THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD
JUNE 2006 / NO. 3
In economic terms Switzerland is a giant
The Lavaux to become World Heritage Site
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How much should a top manager earn? 5 WISS ABROAD are showing a growing interest in politics back home, and their po- Mailbag litical infl uence is steadily rising. At the end of 2005, no fewer than 105,212 expatri- ate Swiss were listed on electoral rolls in Switzerland. This is four times the number 5 S Books: “The Beginning of All Things” estimated in 1992, when Switzerland introduced postal votes for Swiss nationals abroad. Ballot papers from foreign countries now account for 2.2 percent of all votes cast. In the 7 canton of Geneva the fi gure is as high as 5.7 percent, and in Basle City 4.4 percent. The Or- Images: Celebrities advertise for ganisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) hopes that expatriates’ political commitment and Swiss farmers active participation at the ballot box will continue to grow. The OSA aims to continue its 8 campaign and has high hopes for electronic voting, scheduled for introduction in 2010. The Sixth Switzerland Swiss industry is booming: all the indicators are pointing upwards, and consumer buying is again on the rise. Yet the topic that is grabbing Swiss headlines is not so much excellent year- 11 Politics: Referendum on educational reform end fi gures as the exorbitant salaries earned by the country’s top managers. Marcel Ospel, Chairman of the Board of Directors at UBS, receives CHF 24 million per annum; Daniel Va- 12 sella, CEO of the Novartis Group, earns around CHF 30 million (depending on how it is cal- Poster: Switzerland’s World Cup squad culated); and the six-strong top management team at Credit Suisse pocket no less than CHF 280 million in total bonuses in return for their efforts. The media debate questions whether any job can possibly be worth that much. Politicians and level-headed members of the business community are warning of a divided society and are calling on CEOs and Chairmen to exercise more restraint. While shareholders defend themselves at Annual General Meetings, simple wage-earners like us shake our heads in dis- belief at the fact that a senior manager can earn CHF 65,000 a day, and with an income on this scale be obliged to set up home in a Swiss tax haven as a tax exile. Does it really matter Regional news whether you have ten million or 15 million francs a year to live on and provide for your old age? The answer appears to be Yes, otherwise the mega-rich would not move from Basle or 14 Zurich of their own free will to take up residence in remote rural areas like Offi cial DFA Information Wollerau in the canton of Schwyz. 16 Having subjected the “Sixth Switzerland” to close scrutiny, Rol f Ribi The Lavaux: a wine-growing region on the has discovered some interesting statistics. The term was coined by Basle UNESCO World Heritage List? economics professor Silvio Borner to describe the part of Switzerland’s economy that earns revenue abroad. One in fi ve Swiss companies oper- 18 Why the Greens have become an alternative ates subsidiaries in other countries. In total, Swiss fi rms have created 1.8 to the Radicals Heinz Eckert million jobs outside Switzerland. Despite its size Switzerland invests bil- lions in other countries every year, is one of the world’s most highly globalised countries, and 20 in economic terms is a little giant. OSA News As June 13 draws ever closer, the tension is mounting ahead of the Swiss football team’s 22 fi rst World Cup match in Germany, when our top footballers meet the French national team Portrait: The night watchman of Lausanne in Stuttgart. Never before has a Swiss squad enjoyed such high credit as the 2006 World Cup team, pictured here on pages 12/13. Whether the hype is justifi ed and the players measure up 23 News in Brief the country’s high expectations will soon be revealed. HEINZ ECKERT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Cover: Lavaux with vintners Francine and Jean-Luc Blondel. Photo: Andreas Oberlein
IMPRESSUM: “Swiss Review”, the magazine for the Swiss Abroad, is in its 33rd year of publication and is published in German, French, Italian, English and Spanish in 21 regional editions. June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. It has a total circulation of over 380 000. Regional news appears four times a year. ■ EDITORSHIP: Heinz Eckert (EC), Editor-in-Chief; Rolf Ribi (RR), Alain Wey (AW), Gabriela Brodbeck (BDK), responsible for DFA Information Pages, Service for the Swiss Abroad DFA, CH-3003 Berne. René Lenzin (RL), reporting from parliament. Translation: CLS Communication AG ■ POSTAL ADDRESS: Publisher, Editorial Offi ce, Advertising: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne, Tel. +4131356 6110, Fax +4131356 61 01, Postal Account (Swiss National Giro) 30-6768-9. Internet: www.revue.ch ■ E-MAIL: [email protected] ■ ■ ■ SWISS REVIEW Photo: SFV PRINT: Zollikofer AG, CH-9001 St.Gallen. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please advise your local Embassy or Consulate – do not write to Berne. Single copy CHF 5.– Living abroad – with Swiss security
