Swiss Politics

Bilateral vote heralds new era in Swiss relations with Europe

This content was published on May 22, 2000 The bilateral accords were backed by 67.2 per cent of Swiss voters – a clear signal that the country is ready to strengthen its commercial relations with the EU. The vast majority of cantons also supported the agreements, with only two voting against. The result of the referendum was hailed as a breakthrough for Swiss…

Swiss Politics

Controversial Social Democrat resigns

This content was published on May 22, 2000 Steiert said the current discussions on reforming the party had led to his decision, but gave no further details. Many Social Democrats, particularly rank-and-file members, had demanded his resignation because of his role in the campaign against Koch, which led to her stepping down last month. Steiert’s resignation, ahead of another party meeting on Saturday,…

Swiss Politics

Japanese emperor winds up Swiss trip with Red Cross visit

This content was published on May 22, 2000 The imperial couple marked their visit to the ICRC by signing the visitors’ book in traditional Japanese calligraphy, and donating SFr80,000 to the organisation. Empress Michiko is honorary president of the Japanese Red Cross. They were then formally welcomed by ICRC president, Jakob Kellenberger, who paid tribute to Japan for its support of the organisation.…

Swiss Politics

Group for Swiss women celebrates 100th anniversary

This content was published on May 22, 2000 Christine Davatz, a leading Alliance F activist, said that the company which won the SFr10.000 prize, which will be awarded in September, would have to show that it did more than create short-term solutions to the needs of employees. It would need to have worked the right flexible approach into its permanent structures. Sibylle Burger-Bono,…

Swiss Politics

The next moves: How far will Switzerland open up?

This content was published on May 22, 2000 A leading pro-European Swiss official told swissinfo that the approval of the bilateral accords means that two issues are likely to dominate Swiss politics over the next few years: whether and when Switzerland should join the European Union and the United Nations. But there are still plenty hurdles to be overcome, even in terms of…

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…

Swiss Politics

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…

Swiss Politics

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…

Swiss Politics

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…

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.…

Swiss Politics

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