Swiss Abroad

“Experts must be ready to fight for the law”

This content was published on May 22, 2008 Thomas Fleiner, who founded the Federalism Institute at Fribourg University in 1984, is stepping down as director to start up a similar institution in Budapest. But Fleiner, who will be 70 in July, says going for walks and gardening are not on the cards. “I’m not going to stop – teaching is my passion,” he…

Swiss Politics

Swiss may have to swallow bitter Doha pill

This content was published on May 22, 2008 Swiss negotiator Remigi Winzap said new documents on farming and industry were a “positive step” forward but warned the picture was not very rosy for Switzerland, which would have to make tough concessions on agriculture. On Monday the WTO issued new agriculture and industrial goods proposals for a global trade agreement to be discussed at…

Swiss Politics

Good news for rail travellers

This content was published on May 22, 2008 It is increasing the number of trains between the main cities at peak times, and also making them longer to carry more passengers. There will be more frequent services in the evening on some main lines. Weekend trips to the southern holiday canton of Valais will become easier with the introduction of more and longer…

Swiss Politics

Cabinet steers clear of EU labour quota

This content was published on May 21, 2008 Free access to the labour market is a key element of bilateral relations between non-EU member Switzerland and Brussels under an accord which came into force in 2002. The Swiss economy was benefiting from the agreement, the justice ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. However, the government reserves the right to reconsider restrictions at…

Swiss Politics

Experts call for change in Swiss refugee policy

This content was published on May 20, 2008 The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) wants wealthier countries to agree in advance to take in specific numbers of refugees who have not found a permanent place of refuge. Until the late 1990s Switzerland took part in the system, but abandoned it when huge numbers of refugees fleeing the conflict in ex-Yugoslavia started arriving.…

Swiss Politics

Study warns of welfare trap

This content was published on May 20, 2008 The National Science Foundation has called for reform to adapt the system to individual needs, particularly those of younger people. Eighteen to 25 year olds make up the largest group of welfare beneficiaries. They accounted for nearly 13 per cent of the total in 2006. Overall about 245,000 people in Switzerland lived on welfare –…

Myanmar regime weathers the storm

This content was published on May 20, 2008 Matthias Huber of the Association Suisse-Birmanie (Switzerland-Myanmar Association) says there is little will among the people to stand up against the military dictatorship. “I have taken an interest in Myanmar for 30 years. At every crisis I tell myself that the regime cannot go on as it is, and that changes are bound to happen.…

Swiss Politics

Ministerial support for Swiss squad

This content was published on May 19, 2008 He wished the players the best of luck for the tournament, which is being hosted by Switzerland and Austria, and handed them combat rations to boost their performance. Schmid, who is also defence minister, said he was confident the Swiss would qualify for the quarterfinals. The Swiss face the Czech Republic, Portugal and Turkey in…

Swiss Politics

Government slammed over biodiversity failures

This content was published on May 19, 2008 The Swiss branch of WWF and the Association for the Protection of Birds filed a complaint at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The groups said the government had failed to put into practice measures to protect endangered species and habitats as part of a 1989 international convention. They said the government refused to increase…

Swiss Politics

Swiss could have acted sooner on Jewish assets

This content was published on May 18, 2008 Kunin is a supporter of Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. In an interview with swissinfo she bemoans the fact that there are fewer women involved in politics in the US than in Switzerland. The only woman to serve three terms as a governor in United States history is publishing her memoires, entitled “Pearl,…

Swiss Abroad

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Swiss Abroad

More

“Experts must be ready to fight for the law”

More

Swiss may have to swallow bitter Doha pill

More

Good news for rail travellers

More

Cabinet steers clear of EU labour quota

More

Experts call for change in Swiss refugee policy

More

Study warns of welfare trap

More

Myanmar regime weathers the storm

More

Ministerial support for Swiss squad

More

Government slammed over biodiversity failures

More

Swiss could have acted sooner on Jewish assets

Popular Stories

Most Discussed