Swiss Politics

Swiss recognise Kosovo independence

This content was published on Feb 27, 2008 President Pascal Couchepin said Switzerland would establish diplomatic relations with the breakaway Serbian province after it declared independence ten days ago. Couchepin said the government took the decision on Wednesday following consultations with two key parliamentary committees. He said the government welcomed a commitment by the authorities in Kosovo to protect ethnic minorities and accept…

Swiss Politics

Swiss to vote on executive salaries

This content was published on Feb 26, 2008 The group calling itself the committee against the “rip-off mentality” said it had collected nearly 118,600 names for its people’s initiative since the launch of the campaign in October 2006. Thomas Minder, the businessman behind the initiative, said he had deliberately chosen Tuesday to hand in the signatures to the federal authorities in Bern. He…

Swiss Politics

Photo finish decides vote on company tax cuts

This content was published on Feb 24, 2008 The reform, which was endorsed by parliament last year, scraped just over 50 per cent of the vote. It had been contested by centre-left parties and trade unions. Merz said he was relieved that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would now benefit from the package of measures aimed at reducing the financial and administrative burden.…

Swiss Politics

Thousands rally against Kosovo independence

This content was published on Feb 24, 2008 Police put the number of demonstrators at between 3,500 and 4,000, while organisers spoke of 8,000. The demonstrators waved Serbian flags and placards, and listened to speeches and music. A smaller demonstration took place in Zurich on Saturday. Serbia’s ambassador to Switzerland has warned Switzerland of the consequences of recognising Kosovo. “Switzerland would put its…

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…

Swiss Politics

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Swiss Politics

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Swiss Politics

More

Swiss recognise Kosovo independence

More

Swiss to vote on executive salaries

More

Photo finish decides vote on company tax cuts

More

Thousands rally against Kosovo independence

More

Geneva says “no” to free public transport

More

Result on tax breaks promises to be close

More

Swiss vote on ban on jets and tax breaks

More

Jet noise and tax breaks await voters’ say

More

Serbs demonstrate against Kosovo independence

More

Switzerland ends military mission in Afghanistan

Popular Stories

Most Discussed