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Proud of Tom Lüthi to notice. For them it is The surprising announcement was issued by Rome at the Thank you for the report about prog ress, good for business and beginning of October last year: Pope Benedict XVI, elected Tom Lüthi. Our warmest con- employment. J. Gotthelf wrote to the papacy just a few months previously, received emi- gratulations to him as Sports- somewhere that if road con- nent Swiss theologian Hans Küng for a private audience. man of the Year. My father, structions continued, peasants Benedict’s predecessor, John Paul II, never offered the pro- Armin Scheurer, was the fi rst would have to grow potatoes on fessor of theology at Germany’s University of Tübingen an ever Sportsman of the Year in their head! Future generations audience. It was the Polish Pope who in 1979 rescinded the 1950. I wasn’t even born then, will curse their ancestors for critical Swiss theologian’s authority to teach Catholic the- but of course I am now very the destruction of their heritage. ology. Küng had challenged papal authority and the Pope’s proud of his achievements in To replace farms with huge infallibility on matters of faith and custom and questioned athletics and football. We have shopping centers and then Catholic teaching on other fundamental issues, such as lived in Western Australia for import food might work at the sexuality, the enforced celibacy of priests and the right of 18 years, but still look forward moment, but for how long? women to join the priesthood. Yet at their meeting in the to the “Swiss Review” and HANSRUEDI SCHMID, TASMANIA, Pope’s summer residence in Castelgandolfo, Benedict and are proud of what “our” Swiss AUSTRALIA Küng talked for four hours “on the question of global eth-
people accomplish. Things of All The Beginning ics and the rational dialogue between the natural sciences VERENA HAENNI-SCHEURER The Pillars of Switzerland and Christian faith.” AND FAMILY, GINGIN, WESTERN I refer to the entertaining read- Hans Küng’s new book, “Der Anfang aller Dinge” (“The Begin- AUSTRALIA er’s letter by Eric Haywood ning of All Things”) discusses the relationship between natural from Dublin, and would like science and religion and the rapprochement between reason and Education System to join in the exchange of ideas Christian faith. From the standpoint of an enlightened theology I was happy to see that the about Swiss “Must-haves”. I too he asks such questions as: In the beginning God? Creation or ev- Swiss are fi nally going to har- am a homesick Swiss national, olution? Is everything random? His highly acclaimed work ranges monise their education system. living near Vienna and operating from the Big Bang - the gigantic cosmic explosion 13.7 billion We moved from Lucerne to an active “cultural exchange” years ago – to modern research on the brain. For Küng, mathe- Geneva in October, 1959. Over- with Switzerland. I bring my matical natural science is fully justifi ed and no theologian can night my daughter went from sons, who are now back living question it by citing God and the Bible. But natural science pro- being a German-speaking kin- in Basle, reminiscences from vides no answer to humanity’s eternal questions: Where did we dergartner to a French-speaking childhood, and I always have come from? Where are we going? Why is the world as it is? The ul- fi rst grader. In those days a long list for Migros or Coop. timate reason, the eternal secret of our existence, is “God”. Be- Lucerne began the school year However, my wants are a bit cause: “Whoever accepts the existence of God knows about the in April and Geneva began different from Mr Haywood’s. origin and ancient mystery of reality.” in September. I spent several I can’t live without kirsch Life has been evolving on earth for 3.5 billion years, but hu- weeks before the move teaching batons, plenty of Swiss choco- mans have only existed for the past 200,000 years. The chapter her to read – in French – so late, veal sausages, Buendner- on “Creation or Evolution” is one of the most thought-provok- she would fi t in to the more fl eisch, fondue mix, and Rac- ing in the entire book. Darwin’s theory of plant and animal evo- advanced class in Geneva. For- lette, Emmental, Gruyère, Tilsit lution contradicts the Bible and to this day is rejected by Chris- tunately she handled this well, and Vacherin cheeses. And tian fundamentalists. Küng discusses scientifi cally proven but some students would suffer everything has to be somehow evolution up to and including the structures of higher forms of from moving from a German “safely stowed away”, because plant and animal life. He can identify no special intervention by to a French education. You’re the customs people are always a God of creation. “The evolution of life is an event that must be either six months ahead of your so nosy. That is what annoys