Swiss Politics

Populist right-winger launches attack on Socialism

This content was published on Apr 3, 2000 One of Switzerland’s best-known politicians, the right-wing populist, Christoph Blocher (pictured), has published a wide-ranging attack on socialism in Swiss politics. The 24-page document argues that socialism has the same roots as fascism and national socialism. In the text, Blocher says these ideologies share the same goal of giving unlimited power to the state. The…

Swiss Politics

Red Cross questions Kosovar repatriation plan

This content was published on Apr 3, 2000 The Swiss Red Cross has criticised the government’s plan to begin the forcible repatriation of 30,000 Kosovar refugees at the end of next month. It says they are ill-prepared to face the dangers of unexploded landmines. The Red Cross indicated that Switzerland should extend its deadline due to the continued threats to the returnees’ safety.…

Swiss Politics

Row breaks out over weapons procurement

This content was published on Apr 2, 2000 A row has reportedly broken out between the Swiss president, Adolf Ogi, and the economics minister, Pascal Couchepin, over weapons procurement. Couchepin is said to be strongly opposed to government plans to buy nearly SFr1 billion worth of armoured personnel carriers for the Swiss army. Exactly when this row started is difficult to determine. Last…

Swiss Politics

The week ahead in Switzerland

This content was published on Apr 2, 2000 A visit to Britain by the Swiss president, Adolf Ogi, a nail biting election in canton Thurgau, and the unveiling of a holiday scheme for landmine victims, are some of the events likely to hit the headlines in Switzerland this week. On Tuesday, the Swiss president will travel to Britain for talks with the culture…

Swiss Politics

Blocher accused of using “Stalinist” arguments

This content was published on Apr 2, 2000 The president of Switzerland’s Radical Party, Franz Steinegger (file picture), has accused the right-wing parliamentarian, Christoph Blocher, of using the same arguments as Stalin in his attacks on his political opponents, in an interview with a Sunday newspaper. Recently out of hospital for heart treatment, Franz Steinegger jumped straight back into the political fray by…

Swiss Politics

Justice minister rules out hasty reform of citizenship laws

This content was published on Apr 1, 2000 The Swiss justice minister, Ruth Metzler, has ruled out any knee-jerk reaction to recent controversy over Switzerland’s naturalisation laws. Her comments come as a government-appointed committee considers whether there should be a right of appeal for people whose citizenship applications are turned down. Ruth Metzler made it clear that the government intends to proceed slowly…

Swiss Politics

Campaigners take fresh approach in fight for foreigners’ rights

This content was published on Apr 1, 2000 Two Swiss human rights groups have formed a new movement to take up the cudgels on behalf of asylum seekers and migrants. The news comes against a backdrop of increasing concern about the rights and treatment of foreigners living in Switzerland. The new organisation, called “Solidarité sans frontières”, was formed from the merger of Asylum…

Swiss Politics

New boss for Swiss human rights group

This content was published on Apr 1, 2000 A parliamentarian from the Swiss People’s Party, Lisbeth Fehr (file picture), has been appointed president of the Swiss branch of the International Society for Human Rights. She becomes the first woman to head the organisation. Fehr, a teacher from canton Zurich, was appointed at the Society’s general assembly in Berne. She takes over less than…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland to help register Kosovar returnees

This content was published on Mar 31, 2000 Switzerland is to make Sfr 1.9 million available to the UN Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), to help the breakaway Yugoslav province set up a residents’ and election register. The first municipal elections in Kosovo are planned for October this year. The international community is faced with the difficult task of bringing order to the province,…

Swiss Politics

Demonstrators turn out against Schüssel

This content was published on Mar 31, 2000 Around 600 people have turned out in the Swiss capital, Berne, to protest against the visit by the Austrian chancellor, Wolfgang Schüssel (pictured left, with Swiss president Adolf Ogi). The protestors represented a variety of groups, from Jewish organisations, the left wing, and anti-racists. They have been angered by the Swiss government’s decision to welcome…

Swiss Politics

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Swiss Politics

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Populist right-winger launches attack on Socialism

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Red Cross questions Kosovar repatriation plan

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Row breaks out over weapons procurement

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The week ahead in Switzerland

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Blocher accused of using “Stalinist” arguments

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Justice minister rules out hasty reform of citizenship laws

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Campaigners take fresh approach in fight for foreigners’ rights

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New boss for Swiss human rights group

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Switzerland to help register Kosovar returnees

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Demonstrators turn out against Schüssel

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