The Local Switzerland

Here's how to snare an invite to the Swiss president's birthday party

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 17:38:06 +0100

Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga is turning 60 on May 14 and is planning a party with a difference by inviting along all Swiss citizens who share her birthday.

Sommaruga lauds 'bold' Swiss democracy

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 11:57:00 +0100

Swiss president for 2015, Simonetta Sommaruga, extolled Switzerland’s system of direct democracy in a TV and radio address to mark the new year.

Swiss report reveals hundreds of forced marriages

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:24:00 +0200

Around 1,400 women in Switzerland were the victims of forced marriages or unwanted family interference in their relationships with partners over the past two years, a new report reveals.

Thousands march at Zurich gay pride festival

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:30:00 +0200

Some eight thousand demonstrators took to the streets of Zurich on Saturday for the Gay Pride march through the city.

Referendum results: Nay, nay and thrice nay

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 12:16:00 +0200

The national voting on Sunday resulted in a triple no to referendums on international treaties, managed care and extended shop opening times.

Swiss hold referendum referendum

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:18:00 +0200

Switzerland holds a referendum this weekend on whether to have yet more referendums in a country already famous for its high levels of direct democracy.

'Employ women instead of immigrants': minister

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:26:00 +0200

Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga wants Swiss employers to take on more Swiss women rather than bringing in workers from abroad.

International law stops Swiss expulsion plans

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:51:00 +0200

The Swiss Minister of Justice has presented two proposals for the implementation of a controversial initiative to expel foreign criminals, both of which were rejected by the government.

Let judges expel foreign criminals: Sommaruga

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:27:59 +0200

Justice Minister Simonetta Sommargua has proposed tough amendments to the penal code in an effort to deter criminals.

Swiss move closer to US crime data deal

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:23:00 +0100

The National Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee has voted by 15 votes to eight to continue negotiating with the United States over the release of Swiss police data requested by the US as aprt of a clampdown on serious crime and terrorism.

Anti-minaret group mulls burka ban initiative

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:44:00 +0100

The group responsible for launching Switzerland's anti-minaret initiative has called the rejection of a motion to ban burkas on public transport and in dealings with authorities “an affront”.

Justice minister pledges asylum overhaul

Tue, 10 May 2011 13:21:00 +0200

The Swiss Refugee Council has praised justice minister Simonetta Sommarug for a proposal it said would help speed up the process of granting or rejecting asylum.