explained in physical-chemical terms.” However: “Man appears former school or six months me most, because we are able to be a unique product of evolution, and due to his conscious- behind. Those poor kids. to carry such “luxury goods” ness, language and freedom enjoys a unique relationship with JANE BERNARD, BEAVERTON, back and forth all over Europe. his environment – with “heaven and earth.” OREGON I would expect a bit more toler- Both natural science and religion, according to Küng, have ance from the Swiss in that their legitimacy and unique characteristics. Religion can ascribe Destroyed for good? respect. As it is, I drive across a sense to all evolution which Thank you for your excellent into Feldkirch three times a year natural science cannot. “Faith al- magazine. The article “The with my heart in my mouth, but lows us to recognise that the other face of Switzerland” everything has been fi ne nearly world has been created by the which states that 11 ha of land every time. word of God.” A serious, enlight- are developed every day, should SUZANNE DYSZKANT, ened trust in God as the creator read: destroyed for good. The MARIA ENZERSDORF, and ender of the world and of hu- concreting of the best farming AUSTRIA man beings – this is Hans Küng’s land and scenic jewels goes on key motto. ROLF RIBI unabated. For me a train jour-
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. ney from Zurich to Berne after Hans Küng: Der Anfang aller Dinge. Natur- an interval of a few years makes wissenschaft und Religion. Piper Verlag, Munich 2005. CHF 33.40, EUR 18.90. this fact quite obvious. People The complete works of Hans Küng are
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| Lump sum compensation | Membership Agenda for the 2006 General Meeting Genossenschaft Solidaritätsfonds der Auslandschweizer 1. Explanations to the 2005 Annual Report Société coopérative Fonds de solidarité des Suisses de l’étranger 2. Explanations to the 2005 balance sheet and 2005 income Società cooperativa Fondo di solidarietà degli Svizzeri dell’estero Sociedad cooperativa Fondo de solidaridad de los Suizos en el extranjero statement Cooperative Society Solidarity Fund for Swiss Nationals Abroad 3. Report of the auditors 4. Votes: a) Approval of the 2005 Annual Report | Wealth Management | b) Approval of the 2005 fi nancial statements Insurance brokerage Soliswiss AG c) Appropriation of retained profi t for 2005 Soliswiss SA d) Discharge of the Council Soliswiss LTD 5. Election to the Council and the Appeals Commission 6. Election to the Presidency: Dr Barbara Rigassi-Schneeberger, former ambassador 7. Appointment of new auditors: Ernst & Young AG, Basle 8. Amendments to Statutes 2006* General Assembly 2006 9. Miscellaneous I will participate in the General Assembly * Signifi cant content of proposed amendments to statutes: on the Rhine. – Purpose of cooperative society, supplement: Participation in other companies – Deletion of all articles related to saving I eat meat or fish – Deletion of the Technical Regulations I am a vegetarian
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June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. Soliswiss: Living abroad – with Swiss security F +41 31 381 60 28 [email protected] www.soliswiss.ch Berne, June 2006
SWISS REVIEW Ulrich Pfi ster, President Dr Felix Bossert, Director IMAGES 7
“Thank heaven for the Swiss farmers.” At the end of April, the Swiss Farmers’ Union launched an image campaign featuring Swiss celebrities that has attracted a great deal of public attention. Prominent Swiss including TV presenter Michelle Hunziker, businessman Otto Ineichen, actor Jean- Luc Bideau, disabled former ski racer Silvio Beltrametti, foot- baller Johann Vonlanthen, tennis player Patty Schnyder and master chef Philippe Rochat donned traditional, edelweiss- patterned farmers’ shirts to do some world-scale promotion for agriculture, farm produce and the dialogue between farmers and non-farmers June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. Photos: SBV SWISS REVIEW 8 SWISS COMPANIES ABROAD
The Sixth Switzerland lion in 2004, of which acquisitions and intra- group lending accounted for more than two One in fi ve Swiss companies conducts business abroad. thirds. Between 2000 and 2005, direct invest- Swiss companies are responsible for creating no fewer than ment abroad developed as follows: CHF 75 bil- 1.8 million jobs outside our country. Switzerland ranks in lion in 2000, CHF 31 billion in 2001, CHF 13 billion in 2002, almost CHF 21 billion in 2003, the top league when it comes to direct investments abroad. CHF 33 billion in 2004 and an estimated CHF But is this good or bad for the country itself? By Rolf Ribi 53 billion in 2005. Of the more than CHF 33 billion invested in 2004, almost CHF 22 billion fl owed into the industrial sector. At CHF 12 billion, the heav- iest investor was the chemical industry, mostly accounted for by acquisitions abroad. The food and construction industries as well as metal and engineering industries also under- The