The World Economic Forum (WEF), an exclusive gathering of wealthy folks dropping in on private jets is viewed by many as out of touch with the key challenges currently faced by the global population. Swiss critics of the event are angered that an event closed to the public is provided with publicly funded security, reported […]
Switzerland joins UN Security Council for first time
On 3 January 2023, Switzerland began its first term as a member of the UN Security Council in New York, a position it will hold until the end of 2024. After a UN vote in June 2022, Switzerland was elected to the position after 10 years of preparation. Over the years there has been significant […]
More than a third of asylum seekers arriving in Switzerland from Afghanistan
As the Taliban tightens its grip on life in Afghanistan more Afghans feel the need to leave. Of the 3.568 asylum applications made in Switzerland in November 2022, 1,266 (35%) were made by Afghans, according to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). Nearly all of those arriving from Afghanistan are young males. Women, who have […]
Switzerland increases global food aid by 14.5 million
On 28 December 2022, Switzerland pledged an additional CHF 14.5 million to the UN World Food Programme (WPF), announced the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Around 350 million people worldwide are currently affected by acute hunger and dependent on food aid. In response to the worsening food crisis, President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio […]
Qatar 2022: Swiss broadcaster reveals evidence suggesting vote buying
An inquiry presented this week by RTS reveals evidence of likely vote buying related to the choice of Qatar for the 2022 Football World Cup due to start on 20 November 2022. A cloud of corruption has hung over FIFA since 2010 when Qatar was chosen by 14 votes to 8 as the place for […]
Swiss asylum centres approaching overflow
Currently, around 800 asylum seekers are arriving in Switzerland weekly, a number that has pushed the nation’s federal capacity to accommodate arrivals to the point of saturation, reported RTS this week. To continue to cope with the influx Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) regularly adds capacity, however, this has not been enough it said. […]
Pilots at SWISS threaten to strike despite offer of extra 60 million francs
Pilots at the airline SWISS could strike from 17 October 2022 if their demands are not met, reported RTS. Pilots at the airline are remunerated under a collective labour agreement. The airline recently presented an offer CHF 60 million higher than their orignal offer. However, on 16 September 2022, Aeropers, a union representing the pilots, […]
Swiss parliament validates purchase of F-35 fighter jets despite opposition
Switzerland’s government cut a deal to buy 36 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets for CHF 6,035 billion, but there is opposition to the purchase in some political quarters and a referendum has been launched to stop it. However, the deal expires on 31 March 2022 and a new deal is likely to be more expensive […]
Swiss government announces wish to work more closely with NATO
On 7 September 2022, Switzerland’s Federal Council published a report on its military plans, which include more antitank weapons and closer cooperation with NATO. By attacking Ukraine, Russia has destroyed the foundations of peace in Europe, wrote the Federal Council. Switzerland therefore intends to cooperate more closely with international organisations on security and defence while […]
Swiss debt enforcement offices aiding money laundering
In Switzerland, it is possible to pay delinquent debts with large sums of cash. Some criminals are using the loophole to launder money, reports Le Matin. Swiss broadcaster SRF investigated several official debt enforcement offices across Switzerland and found that large sums of cash were passing through some of them. In Geneva, CHF 24 million […]