Swiss Politics

Swiss ambassador elected to key UN committee

This content was published on Jun 11, 2009 It is the first time that Switzerland has presided over one of the main committees of the General Assembly. Ambassador Maurer’s term in office lasts a year and begins on September 15 when the General Assembly convenes. Among other things, the committee will negotiate the budget for the 2010-11 period and the new assessment scale…

Swiss Politics

Erni’s peace wall

This content was published on Jun 11, 2009 Simon Bradley takes a look at Hans Erni’s spectacular new 60-metre mural that graces the entrance to the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva (Photos: Ville de Genève/Simon Bradley, swissinfo/Keystone).

Bernese ex-minister gets his very own bear

This content was published on Jun 10, 2009 It was known in the village that Schmid was not just passionate about politics, but also about bears. At the unveiling of his statue, Schmid spoke to swissinfo.ch about the qualities he admires in the animals, and his hopes for the new bear enclosure in Bern, which opens later this year. The former cabinet minister…

Swiss Politics

Parliament ponders health costs

This content was published on Jun 10, 2009 He said such a move mooted by the centre-left Green Party and the rightwing People’s Party would ruin the insurance companies. Couchepin called on parliament to approve a number of proposals, including a fee for doctor’s consultations and pledged to announce price cuts for certain medications by the end of the month. “The current financial…

Swiss Politics

Swine influenza virus tally reaches 20

This content was published on Jun 10, 2009 The latest case, a 39-year-old man from canton Vaud who recently returned from New York, has been placed in quarantine along with members of his family. Another 28 suspected cases of the virus, known as swine flu, are being examined. Canton Vaud has the highest number of confirmed cases across the country. One cantonal resident…

Swiss Politics

Formula One motor racing ban to continue

This content was published on Jun 10, 2009 The ban has been in place since 1955 when a collision at the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race in France claimed 77 lives and left another 77 people injured. The Senate on Wednesday refused for the second time a draft revision to existing legislation. Swiss People’s Party parliamentarian Christoffel Brändli withdrew the proposal on the…

Swiss Politics

Parliament puts leash on dogs owners

This content was published on Jun 9, 2009 But a separate plan to set up animal welfare attorneys in an effort to improve animal rights failed to convince parliamentarians during a debate on Tuesday. The House came out in favour of introducing mandatory third-party liability insurance coverage for dog owners. Vets would have to report incidents with aggressive dogs, while owners would be…

Swiss Politics

Bern holds talks over its stake in UBS

This content was published on Jun 9, 2009 Bern agreed last October to give Switzerland’s largest bank a badly-needed SFr6 billion ($5.47 billion) cash injection in exchange for mandatory convertible notes that would give it a stake of 9.3 per cent. The lock-up period for conversion of the notes ended on Tuesday. The finance ministry said on Tuesday it was examining various “transaction…

Swiss Politics

“Good news” for Swiss as Europe leans right

This content was published on Jun 8, 2009 In an interview with swissinfo.ch, René Schwok, a professor at the European Institute in Geneva, says that the European Parliament must still work toward consensus but that the weakening of the left could ease pressure on Switzerland and its tax laws. European newspapers pointed out on Monday that the right, whether in power or opposition,…

Swiss Politics

Treaty of Lisbon

This content was published on Jun 8, 2009 The treaty signed in Lisbon on December 13, 2007 is an agreement on new rules that define what the EU can and cannot do, and what means it can use. It aims to change the structure of the EU’s institutions and make the organisation more democratic. The treaty came about after negotiations between EU member…

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Swiss Politics

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Swiss ambassador elected to key UN committee

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Erni’s peace wall

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Bernese ex-minister gets his very own bear

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Parliament ponders health costs

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Swine influenza virus tally reaches 20

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Formula One motor racing ban to continue

More

Parliament puts leash on dogs owners

More

Bern holds talks over its stake in UBS

More

“Good news” for Swiss as Europe leans right

More

Treaty of Lisbon

Popular Stories

Most Discussed