Swiss Abroad

EU fiscal union scrutinised in Swiss press

This content was published on Dec 10, 2011 However, commentators were mixed in their views of the decision by British Prime Minister David Cameron to veto the deal. David Cameron has decided to “lead his country into isolation” by vetoing the deal, wrote the Zurich-based Tages-Anzeiger in its commentary. “Before the start of the EU summit, French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned that the…

Swiss Politics

Financial watchdog ramps up surveillance

This content was published on Dec 9, 2011 In the context of an annual meeting with the government on Friday, Finma boss Anne Héritier Lachat told the government her organisation had carried out direct assessments of some 40 financial institutions over the past year. Finma was previously in the habit of making just “two to three” such assessments a year, government spokesman André…

Swiss Politics

Syrian opposition calls for civilian protection

This content was published on Dec 9, 2011 For her part the US Secretary of State underlined “the need to build a society based on the rule of law and respect of minorities” should President Bashar al-Assad be ousted. The US has repeatedly demanded he step down after his government began a crackdown on the Arab Spring revolution eight months ago. In an…

Swiss Politics

Romansh dialects carry the day in Graubünden

This content was published on Dec 9, 2011 The decision, which overturns a 2003 vote demanding the sole use of a standard version of the language, was included in the revision of the canton’s education legislation. The choice of “rumantsch grischun” had provoked an outcry in the different valleys where the language is spoken. The “Pro Idioms” association began collecting signatures earlier this…

Swiss Politics

Business lobby “as strong as before”

This content was published on Dec 9, 2011 Political expert and author Victor Parma disagrees. He considers the power of the Swiss Business Federation, economiesuisse unshakeable, although he sees a shift on the question of nuclear energy. Public transport accounts for the largest lobby in parliament, thanks to its 30 representatives, despite the loss of five seats. There are now more people representing…

Swiss Politics

People’s Party forced to pick new candidate

This content was published on Dec 8, 2011 The withdrawal of Bruno Zuppiger followed allegations in a weekly news magazine that his company, chosen as executor of a former employee’s will, had kept for itself SFr265,000 ($287,000) that was intended to go to social organisations. Following an emergency party meeting, the party named Hansjörg Walter, president of the Swiss Farmers Association and since…

Swiss Politics

Franco-German eurozone plan is “insufficient”

This content was published on Dec 8, 2011 Over the next two days the leaders of France and Germany will be hoping to build support in Brussels for their plan for eurozone nations to submit their economies to much greater scrutiny. René Schwok is a political scientist at Geneva University and Manfred Gaertner works as economics profesor at St Gallen University. swissinfo.ch: Europe…

Swiss Politics

Concern raised over East Jerusalem deportation

This content was published on Dec 8, 2011 This is a violation of the Geneva Convention, the Swiss foreign ministry announced in a statement on Thursday. It pointed out that East Jerusalem is part of occupied Palestinian Territory and that Article 49 of the fourth Geneva Convention prohibits Israel, as the occupying power, from making forced transfers or deportations. The Israeli government decided to…

Swiss Politics

House votes down tax on bonuses

This content was published on Dec 7, 2011 The proposal, a response to a popular initiative aimed at reining in “abusive salaries” in the wake of the financial crisis, would have seen taxes imposed on companies for bonus payments in excess of SFr3 million ($3.24 million). The proposal was defeated 98 votes to 85, with parties on the left together with the centre-right…

Swiss Politics

Bid launched for space agency post

This content was published on Dec 7, 2011 A statement said that Switzerland would thus underscore its “commitment to European independence in space” as well as strengthen ties with Luxembourg “beyond space affairs”. Although a founding ESA member, Switzerland has never held this important position at the agency. It is currently held by Italy. A joint candidature would play to both countries’ strengths,…

Swiss Abroad

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Swiss Abroad

More

EU fiscal union scrutinised in Swiss press

More

Financial watchdog ramps up surveillance

More

Syrian opposition calls for civilian protection

More

Romansh dialects carry the day in Graubünden

More

Business lobby “as strong as before”

More

People’s Party forced to pick new candidate

More

Franco-German eurozone plan is “insufficient”

More

Concern raised over East Jerusalem deportation

More

House votes down tax on bonuses

More

Bid launched for space agency post

Popular Stories

Most Discussed