American Swiss Foundation - In the Swiss News

In the Swiss News

A Wish to be Swiss and Singing Diplomats

Dr. Douglas Sears ('00), Associate Provost, Boston University, reports on Swiss headlines and offers his commentary on the latest in Swiss-envy and Swiss diplomatic music.

The July 14 issue of Zurich's Tages-Anzeiger carried a story entitled, "Ah, but how beautiful it would be, to be Swiss." ("Ach wie schoen es doch waere, Schweizer zu sein.")

As someone who has had this thought more than a few times, usually after a direct encounter with some instance of Swiss rationality--scheduled maintenance springs to mind--I was drawn to this story. Die Weltwoche had conducted a representative poll of registered voters in regions of France, Germany, Austria, and Italy that bordered on Switzerland. A majority of respondents indicated they would prefer to be Swiss--or for their regions to be part of Switzerland.

Skis, Sails, and Battering Rams

Dr. Douglas Sears ('00), Associate Provost, Boston University, reports on Swiss headlines and offers his commentary on the latest in Swiss sports and crime.
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Swiss Vote on Minaret Ban

In a referendum vote on November 29, 2009, nearly 58% of Swiss voters approved a ban on the construction of minarets in a decision that puzzled many Swiss and much of the international community. The referendum was passed by 22 of the 26 Swiss Cantons and was perhaps a reflection of the current economic and diplomatic environment in Switzerland and the world.
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Every Penny Counts ("Jeder Rappen Zaehlt")

By Dr. Douglas Sears (Young Leader ’00), Associate Provost, Boston University

In December, Swiss TV devoted multiple reports to an initiative named "Jeder Rappen zaehlt"-- perhaps best translated as "Every Penny Counts." No, it was not, as a stereotypical view of the Swiss might suggest, an initiative to encourage a higher savings rate in the Swiss population. Rather, "Jeder Rappen zaehlt" was a charitable initiative. Working with broadcasters, Swiss Solidarity was raising funds to support various Swiss relief organizations which work to fight malaria in developing countries.