Tribune de Genève. On 9 February 2014 a slim majority of 50.3% of Swiss voters called for an end to open immigration from European Union (EU) nations. Since then Switzerland has been engaged in difficult discussions with EU negotiators who say that Switzerland’s EU deals, which include trade, must come as a package and cannot […]
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 […]
