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Swiss Politics

Geneva says “no” to free public transport

This content was published on Feb 24, 2008 The controversial proposal, which was supported by leftwing groups, unions and an association for retired people, was rejected by 67 per cent of Geneva voters on Sunday. Geneva senator Robert Cramer told journalists he was both pleased and relieved by the result. “If it had been accepted, it would have led to a considerable reduction…

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Result on tax breaks promises to be close

This content was published on Feb 24, 2008 But projections indicate a very close result on planned tax breaks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The parliamentary decision was challenged to a nationwide vote by the centre left. The proposal to ban training flights is set to be rejected, with nearly 70 per cent of voters against, according to the gfs.berne polling and…

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Swiss Politics

Swiss vote on ban on jets and tax breaks

This content was published on Feb 24, 2008 The electorate also had the final say on proposed tax breaks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The centre-left challenged a parliamentary decision in a nationwide ballot. First results are expected shortly. The fiscal reform is likely to win a majority, while the proposal to ban training flights is set to be rejected, according to…

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Swiss Politics

Jet noise and tax breaks await voters’ say

This content was published on Feb 23, 2008 The electorate also has the final say on proposed tax breaks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The centre-left is challenging a parliamentary decision in a nationwide ballot. They argue the fiscal reform will result in a shortfall in revenue for social security schemes because it offers shareholders a reduction in tax on dividends and…

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Swiss Politics

Serbs demonstrate against Kosovo independence

This content was published on Feb 23, 2008 The meeting had been called by pro-Serbia groups, and had been given official permission. The demonstrators waved Serbian flags and chanted anti-independence slogans, such as “Kosovo is Serbia” and “We shall not give Kosovo away.” A speaker criticised Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey for her support for Kosovo independence, and accused her of having shaken…

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Swiss Politics

Switzerland ends military mission in Afghanistan

This content was published on Feb 23, 2008 The Swiss defence ministry said on Saturday that the last two officers had come home from the northeastern Kunduz province two weeks ago, in accordance with the plan announced by Defence Minister Samuel Schmid in November. “The two Swiss officers could no longer carry out their mission effectively because of the measures taken by the…

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Swiss Politics

Swiss one step closer to recognising Kosovo

This content was published on Feb 22, 2008 The foreign affairs committee of the House of Representatives on Friday followed the lead of the Senate committee in recommending that cabinet recognise the independence of the former Serb province. But the House of Representatives committee, which voted 15 to ten in favour of recognition, advised that the government find a way to do this…

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Boosting voting rights for Swiss abroad

This content was published on Feb 22, 2008 The committee was split on the issue of whether non-resident Swiss should be granted a separate constituency and two seats in the Senate. With the casting vote of its speaker, it decided against, according to an official statement. The House of Representatives – and possibly the Senate – will vote on the proposal by Geneva-based…

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Swiss Politics

Cabinet opposes arms exports ban

This content was published on Feb 22, 2008 A Swiss economics ministry statement said, however, that the cabinet was prepared to take a closer look at the current export criteria for arms, to ensure no controversial deals could be carried out in the future. Critics have raised questions in the past over exports to both Chad and Pakistan. The initiative was launched by…

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Swiss Politics

Experts divided over Swiss soldiers in Kosovo

This content was published on Feb 20, 2008 For some experts and politicians there are political and diplomatic reasons why Swisscoy should not remain in the former Serbian province, which proclaimed itself independent on Sunday. Swisscoy, part of the multinational Kosovo force (Kfor), has been present in Kosovo since 1999. The unit’s 220 members are mostly stationed in Suva Reka and their main…

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