Swiss Abroad

Cabinet decides against anti-racism law change

This content was published on Dec 22, 2007 Blocher caused an outcry in October 2006 when he announced during a trip to Turkey that he wanted to change the law, saying it gave him “stomach ache”. The cabinet said in a statement that it had taken note of suggestions drawn up by Blocher’s ministry, but did not see the need to amend the…

Swiss Politics

House speaker lauds Swiss multi-party system

This content was published on Dec 21, 2007 The first session of parliament since October’s national elections was dominated by the vote against re-electing controversial Justice Minister Christoph Blocher and the election to the cabinet of Swiss People’s Party colleague Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf instead. Bugnon said on Friday that every political party in Switzerland had its own manifesto and behind every grouping were thousands…

Swiss Politics

EU expands border-free zone, Swiss join later

This content was published on Dec 21, 2007 Switzerland is due to join the Schengen Area in November 2008, but the move is likely to be delayed as ratification of the treaty with several European Union member nations is still pending. The entry of nine former mostly eastern European states is seen by many as a final lifting of the old Iron Curtain…

Swiss Politics

Widmer-Schlumpf fêted in home canton

This content was published on Dec 20, 2007 Widmer-Schlumpf, who will take over the justice ministry from her ousted colleague Christoph Blocher in January, was welcomed into the cabinet by Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey. “Rarely has a cabinet election been so exciting and controversial,” said Calmy-Rey in Felsberg, where the new minister lives. Calmy-Rey said Widmer-Schlumpf, a member of the rightwing Swiss People’s…

Swiss Politics

Partial tax amnesty passes parliament

This content was published on Dec 20, 2007 Also on Wednesday, the House of Representatives rejected a proposal to scrap a flat-rate tax for rich foreigners.

Swiss Politics

Climate change seen as serious threat

This content was published on Dec 19, 2007 Four-fifths of Swiss now consider climate change a significant hazard, whereas in 1994 – when the previous Swiss Environment Survey was conducted – just over half did. Nevertheless considerable gaps remain in the public’s “green knowledge”, revealed the study, published on Wednesday. Seventy-nine per cent of the more than 3,300 Swiss interviewed between November 2006…

Swiss Politics

Swiss schools abroad to get increased funding

This content was published on Dec 19, 2007 The Organisation for the Swiss Abroad (OSA) greeted the move with relief, saying it was a rational decision to support the 17 schools. The federal budget surplus for 2008 is SFr1.1 billion. The Senate approved the budget on Tuesday, in line with the House of Representatives. The budget foresees excess expenditure of some SFr7 million.…

Swiss Politics

Widmer-Schlumpf inherits justice ministry

This content was published on Dec 18, 2007 Widmer-Schlumpf, also from the rightwing Swiss People’s Party, was widely tipped to take over the department after none of the other cabinet ministers expressed a desire to change places. Blocher failed to be re-elected by parliament last week for another four-year term. Traditionally, when there is a vacancy incumbents can switch ministries based on seniority.…

Swiss Politics

Widmer-Schlumpf inherits justice ministry

This content was published on Dec 18, 2007 Widmer-Schlumpf, also from the rightwing Swiss People’s Party, was widely tipped to take over the department after none of the other cabinet ministers expressed a desire to change portfolio. Blocher failed in a bid to be re-elected by parliament last week for another four-year term. Traditionally, when there is a vacancy incumbents can switch ministries…

Swiss Politics

Experts highlight migrant contribution

This content was published on Dec 18, 2007 In Switzerland migration is mainly of an economic nature, and experts agree that without it the Swiss economy and culture would be a lot poorer. The UN General Assembly decreed in 2000 that International Migrants Day should be held every year on December 18. UN Human Rights Commissioner Louise Arbour said that migrants were one…

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Cabinet decides against anti-racism law change

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House speaker lauds Swiss multi-party system

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EU expands border-free zone, Swiss join later

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Widmer-Schlumpf fêted in home canton

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Partial tax amnesty passes parliament

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Climate change seen as serious threat

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Swiss schools abroad to get increased funding

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Widmer-Schlumpf inherits justice ministry

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Widmer-Schlumpf inherits justice ministry

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Experts highlight migrant contribution

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