Fifth Switzerland is, of course, the 635,000- around the world in the form of direct invest- took sizeable investment abroad. Direct in- strong community of Swiss Abroad in all cor- ments and equity investments. Since 1990 these vestment in the service sector amounted to ners of the globe. But what is the Sixth Swit- international capital fl ows have grown at twice CHF 12 billion or CHF 2 billion less than the zerland? Silvio Borner, professor of economics the rate of global trade and four times faster previous-year fi gure. The heaviest Swiss inves- at Basle University, coined this phrase some than the global production of goods and serv- tors abroad, i.e. Nestlé, Novartis, Roche, UBS time ago to describe the contributions to the ices. Switzerland is heavily involved in global and Holcim, are also among the world’s 100 Swiss economy earned abroad. One in fi ve capital exports and plays in the premier league largest investors. Swiss companies is active elsewhere in the when it comes to direct investments by com- world through subsidiaries, collaborations or panies as well as investments in securities by Capital fl ow to Europe joint ventures (according to the Swiss trade private investors (see box on Portolio). Which countries are the main focus of these bil- promotion organisation Osec). The Swiss National Bank records statistics lions in Swiss direct investment? As in the pre- Switzerland cannot escape the current trend on direct investments by the Swiss business vious three years, Swiss companies invested towards globalisation. Liberalised trade with community in foreign ventures (capital ex- most heavily in the European economic area. Europe and the At CHF 16 billion, world is a necessity more than half of all for our small coun- direct investments try and its national were made in the 25 economy. Even EU member states. now Switzerland is The most favoured “one of the most glo- countries were the balised countries in UK (CHF 5 billion), the world,” accord- the Netherlands ing to Philipp M. (CHF 4 billion) and Hildebrand, mem- France (CHF 3 bil- ber of the govern- lion). A total of ing board of the CHF 6 billion was Swiss National invested in the USA Bank. As an exam- and CHF 3 billion in ple of close-knit Canada. The chem- economic ties with ical industry was by other countries, he far the largest Swiss cites the high per- investor in both centage of gross do- countries. The main mestic product ac- Global Player Credit Suisse: Head offi ce at Paradeplatz, Zurich focus of Swiss direct counted for by investment in Asia exports, the world- was Singapore wide presence of many Swiss companies, the ports) and foreign direct investments in our (CHF 4 billion) and Japan (CHF 1 billion). At attractiveness of Switzerland as the European country (capital imports). According to its def- CHF 34 billion in direct investments, North headquarters of foreign companies – and Swit- inition, direct investments “exercise a lasting America was the most favoured region in the zerland’s leading position in terms of direct in- and direct effect on a company’s business activ- world in 2000. vestments abroad. ities abroad.” In addition to equity capital, the Even more impressive than the annual direct bank collects statistics on loans granted by investments is the amount of capital stock built
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. In the premier league Swiss companies and income earned and re-in- up abroad over a century. At the end of 2004, International capital movements are a typical vested by foreign subsidiaries. the stock of direct Swiss investment abroad characteristic of economic globalisation. Every According to the latest report, direct Swiss amounted to more than CHF 448 billion, of Photo: Suisse Credit SWISS REVIEW day, funds in the order of USD 3.5 billion fl ow investment abroad amounted to CHF 33 bil- which CHF 159 billion was in the industrial sec- 9
tor and CHF 289 billion in the service sector. come). “Direct investments were and are of ing as well as rapidly growing home markets. More than half of Swiss capital stock (CHF 230 major importance for Switzerland,” comments According to Simone Hofer of UBS, the tex- billion) was located in European countries Niklaus Blattner, Vice Chairman of the Gov- tile industry leads the way in outsourcing pro- (CHF 47 billion in the UK alone), followed by erning Board of the Swiss National Bank. duction to countries with cheap labour costs. North America, Central and South America at But the same trend can be seen in the fi elds of CHF 85 billion each, and Asia at CHF 34 bil- ■ A surprising and less well-known yardstick is electronic equipment, pharmaceuticals, soft- lion. provided by the labour market. At the end of ware and hardware. 