Swiss Identity

Parliament debates relaxing cannabis law

This content was published on Sep 23, 2003 If the proposals become law, Switzerland would have one of the most liberal policies on cannabis in Europe. The Senate has already approved legislation that would allow possession and production of cannabis for personal use, as well as limited trade in the drug. But even if the proposals are backed by parliament, there are already…

Demographics

Parliament backs tough action on domestic violence

This content was published on Sep 23, 2003 Parliamentarians voted unanimously in favour of the bill, which will allow authorities to prosecute offenders without needing an official complaint from the victim. Under the proposals, domestic violence will be classed as a specific crime rather than falling into the category of grievous bodily harm – making it easier for the courts to handle cases.…

Culture

The Narrative Trio: Storybook

This content was published on Sep 22, 2003

Culture

British artist draws on black humour

This content was published on Sep 22, 2003 The young artist is viewed as one of the foremost representatives of the new generation who have chosen drawing as their métier. Yet as can be seen from his work, Shrigley seems uninterested in formal drawing skills, and many of his pictures – including paintings – are accompanied by crude handwriting. But it somehow comes…

Demographics

Metzler calls for tighter gun controls

This content was published on Sep 21, 2003 In a newspaper interview, Metzler said all firearms should be centrally registered. There are between one and three million guns in Switzerland, according to the justice minister, who described the situation as “worrying”. A “Small Arms Survey” by the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva found that there are 1.2 million guns in private…

Culture

Exhibition traces the roots of Swiss television

This content was published on Sep 19, 2003 Each room has been recreated to bring to life viewing habits over the years in the country’s German, French and Italian cultural regions. But “Prime Time” – as the exhibition is called – goes much further than turning the spotlight on the viewers, exploring the cultural history of the medium. It includes a “boulevard” of…

Culture

Web looms large in battle for votes

This content was published on Sep 19, 2003 There are even sites which enable voters to identify politicians whose ideas and priorities are closest to their own. Although e-voting is not yet a reality, the 2003 vote is already being dubbed the first online election. Almost all the candidates have a presence on the Internet, either individually or on the website of their…

Culture

Historic buildings threatened by budget cuts

This content was published on Sep 18, 2003 The top prize went to the Hotel Giessbach on Lake Brienz, but there was widespread concern for the future of other historic hotels and monuments in urgent need of restoration. Wednesday’s presentation by the Swiss-branch of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos) is designed to reward and encourage the preservation of Switzerland’s illustrious…

Demographics

Parliament agrees to paid maternity leave

This content was published on Sep 18, 2003 Gainfully employed mothers will now receive 14 weeks’ paid maternity leave, based on 80 per cent of their salary. However, the rightwing Swiss People’s Party has threatened to challenge the bill in a nationwide vote, claiming statutory maternity leave will cost too much. Parliament is currently debating controversial proposals to slash public spending by SFr3.3…

Demographics

UN slams Swiss for failing to protect children

This content was published on Sep 18, 2003 The study criticised Swiss child protection laws as inadequate, because they fail to penalise some types of violence, such as corporal punishment. Entitled “Child Maltreatment Deaths in Rich Nations”, the report – the first to assess violence against children in developed countries – found that the subject was still a taboo in most countries. Unicef…

Swiss Identity

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Swiss Identity

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Parliament debates relaxing cannabis law

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Parliament backs tough action on domestic violence

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The Narrative Trio: Storybook

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British artist draws on black humour

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Metzler calls for tighter gun controls

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Exhibition traces the roots of Swiss television

More

Web looms large in battle for votes

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Historic buildings threatened by budget cuts

More

Parliament agrees to paid maternity leave

More

UN slams Swiss for failing to protect children

Popular Stories

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