Swiss Identity

Elderly battle to preserve political rights

This content was published on Aug 11, 2002 Last week, canton Bern ruled that a decision by the community of Madiswil to fix an upper age limit of 70 did not contravene the Swiss constitution. In May, the local council in the community, which is home to just 1,800 people, voted in favour of introducing an age limit. But Marie-Theresa Larcher, a spokeswoman…

Demographics

Hills alive with the sound of racing

This content was published on Aug 11, 2002 One of the most famous is the annual race from Sierre to Zinal in canton Valais, which took place at the weekend and is now in its 29th year. The Sierre-Zinal run is much the same as it was when it began in the 1970s, and the organisers remain as enthusiastic as ever about the…

Culture

Wet ravers groove to hot rhythms in Zurich

This content was published on Aug 10, 2002 Heavy clouds may have darkened the skies over Zurich for the city’s annual techno festival, but they couldn’t dampen partygoers’ spirits. Vibrant and outlandish costumes brought a welcome splash of colour to an otherwise grey and wet day. “I’m not worried about the cold, because I have the heat inside me,” one scantily-clad raver told…

Culture

Locarno copes with success

This content was published on Aug 10, 2002 This year the 15,000 locals have rubbed shoulders with cinematographic legends such as Sidney Pollack, directors, film buffs, critics and journalists from around the world. Organisation is a tall order but, says Michael Schandroch, director of tourism, there is no denying the impact the festival has on the town – and a welcome one at…

Swiss seek more consular protection abroad

This content was published on Aug 10, 2002 Switzerland’s consulates have this year already received a total of more than 1000 requests for assistance from Swiss citizens who run into trouble while away from home. Markus Börlin, acting head of the Swiss foreign ministry department which deals with consular protection, says the increasing demand for assistance can be explained by the fact that…

Demographics

Fagan seeks to consolidate cases against Swiss banks

This content was published on Aug 10, 2002 Speaking at a Manhattan federal court, Fagan, who is representing victims of South Africa’s Apartheid government, initiated a class-action lawsuit on Friday. US District Judge Richard Casey, who is presiding over the case, adjourned the case instructing both sides to negotiate with each other during the break. The class-action lawsuit seeks billions of dollars in…

Demographics

Legionella poses a threat in Switzerland

This content was published on Aug 9, 2002 Like most countries, Switzerland is permanently at risk of a major outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease like the one that has struck the northern English town of Barrow-in-Furness. There, one person has died and 94 people, most of them elderly, have been admitted to hospital. Legionella bacteria exist naturally in the environment, usually in quantities that…

Demographics

Detained Von Roll manager freed

This content was published on Aug 9, 2002 Von Roll said Lüthy had been freed on Friday after it paid bail of €200,000 (SFr292,000). Earlier the company had said Lüthy was expected to be released on Monday. The head of the company’s Inova division was taken into custody on July 6 and extradited to Germany where a warrant was out for his arrest…

Demographics

Case against Swiss ambassador hardens

This content was published on Aug 9, 2002 It has also been revealed that the Swiss authorities are now investigating the wife of Peter Friederich. She is suspected of aiding the ambassador who is alleged to have laundered SFr1.1 million ($730,000) through a Luxembourg bank. Hansjürg Mark Wiedmer, a spokesman for the Prosecutor’s Office, told swissinfo: “There is the question about her role.…

Demographics

Birdseye view of the Piazza Grande

This content was published on Aug 9, 2002 The Swiss-US co-production is not an easy film to follow, and directors Swiss-born Michael Huber and the American, Stephen Beckner, warned the audience beforehand that it would take some time to understand what was going on. Forewarned is forearmed and the directors’ advice should be well-heeded. Swiss tourist, thief and performance artist, Urs Vogelaug, otherwise…

Swiss Identity

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Swiss Identity

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Elderly battle to preserve political rights

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Hills alive with the sound of racing

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Wet ravers groove to hot rhythms in Zurich

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Locarno copes with success

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Swiss seek more consular protection abroad

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Fagan seeks to consolidate cases against Swiss banks

More

Legionella poses a threat in Switzerland

More

Detained Von Roll manager freed

More

Case against Swiss ambassador hardens

More

Birdseye view of the Piazza Grande

Popular Stories

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