Swiss Politics

Party calls for more discipline in schools

This content was published on Aug 23, 2008 Party delegates unanimously backed the move at a congress on Saturday focusing on teaching. Party leader Toni Brunner talked of a lack of discipline in classrooms and more violence on playgrounds – a “resounding failure” of current scholastic and educational theories. “It is high time to restore order in the educational and pedagogical chaos and…

Swiss Politics

Expats slam budget cuts but push e-voting

This content was published on Aug 22, 2008 The assembly, which represents the Swiss expatriate community around the world, also came out in favour of continuing and extending a key labour accord with the European Union, – a parliamentary decision which might come to come to nationwide vote next year. The meeting on Friday appealed to the cantonal authorities –which are in charge…

Swiss Politics

Expats push e-voting despite political hurdles

This content was published on Aug 22, 2008 Switzerland is at the forefront of efforts to introduce electronic voting and e-government in Europe. But progress is slow because of the country’s federalist political system and multilingualism, as well as politicians who fear they could lose out. The Council of the Swiss Abroad, a senior body within the OSA, is widely expected to approve…

Swiss Politics

Swiss urged to accept three Guantanamo inmates

This content was published on Aug 21, 2008 The three – a Libyan, an Algerian and a Chinese – are free to leave if they find a safe haven. Swiss authorities confirmed that they had received the applications for asylum. “We have started examining these cases and will handle them according to the same criteria as other asylum requests received from abroad,” commented…

Swiss Politics

Breeding hope

This content was published on Aug 21, 2008 Switzerland is supporting the Poverty Alleviation Through Livestock Development (PALD) scheme in three northern provinces. It is aimed at increasing farmers’ wealth through initiatives such as pig breeding. swissinfo visited several projects. (Text and pictures: Andrea Arcidiacono)

Civilian service boosts numbers

This content was published on Aug 21, 2008 The period of duty for conscientious objectors is 50 per cent longer than the mandatory regular service in the militia army. The economics ministry said there were 991 requests, an 18 per cent rise compared with the same period last year. Some 3.6 per cent of applicants were refused. A total of 12,103 people were…

Swiss Politics

Mass drinking gives authorities a headache

This content was published on Aug 21, 2008 But the police, who want to enforce greater control and responsibility for the mess left behind, are caught in legally uncharted waters. On July 18 around 1,300 young people turned up unannounced at a Geneva park with vast quantities of alcohol, drank it all – peacefully – and went home. Some politicians want to ban…

Swiss Politics

Government accepts army chief’s notice

This content was published on Aug 20, 2008 Nef had announced he wanted to step down last month after allegations of sexual harassment and questions about his integrity. President Pascal Couchepin told a news conference after the meeting on Wednesday that Nef would receive a “suitable” amount. Later it was announced that his severance pay would be SFr275,000 ($250,592). In other business, Couchepin…

Swiss Politics

Women call for end to military service

This content was published on Aug 19, 2008 A system of men and women volunteers, instead of conscription, would lead to more equality in the armed forces and put Switzerland in line with many European countries, according to the women’s chapter of the centre-left Social Democratic Party. The Swiss Society of Officers opposes the move, saying it would result in a shortage of…

Swiss Politics

New body aims to streamline Swiss politics

This content was published on Aug 18, 2008 From August 18 Swiss political power will no longer be concentrated under the sparkling dome of the Swiss parliament and government building. The House of Cantons, located not far from parliament, will also host discussions and decisions that affect the entire country. “The cantons currently work together in really varied areas, from education and justice…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Party calls for more discipline in schools

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Expats slam budget cuts but push e-voting

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Expats push e-voting despite political hurdles

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Swiss urged to accept three Guantanamo inmates

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Breeding hope

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Civilian service boosts numbers

More

Mass drinking gives authorities a headache

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Government accepts army chief’s notice

More

Women call for end to military service

More

New body aims to streamline Swiss politics

Popular Stories

Most Discussed