BERN The Swiss National Council recently supported an initiative seeking to ban convicted paedophiles from ever working with children again. The so-called Marche Blanche proposal, which passed by 82 votes to79, aims to prevent repeat offences by prohibiting access to potential victims through professional pathways. The referendum is set for18May. The Federal Council, however, deems […]
Archives for March 2014
Research fund side-steps EU ban
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) in Bern has set up a temporary funding scheme to get around the European Union’s 26 February ban excluding Switzerland from European Research Council (ERC) grants. According to SNSF spokesman Jürg Dinner, researchers working in Switzerland, or who applied for an ERC starting grant before 25 March, may request […]
Confused by hotel stars?
GENEVA Whether travelling for business or pleasure, trying to figure out Europe’s hotel star category system (often confused with the stringent Michelin restaurant stars) can leave many scratching their heads in confusion. Switzerland was the first to institute a non-government form of hotel classification in 1979; this greatly influenced similar systems in Austria and Germany. […]
Wines in full bloom
The colourful burst of flowers heralding spring is a natural invitation to discover wines that boast enticing blossom aromas. Here is a seasonal selection of dry white and red wines made from grape varieties with a definite floral character. Sauvignon Blanc is one grape variety that established New Zealand’s reputation for quality wine. Not only […]
Living with special needs
NYON Living with special needs, either physical or intellectual, is no impediment to a full and active life in the Lake Geneva region. Stretching from Geneva to Montreux, the region offers an often unique wealth of opportunities for children and adults living with special needs. These include private and state-run schools and centres for youngsters […]
Holiday Camps – Keeping the kids busy
SUMMER Now is the time to think about what to do over the summer for your children. Camps are a good option. 101 For many parents, it’s that eternal conundrum – what to do over the holidays? For those who can’t get away, there’s actually plenty to do in the Lake Geneva region. Holiday camps […]
Eco-warriors and morality police
I’m trying to be a better person, because of my children. It’s partly that I love them and I want to set a good example, of course. But it’s also because I have the feeling that they’ll tell on me if I don’t behave, and I’ll be in trouble with someone. Take the seven-year-old. She’s […]
Boost for Swiss start-ups
LAUSANNE Fathi Derder, Conseiller national and President of Le Réseau has announced government approval of a series of initiatives to boost start-up competitiveness. These include improving tax treatment of investors, creating a “fund of funds” to finance start-ups and establishing a second stock market (similar to AIM in the UK). These initiatives go a long […]
French elections: Round one, right wing won
GEX The first round of the French municipal elections confirmed the growing force of the right. With record breaking abstentions (38.7% failed to vote), towns such as Perpignan, Avignon, Forbach, Fréjus and Tarascon saw the Front National (FN) take the lead. More locally, the conservative parties (UMP, DVD and FN) have done well, especially in […]
The world wants more than chocolate from Switzerland
Switzerland has a very clear role to play on the international front. But this means playing intelligently and in a manner that exemplifies what Switzerland does best – mediation. As Pamela Taylor’s story notes, Didier Burkhalter may be on the right track with his dual role as President of the Confederation and Chair of the […]