Swiss Identity

Einsiedeln displays world’s largest nativity scene

This content was published on Nov 28, 2000 From December 2 to 10, more than 450 colourful and detailed figurines placed in front of landscape paintings will tell the story from the birth of baby Jesus to the exile in Egypt. At the same time, the local museum, “Chärnehus”, is putting on a special exhibition of nativity scenes, big and small, as well…

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Alpine legends and tall tales

This content was published on Nov 28, 2000 I’m disappointed to find that the building housing the Alpine Club is tucked away on a litter-strewn side street on the edge of the area known as “The City”. A small unassuming plaque on the outside door is all that gives it away. In keeping with the dishevelled appearance of the street, the rooms inside…

Culture

Jura makes history by electing foreigners to local office

This content was published on Nov 27, 2000 The four foreigners – three Italians and a Spaniard – were elected to the local authority in Delémont, the capital of canton Jura, which has 51 elected members. The four – all civil servants in Delémont – were among seven foreigners who stood for office for the first time. One Italian and the Spaniard stood…

Demographics

Safety label recommended for adventure sports

This content was published on Nov 27, 2000 Forty members of Switzerland’s adventure sports industry, representatives of the ministry for sport and cantonal officials concluded on Monday that such a label was necessary countrywide. The need to guarantee the quality of companies offering outdoor activities containing an element of risk has become of paramount importance. The considerations follow a heated debate in Switzerland…

Demographics

Switzerland steps up fight against organised crime

This content was published on Nov 27, 2000 The cabinet also formally approved an amendment to the penal code to include genocide as a punishable offence. The UN convention obliges signatory states to step up the fight against money laundering, corruption and obstruction of the justice authorities. The agreement applies only to crimes committed by organisations active in several states. Offenders face a…

Demographics

Zurich hosts six-day cycling race

This content was published on Nov 27, 2000 Markus Zberg and Oscar Camenzind are among the well-known Swiss cyclists who are taking part in the indoor event from Monday to Saturday. Their inclusion is a last ditch attempt to rescue six-day cycling from its sharp decline in recent years. In the 1997/98 season, the six-day cycling circuit counted 17 races, but this year…

Demographics

Canton Vaud cracks down on building site transgressions

This content was published on Nov 27, 2000 The problem was considered serious enough for Vaud to create a special commission and appoint two inspectors to check the legality of the building sites. The canton proudly claims to be the first to have the means to carry out an effective fight against illegal work in the construction sector. While other cantons, notably Geneva…

Culture

Regional divisions in Switzerland highlighted by federal votes

This content was published on Nov 27, 2000 The split was reinforced by the difference in voting patterns between French- and German-speaking areas over a proposal to cut army spending, and two initiatives to introduce a more flexible retirement age. All three measures were rejected, but most French-speaking areas voted in favour of slashing defence spending. And, along with the Italian-speaking southern canton…

Demographics

Lugano triumph over Kiev in Continental Cup

This content was published on Nov 26, 2000 Sunday’s matches were part of a four-team semi-final round with only one side progressing to January’s finals in Zurich. Lugano swept past Kiev with a final score of 7-4 (3-1 4-2 0-1), but Ambri had a tougher struggle against the German side, losing 1-3 (0-1 0-1 1-1). The Munich squad now head the group, with…

Demographics

Cuche disappoints in World Cup Super-G

This content was published on Nov 26, 2000 Cuche finished the race with a time of 1:30:51, nearly one minute slower than Hermann Maier’s triumphant 1:29:53. Norway’s Lasse Kjuss clinched a podium-finish for the second day in a row, placing second (1:30:25). On Saturday, Switzerland’s Silvano Beltrametti did his country proud with a second-place finish in a World Cup downhill race – also…

Swiss Identity

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Swiss Identity

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Einsiedeln displays world’s largest nativity scene

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Alpine legends and tall tales

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Jura makes history by electing foreigners to local office

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Safety label recommended for adventure sports

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Switzerland steps up fight against organised crime

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Zurich hosts six-day cycling race

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Canton Vaud cracks down on building site transgressions

More

Regional divisions in Switzerland highlighted by federal votes

More

Lugano triumph over Kiev in Continental Cup

More

Cuche disappoints in World Cup Super-G

Popular Stories

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