gaza

More

Police laws on use of force approved

More

In hard times, a comeback for soft power

More

Switzerland and Turkey reinforce friendship

More

Farmers expected to do more for climate

More

Money matters dominate old age pension reform

Popular Stories

Most Discussed