Swiss Abroad

Army asked to cut costs

This content was published on Nov 22, 2010 Defence minister Ueli Maurer has asked army chief André Blattmann to study various cost-cutting strategies to comply with government’s recommendations on saving. The defence ministry, which also covers sports and civil protection, could also cut up to 2,500 jobs. Blattmann said the army was obliged to “reconsider everything”, even what has not been disputed until…

Young politicians want paternity leave

This content was published on Nov 22, 2010 The aspiring politicians, aged 14 to 21, agreed on a petition asking for a two-week paternity leave. They also discussed issues related to youth protection and the internet and demanded stricter measures against paedophiles. At the end of the session in the Swiss capital, Bern, participants submitted their demands to President Doris Leuthard, who congratulated…

Swiss Politics

Security firms’ future looks bright

This content was published on Nov 22, 2010 But specialists are warning that without a planned control mechanism the code, which pledges respect of human rights and humanitarian law, could be nothing but an empty shell. Private security firms have been very active in Afghanistan and Iraq in recent years. Before that it was Africa. But everywhere they operate, these companies have a…

Swiss Politics

Cantonal eyes smiling at Irish economic woes

This content was published on Nov 19, 2010 The debt-stricken republic has rejected calls from France and Germany to increase company income tax in return for a European Union bail-out, but some believe the former Celtic Tiger may have lost too many teeth to resist. Ireland’s current economic woes spring from the dramatic collapse of its housing market since 2008, landing its banks…

Swiss Politics

Swiss dream again of hosting Winter Olympics

This content was published on Nov 19, 2010 It has two Games to its name, in 1928 and 1948, as well as several bid rejections. Officials, who are discussing the issue on Friday, are hoping the latest plans – for 2022 at the earliest – will this time strike lucky. Both times the Winter Olympics were held in the luxury resort of St…

Swiss Politics

Kosovar killer dies in St Gallen prison

This content was published on Nov 19, 2010 On Friday, the cantonal justice authorities said 52-year-old Ded Gecaj was found dead shortly before 7am. The circumstances of his death are now subject to an independent investigation. Gecaj was accused of killing teacher Paul Spirig in 1999. Afterwards he fled to his homeland of Kosovo, then still part of Serbia, where a court sentenced…

Swiss Politics

Swiss economics minister promotes ties with Italy

This content was published on Nov 18, 2010 During his visit, he met the Italian minister for economic development, Paolo Romani, to discuss prospects for economic relations between Switzerland and its southern neighbour. The two ministers agreed that strengthening cross-border trade was vital, according to a statement issued by the Swiss economics ministry in Bern. Schneider-Ammann and Romani also talked about promoting projects…

Swiss Politics

Prosecutor’s Office looks into Libya case

This content was published on Nov 18, 2010 Stauffer’s party is using Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi’s image in a campaign to expel foreign criminals. Swiss voters are due to go to the ballot box on November 28 to determine whether foreigners who commit serious crimes in Switzerland should be automatically deported. Libya has supported the move to look into the case. Stauffer is…

Swiss Politics

Uncertainty hovers over Swiss-Italian talks

This content was published on Nov 18, 2010 Schneider-Ammann has said Swiss relations with its neighbours are his priority. Italy is Switzerland’s second most important trade partner after Germany. According to a news release from the economics ministry ahead of the visit, current issues in bilateral economic relations and policies promoting small and medium-sized enterprises will top the agenda. One issue that the…

Swiss Politics

Minaret ban stays in media focus – one year on

This content was published on Nov 17, 2010 Twelve months after a nationwide vote in favour of banning the construction of minarets, the town’s mayor is rather unhappy about the continuing publicity while the business community appears to ignore the controversy. The row over the local minaret has not gone away. It had already received planning permission from the town before the vote…

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Swiss Abroad

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Army asked to cut costs

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Young politicians want paternity leave

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Security firms’ future looks bright

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Cantonal eyes smiling at Irish economic woes

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Swiss dream again of hosting Winter Olympics

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Kosovar killer dies in St Gallen prison

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Swiss economics minister promotes ties with Italy

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Prosecutor’s Office looks into Libya case

More

Uncertainty hovers over Swiss-Italian talks

More

Minaret ban stays in media focus – one year on

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