Swiss Politics

Cabinet vote challenges status quo

This content was published on Nov 21, 2003 Political analyst Hans Hirter told swissinfo he expected some changes but did not think they would necessarily signal the end of consensus politics. Since October’s parliamentary elections, speculation has been rife about what will happen when parliament chooses the seven-strong cabinet in December. Attention has focused particularly on the fate of the two centre-right parties…

Swiss Politics

Swiss expert fears Iran’s nuclear ambitions

This content was published on Nov 20, 2003 As the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meets in Vienna to decide the matter, Christoph Wirz says Iran’s denials are simply not credible. The nuclear specialist works at the Spiez Laboratory, the Swiss government’s nuclear, biological and chemical defence establishment. Writing in the “Allgemeine Schweizerische Militärzeitschrift”, a Swiss military journal, Wirz questions why an oil…

Swiss Politics

Commission recommends tightening asylum law

This content was published on Nov 17, 2003 Monday’s recommendation by a parliamentary commission is part of a revision of the Swiss asylum law. Charles-Albert Antille, head of the House of Representatives’ commission, said the move was designed to send a signal to uncooperative countries. He added that cuts would only be made to development aid funding and would not apply in situations…

Swiss Politics

Run-off elections confirm polarisation of politics

This content was published on Nov 9, 2003 Both the centre-left Social Democratic Party and the rightwing Swiss People’s Party made gains in the votes, which took place in cantons Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Schwyz and Vaud. The centre-right Radical Party lost three seats in the elections – two to the Social Democrats in Neuchâtel and Fribourg, and one to the People’s Party in Schwyz.…

Swiss Politics

Blocher says he’s no rabble-rouser

This content was published on Nov 9, 2003 The ministerial candidate told swissinfo that, if elected, he would continue to lobby for less state intervention in Switzerland. Blocher is bidding for a seat in the seven-member Swiss cabinet, following the rightwing People’s Party’s success in last month’s parliamentary elections in which they gained 26.6 per cent of the popular vote. As well as…

Swiss Politics

New date set for launch of Geneva peace plan

This content was published on Nov 8, 2003 The launch of the Geneva Accord had been postponed to allow time for the document to be distributed to Israeli and Palestinian homes. The Swiss foreign ministry said on Friday the negotiators would meet in the Swiss city of Geneva for the launch ceremony. The accord was signed by a former Israeli cabinet minister, Yossi…

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…

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,…

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…

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,…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Cabinet vote challenges status quo

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Swiss expert fears Iran’s nuclear ambitions

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Commission recommends tightening asylum law

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Run-off elections confirm polarisation of politics

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Blocher says he’s no rabble-rouser

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New date set for launch of Geneva peace plan

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Rightwing sees no benefit in paid maternity leave

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Geneva peace plan launch postponed

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Blocher sets out cabinet credentials

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Centre-right goes on the offensive

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