Cluster: Swiss Abroad

Bids for asylum increase again

This content was published on Nov 7, 2000 The Federal Refugee Office said it received 1,814 applications last month, 161 more than in September. However, the figure remains well below the number of departures, which reached 3,039 in October. Most people seeking asylum are still coming from Yugoslavia (338 last month), followed by Turkey (152), Bosnia-Herzegovina (147), and Iraq (99). Asylum-seekers from Yugoslavia…

Swiss Politics

US election enters final stretch

This content was published on Nov 7, 2000 The latest opinion polls give the Republican candidate George W Bush a slight lead – at most two per cent – but analysts agree the race is so close that the winner may not be known until Wednesday morning. The Democratic vice president, Al Gore, has largely positioned himself as the public’s champion. He has…

Swiss Politics

Americans abroad could sway election outcome

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 Record numbers of US citizens living in Switzerland have registered to vote in this year’s election contest between Texas’ Republican governor, George W Bush, and Democrat Vice President Al Gore. “The interest in this year’s election has been incredible,” says Kevin Crowley, chairman of Republicans Abroad for both Switzerland and Europe. “It’s going to be…

Swiss Politics

Half of foreigners in Switzerland eligible for citizenship

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 The report, published on Monday, says about 20,000 foreigners acquired a Swiss passport in 1999. Over the past 18 years, more than 240,000 became Swiss citizens. The rate of naturalisations – at 1.5 per cent of the foreign population – is low compared to other European countries, even though foreigners account for 19.3 per cent…

Swiss Politics

Celebrating the battle of Morgarten

This content was published on Nov 6, 2000 Anyone watching the procession could easily believe they’ve been transported back in time to the original battle. The advance is led by men dressed in 14th century costume carrying historical weapons, followed by modern day soldiers from the Swiss army, and thousands of spectators. Back in 1513, the men of fighting age from the three…

Swiss Politics

Kägi takes over leadership of Swiss Olympic Association

This content was published on Nov 4, 2000 Sixty five year old Kägi garnered 351 votes, against a mere 73 that were cast in favour of his challenger, Paul Engemann. Kägi takes over from René Burkhalter at the helm of the organisation on January 1 2001. A native of St Gallen, Kägi previously held the top job at the Swiss rowing federation, and…

Swiss Politics

Controversial proposal to slash defence spending

This content was published on Nov 3, 2000 Under the proposal, part of the money saved would be used for international projects to promote peace, including development aid and disarmament. It foresees gradually slashing the army’s current annual budget of SFr5 billion ($2.75 billion) to just over SFr3 billion ($1.7 billion). The people’s initiative was launched by left-wing parties as well as peace…

Swiss Politics

At issue: Halving defence spending and earlier retirement?

This content was published on Nov 3, 2000 On November 26 the Swiss armed forces will be in the spotlight when voters decide whether military expenditure should be halved. In 1989, Switzerland rejected a proposal to disband the military completely. At the time more than one million voters, 35.5 per cent of those who went to the polls, wanted to do away with…

Swiss Politics

Prince Charles on Swiss soil

This content was published on Nov 2, 2000 Prince Charles will start his visit with a tour of Berne’s old town. On Friday, the prince will head off to the Kandertal in the Bernese Oberland. He will get to see a biological farm, meet local farmers and be informed about cheese production. Ogi will also take Charles to his native village of Kandersteg…

Social Democrats want People’s Party out of federal government

This content was published on Nov 2, 2000 The Social Democrats said on Wednesday they did not want a People’s Party member to take over Ogi’s position when parliament meets to elect a successor on December 6. They said the People’s Party was no longer prepared to be part of a unified federal government. The government is made up of four parties under…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Bids for asylum increase again

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US election enters final stretch

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Americans abroad could sway election outcome

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Half of foreigners in Switzerland eligible for citizenship

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Celebrating the battle of Morgarten

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Kägi takes over leadership of Swiss Olympic Association

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Controversial proposal to slash defence spending

More

At issue: Halving defence spending and earlier retirement?

More

Prince Charles on Swiss soil

More

Social Democrats want People’s Party out of federal government

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