Swiss Politics

Elections pit right against centre-left

This content was published on Jan 8, 2007 The centre-left Social Democrats and the rightwing Swiss People’s Party are vying to emerge as the largest of the four main parties in parliament. Launching the campaign for the Social Democrats on Monday, President Hans-Jürg Fehr said their aim was to overtake the People’s Party in parliament and challenge the current make-up of the four-party…

Swiss Politics

Biggest neighbour takes on EU presidency

This content was published on Jan 3, 2007 Berlin is very well acquainted with Switzerland and the relationship could have an effect on the Swiss-EU bilateral treaties. But Germany’s traditionally close relationship with Switzerland will not be a theme of its EU presidency. In fact, Switzerland is not to be found in a presidency programme that gives China, Japan and Canada at least…

Swiss Politics

Helping young adults avoid the poverty trap

This content was published on Jan 3, 2007 A large number of young people are dependent on welfare, with 18-25 year olds comprising the second largest group drawing benefits. The Conference of Social Institutions wants to increase social provision, including apprenticeship positions for teenagers with learning and other difficulties. On Wednesday it proposed extending compulsory schooling or training by two years to 18…

Swiss Politics

Mediator between people and government

This content was published on Jan 1, 2007 In her New Year’s Day address, Calmy-Rey said she wanted to play the role of mediator between the Swiss people and the government. “I am particularly fond of this mediating role,” she declared in her speech broadcast on Swiss radio and television. According to Calmy-Rey, the Swiss presidency is “a marvellous opportunity” to listen to…

Swiss Politics

Calmy-Rey prepares for new presidential role

This content was published on Jan 1, 2007 In an interview with swissinfo, she praises the role of the Swiss abroad, who she hopes to meet during her travels this year, and calls on the Swiss people to reflect on what binds them together as a nation. Calmy-Rey, who assumes the ceremonial one-year post from Moritz Leuenberger, becomes only the second woman to…

Swiss Politics

Sense of duty leads to serving Swiss abroad

This content was published on Dec 31, 2006 In an interview with swissinfo, he says he has no intention of stepping down as vice-president of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) and gives a preview of his future plans. Next year the centre-right Liberal, who has decided not to stand for re-election, will complete his 24th and final year as a member…

Swiss Politics

Voters take law into own hands in 2006

This content was published on Dec 26, 2006 Ten were launched in 2006 – the largest number for eight years, however well short of the record set in 1998 when 19 were tabled. Experts were surprised by the large number of people’s initiatives set in motion this year, after the launch of only two in 2005. There was much talk at the time…

Swiss Politics

Leuenberger appeals for collegiality

This content was published on Dec 24, 2006 Leuenberger, who holds the largely ceremonial post of Swiss president until the end of the year, said he believes in unity and collegiality – but also in compromise. “For example, the modernisation of the pension scheme will probably succeed only with a broad political compromise,” he told the SonntagsZeitung newspaper in an interview. “That could…

Happy family: (left to right) Leuenberger, Calmy-Rey, Couchepin, Blocher

Swiss Politics

Ministers prefer to spend holidays at home

This content was published on Dec 23, 2006 Moritz Leuenberger, who holds the largely ceremonial position of Swiss president until the end of the year, will “keep watch”, although all ministers will be in close contact with their offices. Having wrapped up the final cabinet session of the year on Thursday, the Swiss government is winding down and preparing for the festive period.…

Swiss Politics

Global index puts spotlight on human rights

This content was published on Dec 21, 2006 Funded by the Swiss government, the SFr450,000 ($370,000) Universal Human Rights Index shows which countries are making progress and which are continuing to flout international conventions. The database, which took three years to develop, is designed to ease access to documents issued by the seven United Nations human rights treaty bodies and reports commissioned by…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Elections pit right against centre-left

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Biggest neighbour takes on EU presidency

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Helping young adults avoid the poverty trap

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Mediator between people and government

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Calmy-Rey prepares for new presidential role

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Sense of duty leads to serving Swiss abroad

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Voters take law into own hands in 2006

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Leuenberger appeals for collegiality

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Ministers prefer to spend holidays at home

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Global index puts spotlight on human rights

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