Swiss Abroad

Minister signs work placement deal in Brazil

This content was published on Oct 14, 2011 An agreement signed by Economics Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann and Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota aimed to cut out red tape for young Swiss wanting to do work placements in the South American country and for Brazilian students wanting to do professional or language stays in Switzerland. To qualify for the one-year permits, students must be…

Swiss Politics

Law enforcement admits use of spy software

This content was published on Oct 14, 2011 The action was carried out as part of counter terrorism efforts. Justice ministry spokesman Guido Balmer confirmed on Thursday evening reports that had appeared in various media outlets. “The federal law enforcement authorities and those in canton Zurich have used this software in individual cases for the clarification of serious crimes,” Balmer was quoted by…

Swiss Politics

Indignados’ revolt spreads to Switzerland

This content was published on Oct 14, 2011 swissinfo.ch spoke to the anthropologist Fabrizio Sabelli, a fervent supporter of the Indignados (the Outraged) movement, to find out why so many people are demonstrating and whether this can effect change. There have already been popular protests in Spain, Greece and Israel. In the United States, the Occupy Wall Street movement has spread from New…

Swiss Politics

Doubts loom over new Indian tax treaty

This content was published on Oct 13, 2011 So-called “black money” stashed abroad and the fight against corruption remain hot political issues in India. The new DTA came into force this week, but a Swiss critic says it will not change much. Under the revised DTA India will be able to request specific information on potential tax evaders from Swiss banks referring to…

Swiss Politics

“We have no animosity towards the Swiss”

This content was published on Oct 13, 2011 In his first interview to a Swiss media outlet, Sliman Bouchuiguir says he believes the Libyan side would like to see Swiss companies contribute to the reconstruction process. Bouchuiguir, who was secretary-general of the Libyan League for Human Rights and holds Swiss nationality, presented his credentials to Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey on September 29. Speaking…

Swiss Politics

Election poll sees minor political shift

This content was published on Oct 12, 2011 The rightwing Swiss People’s Party is seen clearly ahead of the Social Democrats on the left, but neither camp is likely to make major gains or losses compared with 2007, says political scientist Claude Longchamp of the leading gfs.bern research and polling institute. The latest poll, carried out among citizens in all parts of the…

Swiss Politics

Election campaign posters

This content was published on Oct 12, 2011 Political parties and their candidates show different degrees of creativity to attract public attention when it comes to the parliamentary elections. (pictures: Keystone)

Tunisian legal aid request marks “major step”

This content was published on Oct 12, 2011 But considering the normal appeals process, the restitution of SFr60 million ($65 million) belonging to former President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali and his entourage is still far off, said Valentin Zellweger from the Swiss foreign ministry. The head of the international law section said Tunisia’s request for legal assistance filed last week had been accepted…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland portrayed as EU’s saviour

This content was published on Oct 12, 2011 During her farewell visit to Brussels, Micheline Calmy-Rey made more rallying, or at least less provocative, speeches than usual. The veteran politician, who will retire from government and politics at the end of the year, was invited by the foreign affairs committee of the European parliament to speak about the partnership between Switzerland and the…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet pursues plans to reform criminal code

This content was published on Oct 12, 2011 The justice ministry said it had been mandated to finalise plans for parliament by next March. The system of suspended fines was only introduced in 2007 but has been widely criticised. “To be effective and credible, criminal law must be accepted by the population which must have belief in the effectiveness of sanctions,” a statement…

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Minister signs work placement deal in Brazil

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Law enforcement admits use of spy software

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Indignados’ revolt spreads to Switzerland

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Doubts loom over new Indian tax treaty

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“We have no animosity towards the Swiss”

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Election poll sees minor political shift

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Election campaign posters

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Tunisian legal aid request marks “major step”

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Switzerland portrayed as EU’s saviour

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Cabinet pursues plans to reform criminal code

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