Swiss Abroad

Global violence worries Davos delegates

This content was published on Jan 24, 2014 In the same week as the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual event, Switzerland was also hosting summits attempting to resolve the Syrian civil war and growing tensions with Iran. Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter told the forum that this demonstrated Switzerland’s dedication to “building bridges” around the world. However, events in Montreux suggested that this…

Swiss Politics

Syria peace talks kick off in Montreux

This content was published on Jan 24, 2014 The talks, dubbed Geneva II, aim to agree on a roadmap for Syria based on one adopted by the United States, Russia and other major powers in June 2012, including the creation of a transitional government that would lead to holding elections. After Montreux delegations moved to the United Nations Palais des Nations complex in…

Swiss Politics

Unclaimed nest eggs lie in wait

This content was published on Jan 24, 2014 Many former policy holders simply disappear into thin air, with no forwarding address. It is estimated that a total of around CHF5 billion ($5.5 billion) remains unclaimed, accumulated in Swiss pension funds. This generally occurs when someone changes employer – even if, in theory, it shouldn’t be possible. In fact, the occupational pensions law states…

Swiss Politics

Business chiefs fear ticking jobless time bomb

This content was published on Jan 23, 2014 Another five million people were added to the unemployed ranks last year to reach a total of 202 million job seekers worldwide. At the same time, prosperity is concentrated in the hands of the few, with NGO Oxfam calculating that the 85 richest people have the same wealth as half the world’s population. The growing…

Swiss Politics

Swiss abroad community ‘as large as canton Vaud’

This content was published on Jan 23, 2014 In all there were 732,183 Swiss registered at a Swiss representation abroad in 2013, reflecting an increase of 2.3% – which is above the average of the last five years. Vaud, located in western Switzerland and described on the canton’s website as being “on the shores of Lake Geneva, tucked between the mountains of the…

Swiss Politics

State quota offers leg up into men’s world

This content was published on Jan 23, 2014 “Target rates are more convincing than rigid quotas. It puts the pressure on but leaves time to find suitable women,” says senator Anita Fetz, who championed the move. Fetz is a pragmatist who has years of experience in organisational development and as personnel advisor. She says companies with mixed gender boards are more innovative and…

Swiss Politics

Trillions at stake in private data struggle

This content was published on Jan 22, 2014 Growing concerns about personal privacy being compromised by government intelligence bodies, such as the United States National Security Agency (NSA), were tackled by a panel of experts at a WEF session entitled ‘The Big Brother Problem’. Amnesty International Secretary-General Salil Shetty said the right to privacy is “one of the defining issues of our times”…

Swiss Politics

More Swiss to get nuclear accident safeguard

This content was published on Jan 22, 2014 The interior ministry said the number of people receiving a box with 12 tablets would nearly quadruple to 4.6 million, covering residents in the cities of Zurich, Basel and Lucerne. Iodine is an established treatment against nuclear radiation. The tablets contain potassium iodide, a salt that helps prevent radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the…

Swiss Politics

Fat cat opponent named European of the Year

This content was published on Jan 21, 2014 In March 2013, Swiss voters approved Minder’s initiative, which lets shareholders weigh in on how much company executives are paid. Specifically, shareholders get a binding vote on remuneration and a greater say on who sits on boards. The initiative also bans certain bonuses given on joining and leaving a company. With his proposal, Minder achieved…

Swiss Politics

Protection for two international conferences

This content was published on Jan 21, 2014 Hundreds of troops, police and private security companies have been called up in Davos for the World Economic Forum, and in Montreux for the Syria peace talks. Air surveillance is being carried out jointly by the Swiss, French and Austrian air forces.

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