Swiss Politics

Couchepin throws in the towel

This content was published on Jun 12, 2009 Couchepin’s decision did not come as a real surprise for many, as there had been speculation for months. He had been under fire for his controversial ideas on reforming the Swiss health system, which has seen spiralling costs. Aged 67, Couchepin was elected to the cabinet in 1998 after many years as a member of…

Swiss Politics

Reform of EU trade barriers approved

This content was published on Jun 11, 2009 The regulations apply mainly to cosmetics, clothes, textiles, furniture and foodstuffs under the so-called Cassis de Dijon rule. Both chambers on Thursday managed to iron out the final differences and agreed to give the Federal Health Office a say in the sale of food imported from the EU. The government said the reform would boost…

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…

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Reform of EU trade barriers approved

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Erni’s peace wall

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Bernese ex-minister gets his very own bear

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Swine influenza virus tally reaches 20

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Formula One motor racing ban to continue

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