2004, the 5,000 or so Swiss companies with In addition to this defensive response on ac- Three yardsticks capital holdings abroad employed more than count of cost considerations, outsourcing is also The true dimensions of the Swiss economy’s 1.8 million persons: 1 million in the industrial prompted by offensive reasons i.e. the oppor- global capital involvement are refl ected in the sector and 0.8 million in the service sector (ac- tunity to penetrate new sales markets. Gaining ratio of direct investments abroad to gross do- cording to the Federal Offi ce of Statistics): half new market shares abroad is now the dominant mestic product, the importance of capital earn- the number of persons employed in Switzer- motive behind direct investment, says Serge ings, and the number of jobs created: land (3.6 million). The 39 Swiss companies in Gaillard, Head Economist for the Swiss Feder- the Association for Industrial Holding Com- ation of Trade Unions. While this poses a threat ■ The global stock of CHF 448 billion in di- panies, whose members include most multina- to jobs in Switzerland, demand for Swiss goods rect Swiss investments abroad is virtually on a tional groups, employed some 100,000 persons and services would quickly grow in these new par with Switzerland’s gross domestic product in Switzerland and almost one million abroad. production countries. Local presence is becom- of CHF 446 billion. Capital invested by Swit- This raises two fundamental questions: Why ing increasingly important in order to hold on zerland abroad therefore corresponds to the are Swiss companies transferring some of their to market share, emphasises Simone Hofer of total annual domestic economic performance. operations abroad? And: Do such outsourcing UBS. “Even in new markets, customers are Measured on the basis of its economic strength, moves reduce the number of jobs available in choosy when it comes to service and customer Switzerland ranks second to Luxembourg and Switzerland, thereby reducing prosperity at care.” ahead of other comparable national economies home? Two practical examples illustrate this point: such as Sweden, Netherlands and Ireland. In The large and attractive US market cannot be absolute fi gures, Switzerland ranks sixth in Reasons for investments abroad penetrated on the strength of exports alone. terms of direct investments abroad. “Switzer- In the past, some Swiss companies outsourced Success on the American market calls for local land is one of the most important direct inves- parts of their company abroad for cost reasons. presence, coupled with a proximity to innova- tors in the world,” tive industries and says Monika Engler leading research in- of the Economic stitutes. These were Research Unit of the reasons behind Credit Suisse. Swiss pharma giant Roche’s decision to ■ Income from di- build a strong pres- rect Swiss invest- ence in San Francis- ments abroad co’s Bay Area, a bas- amounted to CHF tion of biotechno- 51 billion in 2004, logy. And Swiss thanks to good busi- pharma Group No- ness performance vartis spent CHF 1 by foreign subsidi- billion building an- aries. This cor- other biotech cen- responds to 11 tre in Massachusetts, percent income on the east cost of measured on the the USA. basis of capital Yet another ex- stock. Of this in- ample is textile come, CHF 29 bil- Global Player UBS: Head offi ce in Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich equipment manu- lion fl owed back to facturer Rieter of Switzerland and Winterthur: “The CHF 22 billion was re-invested locally. Income More than half of the 1.8 million persons em- markets have undergone a dramatic shift away earned on capital from direct investments ployed by foreign branches of Swiss companies from northern Europe and North America abroad makes up four-fi fths of Switzerland’s work in the industrial sector. This is indicative and towards Asia. To be closer to the customer positive balance of payments of CHF 63 bil- of the trend towards transferring labour-inten- and for cost reasons, we are expanding our lion, and a remarkable 0.5 percent of economic sive production abroad. The target markets are production and development capacities in growth. By way of comparison, the balance of countries in Eastern Europe, with their attrac- China and India. This has repercussions for
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. goods (export surplus) accounted for just un- tive production conditions, cheap labour costs our locations in western Europe and in Win- der CHF 7 billion of the balance of payments, and market potential. China and India are in terthur,” explains CEO Hartmut Reuter. while services contributed CHF 27 billion the process of building up enormous industrial Good or bad? Photo: Keystone SWISS REVIEW (thanks to tourism and bank commission in- capacities and offer cost-effective manufactur- Direct investments abroad can result in a loss 10 INVESTMENTS ABROAD AND VICE VERSA
