Swiss Politics

Switzerland “failed” would-be Hitler assassin

This content was published on Nov 7, 2008 President Pascal Couchepin admitted on Friday that the Swiss government at the time could have done more to defend Maurice Bavaud. The theology student was guillotined in a Berlin prison in 1941 aged 25, having been publicly condemned by the Swiss ambassador to Germany. “With hindsight, the then Swiss authorities did too little to intervene…

Swiss Politics

First state visit to Turkey begins

This content was published on Nov 7, 2008 It is the second visit in a week to Turkey by a Swiss government minister and represents an improvement of relations between the two countries. Couchepin – Switzerland’s interior minister who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year – will meet President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his four-day visit. They…

Swiss Politics

Lake Geneva region faces transport gridlock

This content was published on Nov 7, 2008 This week the Conseil du Léman cross-border organisation presented a proposal for a coordinated regional transport solution, which outlines the most pressing needs of the region. The Lake Geneva region is undergoing an unprecedented business boom. Over the past ten years it has managed to register consistently above-average growth, attracting new companies and residents. Over…

Swiss Politics

Would-be Hitler assassin rehabilitated

This content was published on Nov 7, 2008 President Pascal Couchepin admitted on Friday that the Swiss government at the time could have done more to defend Maurice Bavaud. The young theology student was guillotined in a Berlin prison in 1941. “With hindsight, the then Swiss authorities did too little to intervene on behalf of the condemned person… he deserves our recognition,” Couchepin…

Swiss Politics

National flu campaign gets a boost

This content was published on Nov 7, 2008 They say not only those people at particular risk, including the elderly, should be immunised but also those who come into regular contact with them. A national flu vaccination day is being held on Friday. But there is no reason to panic about a virulent strain of flu coming from Australia, say officials. The call…

Swiss Politics

Government pushes gender equality scheme

This content was published on Nov 6, 2008 In a report issued to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Federal Gender Equality Office this week, it says that many more women are now in employment, their level of education is rising, and they are playing a greater role in politics than was the case in 1988. The principle of gender equality was…

Swiss Politics

Defence minister treated in hospital

This content was published on Nov 6, 2008 A ministry statement said there were no complications, but that he would remain in hospital for 48 hours. He was admitted on Wednesday evening. Schmid’s appointments have been cancelled for Thursday and Friday. It is not clear whether he will be back at work next week. If not, his deputy, Finance Minister Hans-Rudolf Merz will…

Swiss Politics

Swiss press moved by “yes we can” president

This content was published on Nov 6, 2008 They were in agreement that Obama would help overcome racial discrimination in the US but there were words of caution in some of the commentaries. “The whole world is counting on Obama” was the front-page headline in the tabloid Blick, above a picture of the president-elect carrying a globe on his shoulders. “What the people…

Swiss Politics

Road safety package presented in Bern

This content was published on Nov 5, 2008 The plans, announced on Wednesday and sent out for consultation to organisations concerned, also include the obligation for cyclists to wear a helmet and courses for road users. At a news conference in Bern on Wednesday, Transport Minister Moritz Leuenberger said the aim was to reduce further the number of accidents involving deaths and serious…

Swiss Politics

Foreign policy under Obama remains an unknown

This content was published on Nov 5, 2008 Analysts in Switzerland say that although the historic election result will have a profound effect domestically, Obama’s strategy for dealing with the rest of the world is yet to be determined. “A more than 200-year history of discrimination and disenfranchisement of black Americans has, if not come to an end, been radically challenged,” Professor James…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Switzerland “failed” would-be Hitler assassin

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First state visit to Turkey begins

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Lake Geneva region faces transport gridlock

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Would-be Hitler assassin rehabilitated

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National flu campaign gets a boost

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Government pushes gender equality scheme

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Defence minister treated in hospital

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Swiss press moved by “yes we can” president

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Road safety package presented in Bern

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Foreign policy under Obama remains an unknown

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