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Swiss Politics

Swiss voters approve historic accords with European Union

This content was published on May 21, 2000 There was a clear majority in French- and German-speaking cantons. Two cantons, Italian-speaking Ticino and Schwyz in central Switzerland, came out against the accords. In the German-speaking part of the country, the cantons of Basel-city and Basel-country, close to the border with France and Germany, were notable for the size of the majority. A total…

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Foreigners eligible to serve on town executives in Jura

This content was published on May 21, 2000 Voters in Delémont and Porrentruy have decided to let foreigners who have lived in canton Jura for ten years, stand as candidates in communal elections this autumn. In Bassecourt, the same issue will go to a vote in July. Jura and Neuchatel are the only cantons in Switzerland which give foreigners the vote in communal…

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Voting patterns: overwhelming support from French-speakers and urban areas

This content was published on May 21, 2000 French-speaking Switzerland has a tradition of being more pro-European. In the 1992 vote on membership of the European Economic Area, which was narrowly rejected, 30 per cent more francophones voted “yes” compared to their German-speaking compatriots. This time around the francophones came out strongly in favour with the “yes” vote peaking at just over 80…

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More Swiss may now move to EU countries

This content was published on May 21, 2000 Rudolf Wyder, president of the Secretariat for the Swiss Abroad, told swissinfo the result was very positive and would bring expatriate Swiss considerable benefits. Among the imporovements he listed were that Swiss people living in EU states would have equal status with other Europeans after a brief transition period.The accord on the free movement of…

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Swiss Politics

Three government parties welcome result, but right-wing is critical

This content was published on May 21, 2000 The acting president of the Social Democrats, Pierre Aebi, welcomed the result, saying the government should now re-launch its plan for full membership of the European Union. Aebi said two of the “sensitive” dossiers – free movement of people and transport – had now been resolved, and the government should press ahead with EU membership.…

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Swiss Politics

Voting underway in historic Swiss referendum on EU bilateral accords

This content was published on May 21, 2000 Latest opinion polls indicate a clear majority in favour of the seven bilateral accords which make up the treaty with the EU. Most pundits have forecast around a 60 per cent vote in favour of the accords. Advance and postal voting have already been taking place for some time. The polls will close at midday…

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Swiss government and EU welcome historic vote for bilateral accords

This content was published on May 21, 2000 Government ministers welcomed the decision shortly after the results were known. The foreign minister, Joseph Deiss, described the outcome as an important step into the 21st century. Deiss said full membership of the EU remained a long-tem government goal. But he said Sunday’s voter approval of the bilateral accords did not amount to a mandate…

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Swiss Politics

Government parties put differences aside

This content was published on May 19, 2000 The president of the People’s Party, Ueli Maurer, said Blocher’s comments had led to a “misunderstanding” which had now been cleared up. Earlier this year, Blocher accused the Social Democrats of acting like Second World War fascists, an accusation that the People’s Party has apparently distanced itself from. After meeting with his Social Democrat counterpart,…

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Swiss Politics

Switzerland and Europe: the long road to the treaties

This content was published on May 19, 2000 Apart from being invaded by Napoleon’s army 200 years ago, Switzerland has not been involved in any of Europe’s wars, nor has it directly experienced the destructive ideologies of fascism or communism which affected much of the rest of the continent in the last century. These factors, plus Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, have contributed…

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Swiss Politics

Direct democracy: its strengths and weaknesses

This content was published on May 19, 2000 Two distinct elements make up direct democracy. One is the referendum and the other is the initiative. The referendum allows the Swiss people to have their say on a parliamentary or governmental proposition. An initiative is a proposal by the citizens or their organisations to the government. At a federal level, a referendum can occur…

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