Cluster: Swiss Abroad

House gives government final say on timing of negotiations with EU

This content was published on Jun 7, 2000 The House overwhelmingly rejected a people’s initiative calling on the government to open membership talks with the EU immediately. One hundred and thirteen deputies voted against, with 61 votes for and nine abstentions. The House later voted by 99 to 84 in favour of a counter-proposal giving the government a free hand in deciding when…

Swiss Politics

Parliament debates EU policy

This content was published on Jun 7, 2000 The first is a people’s initiative (a proposal which will have to be put to a nationwide referendum after collecting over 100,000 valid signatures) calling on the government to open membership talks with the EU immediately. The house is also looking at a government counter-proposal reiterating its long-term aim to join the EU, but asking…

Senate backs national exhibition

This content was published on Jun 6, 2000 The voting was 35 in favour and two against, although the decision was taken apparently without much enthusiasm. “We do not have any choice and must accept this guarantee grudgingly,” said Peter Bieri from canton Zug. He underlined that abandoning the project would cost SFr344 million. A parliamentarian from Glarus, This Jenny, demanded that lessons…

Swiss Politics

Human rights sculpture finds home in parliament

This content was published on Jun 6, 2000 At a ceremony in Berne on Tuesday, Dreifuss said the work of art “paid tribute to those who have fought for freedom of expression, freedom to criticise those in power and the freedom to defend ideals which were ahead of their time.” The sculpture is the work of the Basel-based artist, Bettina Eichin, and underlines…

Swiss Politics

Parliament says 16 too young to vote

This content was published on Jun 5, 2000 The House of Representatives voted 89 to 79, with four abstentions, against the motion championed by the Social Democrat, Ursula Wyss. In a first reaction, the parliamentarian, who is 27, said she would continue her campaign to extend voting rights to young people. Ironically, one of the most outspoken critics of the motion was Toni…

Swiss Politics

Government bill promotes equal rights for the disabled

This content was published on Jun 5, 2000 The cabinet wants to guarantee the disabled access to all public buildings, sites, and services. Many cantons have already addressed the problems of the handicapped, but some would have to amend or complete their legislation. As a major employer, the federal authorities also want to introduce positive discrimination, so that where handicapped and non-handicapped job…

Swiss Politics

Europe expected to dominate summer session of parliament

This content was published on Jun 4, 2000 The normally tranquil summer session is being watched more closely than usual this year, coming as it does just weeks after Swiss voters overwhelming endorsed a series of bilateral accords with the European Union. The joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate will consider whether to approve a referendum calling for Switzerland…

Swiss Politics

Poll shows Swiss parliament against “Yes to Europe” initiative

This content was published on Jun 3, 2000 But there are differences in the levels of support between the House of Representatives and the Senate. Those are the findings of a poll published on Saturday by the French langauge daily newspaper “Le Temps”. It says that sixty per cent of the members of the House of Representatives polled, agree with the cabinet’s counter-proposal,…

Swiss Politics

Swiss army opens combat ranks to women

This content was published on Jun 2, 2000 Women volunteers serving in the Swiss army are restricted to certain units, typically those involving support staff such as administration and signals. Some are attached to infantry divisions, but these are only permitted to participate in training exercises and musical bands. Those who are armed, carry weapons for self-defence only. But from 2003, all restrictions…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet debates EU membership timetable

This content was published on May 31, 2000 The long term aim of the entire government is EU membership. Less certain is the timetable for restarting negotiations which have been on hold since 1992 when Swiss voters rejected membership of the European Economic Area. The issue has been in the news all week with two ministers publicly stating their position ahead of the…

Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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Cluster: Swiss Abroad

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House gives government final say on timing of negotiations with EU

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Parliament debates EU policy

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Senate backs national exhibition

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Human rights sculpture finds home in parliament

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Parliament says 16 too young to vote

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Government bill promotes equal rights for the disabled

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Europe expected to dominate summer session of parliament

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Poll shows Swiss parliament against “Yes to Europe” initiative

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Swiss army opens combat ranks to women

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Cabinet debates EU membership timetable

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