Swiss Abroad

Swiss risk escalation of tax dispute with US

This content was published on Sep 23, 2011 The delay could have an impact on ongoing talks between the two sides. The Senate stressed that it supported the government in reaching a negotiated solution, while political parties are divided over the consequences of a deal for Swiss banking secrecy. The US authorities have warned they will take legal action against at least ten…

Swiss Politics

Suffering Portuguese seek work in Switzerland

This content was published on Sep 23, 2011 Austerity measures + low wages + recession + unemployment = massive emigration. The Portuguese are all too aware of this painful equation. “In Portugal I was slowly dying; I had to leave,” explained José Rabacal, who arrived in Gruyère from Portugal last April. He knows the picturesque western Swiss region well as he worked there…

Swiss Politics

Swiss widen sanctions against Syria

This content was published on Sep 23, 2011 The measures, which come into force on Saturday, bring Switzerland in line with European Union sanctions. It will also be illegal to fund or provide insurance or reinsurance services linked to petrol supplies. The government said the move followed Syrian “security forces’ relentless repression of the population”. The European sanctions will have a strong impact…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland to maintain control of borders

This content was published on Sep 22, 2011 Arriving in Brussels for a meeting of the Schengen Joint Committee, Sommaruga said such a proposition was “unimaginable” and other countries were also insistent on continuing to decide on border controls for themselves. Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner said “the introduction of controls must remain in the hands of member states”. However, Sommaruga welcomed the…

Swiss Politics

Balancing security with freedom

This content was published on Sep 22, 2011 On September 27, 2001, Friedrich Leibacher entered the parliament building in canton Zug wearing a police uniform. He opened fire, killing three members of the cantonal government and 11 other parliamentarians, before shooting himself. Fifteen others were injured. One of the survivors was Heinz Tännler, a member of the cantonal parliament, who was sitting at the back…

Swiss Politics

President makes last UN New York speech

This content was published on Sep 22, 2011 Calmy-Rey, who holds the rotating post of Swiss president this year, announced earlier this month that she was stepping down from the government in December after nine years. “Democracy is the twin sister of sustainable development,” the minister told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. A lack of political freedom, social justice and economic success…

Swiss Politics

Plans to boost the economy get green light

This content was published on Sep 21, 2011 Following the Senate, the House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to accept the plan to inject SFr870 million ($975 million) into the economy in exactly the form presented by the government. Voting was 102 to 48 after about seven hours of debate spread over two days. The package faces one more hurdle on September 30,…

Swiss Politics

Swiss ambassador “thankful” at hikers’ release

This content was published on Sep 21, 2011 Joshua Fattal and Shane Bauer were released from the notorious Evin prison and handed over to Swiss and Omani diplomats on Wednesday afternoon. Their release came after a $1 million (SFr890,000) bail-for-freedom deal was approved by the Iranian courts. The Sultanate of Oman is reported to have paid the bail. Switzerland’s ambassador to Iran, Livia Leu Agosti,…

Swiss Politics

Iran releases US prisoners to diplomats

This content was published on Sep 21, 2011 Joshua Fattal and Shane Bauer were driven straight to the airport in a convoy escorted by Omani officials, and including the Swiss ambassador. A report by the official Iranian news agency that they had immediately left for the Omani capital, Muscat, was subsequently denied. The two were released from the notorious Evin prison after a $1 million (SFr890,000) bail-for-freedom…

Swiss Politics

Senate delays debate on US tax deal

This content was published on Sep 21, 2011 A majority on Wednesday voted to delay discussions on an amended double taxation agreement saying more information was needed on the negotiations and the proposed offer. Several speakers added they supported the government in a negotiated solution of the dispute. However, senators who opposed delaying the debate warned time was running out for a deal.…

Swiss Abroad

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Swiss Abroad

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Swiss risk escalation of tax dispute with US

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Suffering Portuguese seek work in Switzerland

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Swiss widen sanctions against Syria

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Switzerland to maintain control of borders

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Balancing security with freedom

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President makes last UN New York speech

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Plans to boost the economy get green light

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Swiss ambassador “thankful” at hikers’ release

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Iran releases US prisoners to diplomats

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Senate delays debate on US tax deal

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