Swiss Abroad

Airport noise test case wins compensation

This content was published on Feb 28, 2008 The Federal Court ordered airport operators Unique to compensate for lost property value. The ruling could open the floodgates for thousands of similar claims, costing up to an estimated SFr1.2 billion. Wednesday’s decision has been viewed as a partial victory for householders who live on flight paths. The court both knocked down the claimant’s request…

Swiss Politics

“Dramatic” rise in young binge drinkers

This content was published on Feb 28, 2008 An average of five young people are admitted to hospital each day, warned the Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Problems on Thursday. Figures released by the Federal Health Office indicate that between 2004 and 2005 roughly 1,800 young people between the ages of ten and 23 were treated for either alcohol…

Swiss Politics

Serbia recalls envoy as Bern recognises Kosovo

This content was published on Feb 27, 2008 Serbia immediately reacted to the move by recalling its ambassador to Bern, arguing that it was an “attack” against Serbia’s sovereignty. President Pascal Couchepin said Switzerland would establish diplomatic relations with the breakaway Serbian province, which declared independence ten days ago. Couchepin said the government took the decision on Wednesday following consultations with two key…

Swiss Politics

Swiss recognise Kosovo independence

This content was published on Feb 27, 2008 President Pascal Couchepin said Switzerland would establish diplomatic relations with the breakaway Serbian province after it declared independence ten days ago. Couchepin said the government took the decision on Wednesday following consultations with two key parliamentary committees. He said the government welcomed a commitment by the authorities in Kosovo to protect ethnic minorities and accept…

Swiss Politics

Swiss to vote on executive salaries

This content was published on Feb 26, 2008 The group calling itself the committee against the “rip-off mentality” said it had collected nearly 118,600 names for its people’s initiative since the launch of the campaign in October 2006. Thomas Minder, the businessman behind the initiative, said he had deliberately chosen Tuesday to hand in the signatures to the federal authorities in Bern. He…

Swiss Politics

Photo finish decides vote on company tax cuts

This content was published on Feb 24, 2008 The reform, which was endorsed by parliament last year, scraped just over 50 per cent of the vote. It had been contested by centre-left parties and trade unions. Merz said he was relieved that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would now benefit from the package of measures aimed at reducing the financial and administrative burden.…

Swiss Politics

Thousands rally against Kosovo independence

This content was published on Feb 24, 2008 Police put the number of demonstrators at between 3,500 and 4,000, while organisers spoke of 8,000. The demonstrators waved Serbian flags and placards, and listened to speeches and music. A smaller demonstration took place in Zurich on Saturday. Serbia’s ambassador to Switzerland has warned Switzerland of the consequences of recognising Kosovo. “Switzerland would put its…

Swiss Politics

Geneva says “no” to free public transport

This content was published on Feb 24, 2008 The controversial proposal, which was supported by leftwing groups, unions and an association for retired people, was rejected by 67 per cent of Geneva voters on Sunday. Geneva senator Robert Cramer told journalists he was both pleased and relieved by the result. “If it had been accepted, it would have led to a considerable reduction…

Swiss Politics

Result on tax breaks promises to be close

This content was published on Feb 24, 2008 But projections indicate a very close result on planned tax breaks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The parliamentary decision was challenged to a nationwide vote by the centre left. The proposal to ban training flights is set to be rejected, with nearly 70 per cent of voters against, according to the gfs.berne polling and…

Swiss Politics

Swiss vote on ban on jets and tax breaks

This content was published on Feb 24, 2008 The electorate also had the final say on proposed tax breaks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The centre-left challenged a parliamentary decision in a nationwide ballot. First results are expected shortly. The fiscal reform is likely to win a majority, while the proposal to ban training flights is set to be rejected, according to…

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Airport noise test case wins compensation

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“Dramatic” rise in young binge drinkers

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Serbia recalls envoy as Bern recognises Kosovo

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Swiss recognise Kosovo independence

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Swiss to vote on executive salaries

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Photo finish decides vote on company tax cuts

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Thousands rally against Kosovo independence

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Geneva says “no” to free public transport

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Result on tax breaks promises to be close

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Swiss vote on ban on jets and tax breaks

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