Swiss Politics

The lure of the old country

This content was published on Jan 5, 2003 Many descendants of Swiss emigrants to Argentina are applying for Swiss citizenship – but the door is only open to applicants under the age of 32. Some 14,800 Swiss citizens are currently registered at the Swiss embassy in Buenos Aires, but there are an estimated 100,000 people of Swiss descent living in the country. The…

Swiss voters being polled to the limit

This content was published on Jan 5, 2003 Polling experts are warning that voters are likely to be hopelessly confused by the multitude of proposals leading to a meaningless result. “Voting on nine issues in one day could turn out to be a political catastrophe,” Claude Longchamp, political scientist at a leading research institute, GfS, told swissinfo. Under Switzerland’s system of direct democracy,…

Swiss Politics

Couchepin says Swiss can do more for country

This content was published on Jan 3, 2003 In the traditional president’s New Year’s speech, Couchepin also called on Swiss citizens to become more involved in public life. “Mistakes have been made,” said Couchepin. “But we have to decide if we are to dwell on the negatives, or if we want to build a democratic society capable of reforming itself.” Couchepin added that…

Swiss Politics

Entertainer found peace on Lake Geneva

This content was published on Dec 23, 2002 Chaplin’s son, Michael, spoke to swissinfo during a tour of the family estate about the film legend’s Swiss years and plans to turn the house into a museum. The library at the Manoir de Ban, in Corsier-sur-Vevey, is still much as the great film-maker left it when he died in his sleep in the early…

Swiss Politics

NGOs sound alarm over child migrants

This content was published on Dec 22, 2002 In 2001, over 1,400 unaccompanied children – some abandoned babies – arrived in Switzerland. Aid groups claim current Swiss provision for asylum seekers is suitable for adults, but inadequate for youngsters who have arrived in the country alone. “I would say the number of unaccompanied minors arriving in Switzerland is growing, ” said Anne-Marie Deutschlander,…

Swiss Politics

Seeking a better life

This content was published on Dec 20, 2002 Tal, who is 16, has been in Switzerland for almost two years, and made the long journey from Mali by bicycle, boat and train. “When I got off the boat in Italy I thought I could apply for asylum there,” he told swissinfo. “But I was told I had no chance and that I should…

Former intelligence boss reacts to report

This content was published on Dec 20, 2002 However, it did criticise his conduct and his links to the apartheid intelligence services. In an interview with swissinfo, Regli said he was pleased the long-running saga had finally come to an end. But he said it was clear that the professor who headed the inquiry, Rainer Schweizer, did not understand the functioning and the…

Swiss Politics

Afghanistan eyes Swiss constitutional model

This content was published on Dec 19, 2002 The visit followed an approach to the Swiss government earlier this year by the Afghan president, Hamid Karzai. The mission came ahead of a conference in Rome last week when 30 countries, including Switzerland, continued discussions on reforming Afghan society and its institutions. Afghanistan has until the end of 2003 to have its new charter…

Swiss Politics

Swiss Abroad to be polled ahead of elections

This content was published on Dec 17, 2002 The online survey’s main goal is to find out more about the political awareness of non-resident Swiss and to determine which factors influence their voting patterns. A handpicked few will be shortly sent written invitations to participate in the survey. The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) is leading the project, in collaboration with swissinfo…

Swiss Politics

Security key to rebuilding Afghanistan

This content was published on Dec 17, 2002 They were commenting at a meeting in Norway by the International Afghanistan Support Group, which discussed the country’s continuing aid requirements. A key concern among delegates was that there are insufficient security forces to maintain law and order across the country, especially outside the capital, Kabul. They say this is hampering efforts to rebuild the…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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The lure of the old country

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Swiss voters being polled to the limit

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Couchepin says Swiss can do more for country

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Entertainer found peace on Lake Geneva

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NGOs sound alarm over child migrants

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Seeking a better life

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Former intelligence boss reacts to report

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Afghanistan eyes Swiss constitutional model

More

Swiss Abroad to be polled ahead of elections

More

Security key to rebuilding Afghanistan

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