Swiss Abroad

Expatriates given lessons in direct democracy

This content was published on Aug 27, 2011 In her address to delegates on Saturday, Transport Minister Doris Leuthard stressed that in times of crisis it was crucial for citizens to be able to participate directly in politics. She assured the audience of several hundred delegates in Lugano that the government was well aware of the important role of the expatriate community as…

Swiss Politics

Expats take strong stand over EU labour deal

This content was published on Aug 26, 2011 At a meeting on Friday, the OSA’s governing body also appealed for people to vote for candidates in the October parliamentary elections who support the interests of the Swiss expatriate community. “The free movement of people accord is not a one-way road. Swiss expatriates living in the EU also benefit from the agreement,” said the…

Swiss Politics

Parties divided over how to woo expat votes

This content was published on Aug 25, 2011 Over the past few years, they have set up international branches, special websites, held political debates abroad and created electoral lists to promote expat candidates. “Few Swiss are aware of how many of their compatriots live abroad,” says Social Democratic parliamentarian, Hans-Jürg Fehr. “Anyone hazarding a guess will come up with a number much lower…

Swiss Politics

Minister apologises for German “Taliban” remark

This content was published on Aug 25, 2011 Leuthard made the comment during a discussion by her Christian Democratic Party on the challenges and opportunities of Swiss-German ties. The authorities of the border town Waldshut in the region of Bade-Wurtemberg said they were “taken aback and disappointed” by the remark. Leuthard told Swiss television she had sent a letter to the Waldshut authorities…

Swiss Politics

Ambassador criticises New York Times editorial

This content was published on Aug 24, 2011 In a letter to the editor published in the newspaper on August 23, Manuel Sager wrote that he “strongly disagreed” with a line in the August 17 editorial that “Switzerland is again resisting demands for more information about American clients”. The editorial “Swiss banks, aiding and abetting” commented on court cases involving Swiss bankers in…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet seeks tax law change for equity bonds

This content was published on Aug 24, 2011 The measures, subject to approval by parliament, are aimed at bolstering the banks’ capital base and prevent the state from having to bail out important companies, the finance ministry said on Wednesday. The changes to withholding tax on interest from bonds and money market paper used by traders are designed to help banks issue such…

Swiss Politics

Libyan rebel spokesman appeals for funds

This content was published on Aug 24, 2011 Diplomat Adel Shaltut said on Wednesday that he wished to see frozen Libyan assets returned to the north African country as soon as possible. His comments come a day after the Swiss government said it would move “quickly” to return the assets if the United Nations lifted sanctions imposed on Libya. “Switzerland has responded very…

Swiss Politics

Swiss primed to hand over Libyan assets

This content was published on Aug 23, 2011 Swiss authorities are holding onto SFr650 million ($824 million) in assets belonging to Libya. As most of the assets are clearly state-owned – rather than tied to Moammar Gaddafi or his clan – it will be easier for Switzerland to return the assets to the Libyan entities involved. Officials in Bern have declared their readiness…

Swiss Politics

Deiss calls for strengthening of key UN values

This content was published on Aug 23, 2011 Deiss told swissinfo.ch that the UN has made progress in reducing poverty as well as promoting development, sustainable economy and global governance. The former foreign minister says Switzerland serves as a role model for other countries and membership of the UN has not compromised its neutrality. Deiss’ 12-month mandate at the UN in New York…

Swiss Politics

Singapore would like to become number one in investment banking

This content was published on Aug 23, 2011

Swiss Abroad

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Swiss Abroad

More

Expatriates given lessons in direct democracy

More

Expats take strong stand over EU labour deal

More

Parties divided over how to woo expat votes

More

Minister apologises for German “Taliban” remark

More

Ambassador criticises New York Times editorial

More

Cabinet seeks tax law change for equity bonds

More

Libyan rebel spokesman appeals for funds

More

Swiss primed to hand over Libyan assets

More

Deiss calls for strengthening of key UN values

More

Singapore would like to become number one in investment banking

Popular Stories

Most Discussed