By Edward Girardet For a nation that prides itself on being on the global forefront of new technologies and science, particularly health care, Switzerland has an astoundingly poor record for dealing with Covid-19. The Lake Geneva region, which borders locked-down France, ranks as one of the worst coronavirus hotspots in Europe. Оформить займ 10000 на […]
On meeting Bin Laden – former Le News editor tells his hair-raising story
When the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan in February, 1989 after nearly a decade of failed occupation, most Red Army soldiers were already gone. In their stead, they left a demoralized force of Afghan soldiers and militia to protect the communist ‘Khalqi’ regime in Kabul. With their backs to the wall, these would continue fighting […]
When cartooning can land you in prison or worse
The granting last week of the shared 2016 Cartooning for Peace award in Geneva to Tanzanian caricaturist Gado and Malaysian artist Zunar is not just in recognition of their talent, but also their willingness to risk loss of employment, prison and other forms of persecution. Journalist and author Edward Girardet explores the role these artists […]
Overcoming extreme poverty by 2030 – what can you do?
There will be a double-anniversary concert in Geneva’s Victoria Hall 13 March 2016 at 17:00, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1% for Development Fund and the fifth anniversary of the United Nations Orchestra with Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony and Brahms double concerto for violin and cello. To remind readers about the purpose of the 1% for […]
Why the Swiss need to value their foreigners
After being rejected by a number of Swiss newspapers, this article was published by swissinfo.ch, part of Switzerland’s national broadcaster, in December 2014 before being taken down six hours later. It was then published on 22 December 2014 on The Essential Edge. Swissinfo’s explanation for why it was taken down follows the article. Get the funds you need […]
Swiss urban pressure and Paris law destroying French villages
Swiss reluctance to ruin its own idyllic countryside in the Lake Geneva region combined with French laws enabling unfettered urban development is leading to the rapid destruction of the historic centres of numerous villages in neighbouring France. Edward Girardet and Christopher Woodburn explore why Paris no longer seems interested in ‘Patrimoine’, once one of the […]
Rebranding International Geneva
Michael Møller, the Danish diplomat and former aid worker appointed in November 2013 as acting director-general of the UN in Switzerland, would like to see a vibrant new International Geneva that includes not only the UN agencies and NGOS, but also multi-national corporations, Swiss businesses, donors and the local population. “We need to act together to […]
Swiss tourism focusing on quality – and eco-awareness
Following the recent 15 percent drop of the Euro to the Swiss franc making neighbouring Eurozone countries cheaper than Switzerland, Swiss tourism is seeking ways of alleviating the extra costs while embracing more long-term and innovative approaches. The southern Alpine resort of Leukerbad is focusing on year-round quality and a diversity of activities to attract […]
Climate change in Switzerland; plus newspapers for young people.
Following this week’s compromise Lima Climate Change agreement, which basically keeps the global initiative on track with governments promising to bring forward their commitments until next year’s pivotal Paris conference, the question now is whether this will finally mean real action. It’s taken a long time for politicians and select business interests to acknowledge that […]
Swiss democracy and xenophobia: Need for more open debate
Last week’s Le News editorial questioning whether the over use of Switzerland’s referendum system was actually undermining democracy through too much democracy received considerable reaction, much of it irate. Clearly, we had touched on a sacred cow, even if not of the Swiss Brown or Simmental variety. How dare one criticize Swiss democracy? It has […]
