Recent figures show assisted suicide increased by 26% in 2014, a rise of 250% since 2009. The rise partly reflects an aging population. In 2014, 742 people in Switzerland were helped to end their lives. This represents 1.2% of deaths for the year. 94% were over 55, and the vast majority were suffering from a serious […]
The almost invisible machinery that uses Lake Geneva to heat 400 homes
Today, a new heating facility on the shores of Lake Geneva was inaugurated. Le News was shown around the plant by an engineer from the maker, Celsius Groupe e. The largest of its kind in Switzerland, it takes heat from the lake, and has enough capacity to heat around 400 buildings. Finding the facility is […]
Juncker eyes Swiss-specific EU immigration deal despite Brexit
Brought to you by Investec Switzerland. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was aiming to solve a two-year-old dispute with Switzerland over immigration in a country-specific manner even in the wake of Brexit. The Swiss government has been at pains to implement restrictions on European Union newcomers decided upon in a 2014 referendum without […]
Swiss to vote on a plan to cut ecological footprint by two thirds
On 25 September 2016, the Swiss electorate will vote on the ‘Green Economy’ initiative, the work of the Green party. Switzerland’s per capita consumption of the earth is far from sustainable. The Green party says three earths would be required if everyone on the planet consumed natural resources, such as water, air, soil or raw materials, […]
Traffic alert: flower-covered cows take to Swiss streets – the event’s history and where to see it
By Bill Harby What exactly is the alpine descent or désalpe / alpabzug? In Switzerland, we know the clock will soon strike autumn when processions of cows crowned with flowers and hung with huge clanging bells, descend from summer alpine pastures to their winter barns before the snows come. Led by cowherds and children dressed […]
Syngenta CEO appoints new finance chief ahead of China takeover
Brought to you by Investec Switzerland. Syngenta AG Chief Executive Officer Erik Fyrwald appointed a new head of finance as he works to complete a new strategic plan for the world’s largest agrochemical company, soon to be acquired by state-owned China National Chemical Corp. for $43 billion. Mark Patrick, who has been with the company […]
Solar powered tuk tuk stops in Switzerland on its way from India to London
On 21 February 2016, after spending his life’s savings creating a solar powered tuk tuk, 35 year-old electrical engineer, Naveen Rabelli, set off to London from Bangalore, India in his creation, with Austrian film maker Raoul Kopacka. The pair want to prove that being good to the planet is a state of mind and something […]
The head of the Red Cross talks about the importance of family and how “home gives you your dignity”
Renu Chahil-Graf takes a Walk in the Park with As Sy, Secretary-General of the International Federation of the Red Cross to discuss his journey to this big job and what drives him. Hope and motivation drove the unstoppable As Sy to devote a lifetime of work to humanitarian issues. Born into a “normal” Senegalese family, […]
Two Swiss Corbusier buildings added to UNESCO list
Last Sunday, UNESCO added 17 buildings designed by the Swiss architect Le Corbusier to its world heritage list. The modernist buildings span seven countries: France, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Japan, India, and Switzerland, where there are two. The modernist architect Charles Edouard Jeanneret, who adopted the nickname Le Corbusier, was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds in the canton of […]
Post-Brexit relief rally fading – Swiss quality stocks as safe haven
8 July 2016 – Swiss and global market roundup. Brought to you by Investec Switzerland. The SMI is set to post moderate losses this week as the post-Brexit relief rally faded and commodities slipped. Swiss stocks outperformed key European markets as investor’s fled to quality stocks such as Nestlé, Novartis and Roche. After Swiss companies trailed their […]
