Swiss Politics

Controversial new Swiss embassy opens in Berlin

This content was published on May 11, 2001 About 200 guests, including the Swiss president, Moritz Leuenberger, are attending the opening party. Many eyes, however, will also be on Shawne Fielding, wife of ambassador Thomas Borer. Her revealing pictures for a German magazine last week caused a storm, and initial doubts whether she would be allowed to attend the event. She confirmed her…

Swiss Politics

Bern’s Burghers still thriving after 800 years

This content was published on May 11, 2001 The “Bürgergemeinden” – called “Patriziate” in Ticino and “Bourgeoisie” in Valais – are legally incorporated entities, often dating back to the Middle Ages. Over the centuries their members acquired power, wealth and influence. Today, although they no longer rule their communities, their wealth and influence remain. In rural areas these associations often began with groups…

Swiss Politics

Russians return blocked Swiss military equipment

This content was published on May 10, 2001 The convoy, carrying 50 small Pinzgauer trucks, was stopped by the Russians near the Azerbaijan border in September. Another transport destined for Georgia, which was held up near the Ukraine border, had 27 tonnes of items such as old winter uniforms and sanitary equipment. It was released by the Russians last month. The Russians complained…

Swiss Politics

Former Swiss state secretary dies

This content was published on May 10, 2001 Probst was in favour of an active and pragmatic foreign policy, and an advocate of United Nations membership. Probst was born in 1919 in Geneva, and was then brought up in Biel and Latvia, where his father worked for the Swiss watch industry. After obtaining a doctorate in law at the University of Bern, Probst…

Swiss Politics

New old age pension scheme squeaks through parliament

This content was published on May 9, 2001 In the final vote on the law, 62 members voted in favour, 60 against and there were 63 abstentions. Analysts said few of the parties were satisfied with the result. The interior minister, Ruth Dreifuss, said she did not wish to dramatise the result of the vote. “It’s a tactical vote, we all wanted to…

Swiss Politics

Affolter to give controversial bonus to charity

This content was published on May 6, 2001 In an interview with the SonntagsZeitung newspaper, Affotler said he would be donating his bonus to the charity SOS Children’s Villages, which cares for orphans. “I have been in contact with SOS Children’s Villages for several months and I have announced a major donation,” he revealed. News of Affolter’s charitable act added a fresh twist…

Swiss Politics

EU opposed to Swiss involvement in education

This content was published on May 4, 2001 The Commission said its decision was motivated by Switzerland’s ambiguous attitude towards the EU. Although the Swiss government has said it is committed to eventual membership, voters last March rejected a proposal to start immediate talks on accession. The commission said it remained committed to increased cooperation with Switzerland. But it stressed that it was…

Swiss Politics

Belgrade asks Swiss for help in democratising security forces

This content was published on May 4, 2001 “There’s a clear feeling in Belgrade that they need to move towards Europe, not just institutionally, but also in terms of political culture,” says Theodor Winkler, director of the Geneva-based centre. “President Kostunica believes we can respond to a direct need of his government,” he told swissinfo. The Centre is still only six months old,…

Swiss Politics

De-mining project begins in Albania with Swiss support

This content was published on May 3, 2001 They will be trained by six international supervisors, including two members of the Swiss army. The project is being supported by the Swiss Federation for De-mining. Northern Albania was heavily mined by Serb forces during the conflict in Kosovo in 1999, in an attempt to prevent cross border incursions by the Kosovo Liberation Army. In…

Swiss Politics

Democracy at its most direct in Appenzell

This content was published on Apr 30, 2001 The open air vote, known as the “Landsgemeinde”, is a tradition which dates back to the 14th century, and the only way to really understand its significance is to experience it at first hand. On this special Sunday the local train to Appenzell is unusually full, there is an atmosphere of excitement in the air,…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Controversial new Swiss embassy opens in Berlin

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Bern’s Burghers still thriving after 800 years

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Russians return blocked Swiss military equipment

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Former Swiss state secretary dies

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New old age pension scheme squeaks through parliament

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Affolter to give controversial bonus to charity

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EU opposed to Swiss involvement in education

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Belgrade asks Swiss for help in democratising security forces

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De-mining project begins in Albania with Swiss support

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Democracy at its most direct in Appenzell

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