Close to half of the Swiss polled in the recent Vimentis survey would chose to introduce immigration quotas even if it meant the cancelation of European Union (EU) bilateral treaties – 45% held this view. By contrast only 41% would put preservation of the EU bilateral treaties ahead of immigration quotas. 14% were undecided on […]
UDC open to immigration compromise
Christophe Blocher, vice-president of Switzerland’s right-wing UDC party, has indicated that he is prepared to compromise on the controversial 9 February, 2014, referendum that demands quotas on mass immigration from Europe. In an interview last Sunday with the German-language SonntagsZeitung, the Zurich politician said that he was open to exploring more subtle approaches, such as […]
EU elections: The Swiss right’s conundrum
Notwithstanding the long-term visions of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson Thomas Paine and other exceptional individuals, the wonderfully patriotic propaganda one often finds in American schools about how united the 13 colonies were against King George III has little to do with reality. What largely characterized the colonies was that they were beset by rivalries, jealousies […]
Foreign businesses losing confidence
ZURICH Many foreign companies say they are limiting plans to invest in Switzerland as they await implementation of the February initiative against mass immigration. A survey by the Zurich-based Swiss Economic Institute (KOF) on 25 April revealed that 13% of the 2,700 firms surveyed reported reduced confidence in investing in Switzerland. Although few companies have […]
“It’s not the end of the world!”
Geneva’s MP for the conservative Swiss People’s Party (UDC), which launched the 9 February referendum against mass immigration, tried to reassure a gathering of internationals organized by Le News on 3 April: “The end of the world has not come,” said Yves Nidegger. In his introductory remarks, Ed Girardet, the moderator and Le News’ Managing […]
Le News conference: consequences of Swiss vote on mass immigration
“The Swiss vote on mass immigration: the consequences for you and your organisation” Public Conference / Organized by Le News and the Graduate Institute – 3 April 2014, 12h30 to 13h30 at The Graduate Institute. THIS EVENT WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL WITH OVER 200 PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE. A BIG THANK TO EVERYONE! It’s not the […]
Immigration vote: Dark clouds
GENEVA The European Union has warned that Switzerland’s narrow vote (50.3%) on 9 February to curb immigration could seriously impede economic relations with the 28-member community. Since the EU is the country’s main trading partner, this outcome could have a dire impact on business and jobs, a view widely shared by the main cities and […]
Foreigners: bane or boon? Swiss 9 February 2014 immigration vote
Once more to the ballot box! The Swiss are voting – once again – in a referendum to limit the number of foreigners. Even if a majority of the 5.15 million voters oppose it, it’s an issue that won’t go away. Most citizens remain pragmatic about the economic necessity of the Swiss-EU accords, but the […]
