Swiss Identity

Minaret campaign

This content was published on Nov 29, 2009 A burka-clad woman, rocket-like minarets shooting from a Swiss flag: A poster by the rightwing Swiss People’s Party ahead of a nationwide vote on whether to ban the construction of new minarets in Switzerland has been banned as racist by the city of Basel. Swiss go to the polls on November 29 to decide on…

Catholic bishop calls for married priests

This content was published on Nov 29, 2009 Norbert Brunner, who takes over as head of the Swiss Bishops Conference at the start of next year, told the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper that most Swiss bishops were in favour of the move. “There should be the possibility of making married men priests,” Brunner said. There was no fundamental link between celibacy and the…

Demographics

Cuche becomes oldest man to win ski downhill

This content was published on Nov 29, 2009 Cuche, third in last season’s overall standings, earned his 11th World Cup victory in a time of one minute 50.31 seconds in Lake Louise in Canada on Saturday He was followed by Italy’s Werner Heel in 1:50.75 and Switzerland’s Carlo Janka in 1:50.93. Led by Cuche, it was a superb day in the Canadian Rockies…

Demographics

Federer denied London tennis finals

This content was published on Nov 28, 2009 It was the Russian’s first win over top-ranked Federer in 13 matches. However, the Swiss is assured of his position at the end of the year despite Saturday’s upset. Federer, who was broken three straight times in the first set, came within two points of winning while leading 5-4 in the third set. But sixth-seed…

Demographics

WTO protests in Geneva turn violent

This content was published on Nov 28, 2009 Witnesses said police in riot gear moved to head off a group of demonstrators intent on vandalism in the city’s main shopping street. More than 30 people were arrested. Geneva Police Chief Monica Bonfati said officers arrested four looters in addition to the protesters. In all, 33 people were detained. No injuries to police or…

Demographics

Provocative posters about disabled shelved

This content was published on Nov 28, 2009 Interior Minister Didier Burkhalter – in line with the Federal Social Security Office – decided against a second series of posters, to be published next spring, a spokesman confirmed. He added that the campaign had failed in its aim of tackling prejudices against the disabled. An initial campaign in November, which cost about SFr800,000 ($800,000),…

Culture

More government money for swissinfo.ch?

This content was published on Nov 27, 2009 The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation says in its financial report for the period 2011-2014 submitted to the cabinet on Friday, that it needs SFr54 million ($54.01 million) more per year on average to fulfil its mandate. The cabinet must decide how the budget can be balanced. One option is to allow more advertising and sponsoring. Services…

Culture

Old Bern – new perspectives

This content was published on Nov 27, 2009 Bern has managed to preserve its historical buildings while keeping up with the times.

Read more: Old Bern – new perspectives

Demographics

BMW finalises sale of Sauber racing team

This content was published on Nov 27, 2009 BMW decided earlier this year to pull out of Formula One racing. The company said on Friday that a previous agreement to sell the team to Qadbak Investments has been annulled. The team is based in Hinwil, not far from Zurich. The number of employees will be cut from 388 to about 250, BMW said…

Culture

bear poll

This content was published on Nov 27, 2009

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