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Swiss Politics

Rightwing sees no benefit in paid maternity leave

This content was published on Nov 6, 2003 Although the concept of statutory maternity leave was enshrined in the Swiss constitution in 1945, benefits for working mothers have yet to become law. Parliament approved a bill in September granting gainfully employed mothers 14 weeks’ paid maternity leave based on 80 per cent of their salary. But a referendum committee, which also includes members…

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Swiss Politics

Geneva peace plan launch postponed

This content was published on Nov 5, 2003 Wednesday’s announcement came as the United Nations secretary-general, Kofi Annan, praised the accord, saying it could work alongside the United-States backed “road map” for peace. The “Geneva Accord” was due to be launched by Palestinian and Israeli politicians in the Swiss city of Geneva on November 20, with the former United States President, Jimmy Carter,…

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Swiss Politics

Blocher sets out cabinet credentials

This content was published on Nov 3, 2003 Blocher said he was prepared to share responsibility for cabinet decisions, if elected to the seven-member government in next month’s parliamentary vote. The 63-year-old politician stressed once again, however, that he would lead the party into opposition if parliament fails to back his candidature. Having emerged as the country’s largest political party in last month’s…

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Swiss Politics

Centre-right goes on the offensive

This content was published on Oct 30, 2003 They want the Swiss People’s Party to be given the seat made vacant by the resignation of the Radical Party’s Kaspar Villiger. As is customary after every parliamentary election, each member of the seven-strong cabinet has to seek a renewed mandate to serve in office for another four years. The procedure is normally a formality,…

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Swiss Politics

Jimmy Carter backs Geneva peace plan

This content was published on Oct 30, 2003 The Bush administration has chosen to remain on the sidelines, while the Israeli government says it is unhappy with Switzerland’s role in the affair. Professor Alexis Keller, a Geneva-based academic and architect of the 60-page document, announced Carter’s support for the plan on Monday. The “Geneva Accord” covers many divisive issues between Israelis and Palestinians:…

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Swiss Politics

Five Radicals fight for seat in government

This content was published on Oct 29, 2003 Villiger – who heads the finance ministry – is to step down at the end of the year. Radical Women Christine Beerli, 50, is from canton Bern and has been a member of the Senate for the past 12 years. Beerli – who was the first politician to enter the race – is on the…

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Swiss Politics

Calmy-Rey presents peace plan to UN

This content was published on Oct 25, 2003 During her visit to New York, Calmy-Rey also held talks with Jewish organisations. After discussing the so-called Geneva Accord with the Swiss foreign minister, Annan said he would “study the document”. “The UN supports every contribution to a solution for the Middle East conflict,” said a spokesman for Annan’s office. The Geneva Accord was drafted…

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Swiss Politics

Donors pledge $33 billion to rebuild Iraq

This content was published on Oct 24, 2003 But Switzerland warned that security would have to be restored before meaningful reconstruction could take place. The pledges, including humanitarian and reconstruction aid, export credits and project finance, are a first step towards the $56 billion target set by the United Nations and World Bank for rebuilding Iraq over the next four years. Switzerland offered…

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Swiss Politics

Summit talks relaunch bilateral negotiations

This content was published on Oct 24, 2003 Both sides are hoping to end discussions this year, but it is likely to be an uphill struggle given the political and economic interests at stake. The Swiss president, Pascal Couchepin, and the European Commission president, Romano Prodi, met at the Jean Monnet Foundation in Lausanne, canton Vaud. Speaking in Lausanne, the EU commission president,…

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Swiss Politics

Rightwing success threatens bilateral agreements

This content was published on Oct 23, 2003 The main bones of contention are the Schengen-Dublin accords on crime and asylum, and the extension of an agreement on the free movement of people. Shortly after Sunday’s parliamentary election, the Swiss delegation met up with their EU counterparts for further discussions on the second set of bilateral accords. “We continue to work on the…

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