Swiss Politics

Swiss lead efforts to improve lot of migrants

This content was published on Jun 15, 2001 A two-day conference is underway in Bern, aimed at defining common ground between countries on the issue of migration. The meeting has attracted over 60 delegates from 30 different nations. One of the main problems regarding migration is that there are no international principles or conventions for dealing with the phenomenon. Migrants are therefore often…

Swiss Politics

Swiss spend SFr1.5 billion on development aid

This content was published on Jun 13, 2001 In GNP terms, Swiss development aid in 2000 fell slightly compared to the previous year, from 0.35 per cent to 0.34. This compares favourably to the US, which contributed only 0.1 per cent of its GNP to the developing world. However, figures from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD) show that Switzerland lags behind…

Swiss Politics

Metzler rules out political solution to immigrant occupation of church

This content was published on Jun 11, 2001 Two separate groups of immigrants have been occupying St. Paul’s Church in Fribourg and the Bellevaux church in Lausanne for more than a week in a bid to win the right to remain in Switzerland. The groups include immigrants from Africa, South America, the Balkans and the European Union. In an address to the House…

Swiss Politics

Army vote seen as sign that Switzerland is opening up

This content was published on Jun 11, 2001 But the papers were mindful of the slight margin of the government’s victory – 51 per cent in favour; 49 per cent against – and cautioned against triumphalism. “Setting Switzerland on a course of opening up gradually to the world will entail much hard work in the future,” the Zurich-based “Tages Anzeiger” said. For the…

Swiss Politics

People of Emmen more generous to foreigners

This content was published on Jun 10, 2001 The people of Emmen decided to approve 13 applications, covering 22 long-term foreign residents from Croatia, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Britain and Germany. “I am very proud about this election result,” said the mayor, Peter Schnellmann. “I hope this means the end to negative headlines on Emmen’s naturalisation process.” The issue of nationality is decided at community…

Swiss Politics

Wafer-thin majority approves Swiss army reforms

This content was published on Jun 10, 2001 The final outcome was in doubt until the very last of Switzerland’s 26 cantons -the populous regions of Bern, Zurich and Vaud – announced their results. Turnout was 41 per cent. Voters were deciding on two proposals, which will allow Swiss soldiers to be fully armed when taking part in international peacekeeping missions, and permit…

Swiss Politics

Geneva to share key information summit

This content was published on Jun 8, 2001 The ITU said in a press release it had decided to stage the second phase of the summit in Tunisia. The head of the organisation, Yoshio Utsumi, reportedly said he wished to undertake part of the conference in the developing world. The Swiss press reported that Tunisia’s allegedly dubious human rights record served to undermine…

Swiss Politics

Battle over army’s role unites left and right

This content was published on Jun 8, 2001 Latest opinion polls indicate that the gap between the proposals’ supporters and opponents is narrowing, but those advocating a “yes” vote remain in the majority. Although neither proposal would be controversial in most other European countries, in Switzerland they have come in for fierce opposition from both left- and right-wing circles. In neutral Switzerland the…

Swiss Politics

Emmen again under the spotlight in nationality vote

This content was published on Jun 8, 2001 The people of Emmen are voting on whether to give 22 long-term foreign residents Swiss nationality. The issue of nationality is decided at community level right across Switzerland, but Emmen is one of the few towns to put it to a secret ballot. In most places applications for Swiss citizenship are decided by an elected…

Swiss Politics

Military vote seen as test for UN membership decision

This content was published on Jun 8, 2001 Observers have said that a “no” vote in Sunday’s referendum could set back the chances of Switzerland joining the United Nations – an issue due to come to the vote next year. Although the Swiss government’s policy goals include membership of the UN and European Union, Swiss voters have traditionally shown little enthusiasm for joining…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Swiss lead efforts to improve lot of migrants

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Swiss spend SFr1.5 billion on development aid

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Metzler rules out political solution to immigrant occupation of church

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Army vote seen as sign that Switzerland is opening up

More

People of Emmen more generous to foreigners

More

Wafer-thin majority approves Swiss army reforms

More

Geneva to share key information summit

More

Battle over army’s role unites left and right

More

Emmen again under the spotlight in nationality vote

More

Military vote seen as test for UN membership decision

Popular Stories

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