of jobs and income at home. Factory and work- unproductive manufacturing operations are and such investments frequently have to bear shop closures, redundancies and an increase in outsourced, while areas with higher added fruit within only a few years. The attractive- social cases in municipalities are the other side value remain,” comments economics professor ness of a production location can diminish if la- of the globalisation coin. But there are compel- Franz Jaeger in a reference to the textile indus- bour costs rise, if customers favour local pro- ling arguments in favour of direct investment try. viders, or ecological problems crop up. in industrialised countries and developing According to Serge Gaillard, unsuccessful out- countries: ■ According to economics professor Silvio sourcing projects account for roughly one third ■ Three quarters of Swiss direct investments Borner, “The past twenty years have shown of direct investments abroad. abroad fl ow to Europe and North America. that companies which engage in a high level of Globalisation can also falter if policy makers The main aim is to penetrate new markets and direct investment also create a relatively high accede to appeals for protectionist measures in establish service and sales networks – not to level of jobs in Switzerland.” key countries. Against this backdrop, com- outsource production. ments Philipp M. Hildebrand of the Swiss Na- ■ “To refrain from transferring jobs abroad out tional Bank, “a reverse trend away from globali- ■ More than half of Swiss direct investments of local considerations and accept that such a sation is not out of the question.” are undertaken by banks and insurance compa- decision may weaken the company may in the nies, as well as the chemical industry. “These long run turn out to be an ’unpatriotic’ move”, are branches of industry in which Switzerland comments Gerhard Schwarz, Business Editor DOCUMENTATION is among the world’s strongest players,” says of the “Neue Zürcher Zeitung”. Swiss National Bank: Development of Direct Investment Monika Engler of Credit Suisse. in 2004. www.snb.ch/en/publikationen/publi.html Constraints and risks Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce and The Boston Consulting Group: Foreign Companies in Switzerland. ■ The majority of key export branches are also Naturally there are constraints and risks in- January 2006. important direct investors. This points to the volved with direct investment abroad. Switch- www.amcham.ch/publications/m_publications.htm Credit Suisse: Direct Investments: At the employee’s fact that direct investments abroad and export ing to a different, foreign culture often means expense? January 2005 (and other publications on the activities are often complementary. having to deal with different business customs subject). www.credit-suisse.com/research ■ Outsourcing production abroad for cost rea- and with problems of communication. The sons can boost an industrial sector. “Relatively cost of entering foreign markets is usually high,
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN SWITZERLAND Foreign direct investment in Switzerland was of which 75,000 were employed in the manu- factors. Respondents wanted to see an im- less dynamic than capital exports but shows facturing sector and 92,000 in the service provement in the procedure for issuing work signifi cant fl uctuations: In 2000 the fi gure sector. More than three-quarters of these permits, a simplifi cation of VAT, and an expan- amounted to CHF 32 billion, CHF 22 billion in persons in Switzerland were employed by Eu- sion of international fl ight connections. RR 2003 and a mere CHF 1 billion in 2004 ropean companies, and 34,000 by North (mainly accounted for by capital and loan re- American investors. Direct Investments payments abroad). The National Bank antici- 1985–2004 pates some CHF 7 billion in capital imports Strong foreign presence from foreign companies for 2005. More than 6,500 foreign companies operate The stock of foreign direct investment in their own branch offi ces in Switzerland, and Switzerland amounted to CHF 222 billion the trend is growing. A study by the Swiss- (i.e. half the stock of Swiss direct invest- American Chamber of Commerce examined ments abroad), of which CHF 109 billion was the economic signifi cance of these foreign held in fi nance and holding companies, fol- companies. The key fi ndings: foreign compa- lowed by far less signifi cant amounts in- nies in Switzerland contribute some 10 per- vested by trade, banks and the industrial cent or CHF 40 billion to Switzerland’s gross sector. More than half of foreign capital stock domestic product (roughly as much as the in Switzerland (CHF 125 billion) was attribut- canton of St. Gallen or the entire engineering able to EU countries. The biggest investor in industry), employ 210,000 persons (inclu- our country was the Netherlands, followed ding 35,000 in international headquarters in by Germany and France. Investors from the Switzerland), and have accounted for virtu- USA held CHF 89 billion or 40 percent of for- ally one quarter of economic growth over the eign capital stock. past eight years. Investment income of CHF 19 billion More than one hundred leading foreign yielded returns of 9 percent in relation to the companies in Switzerland were questioned foreign capital stock. CHF 8 billion of this about Switzerland as a business location. The amount was reinvested in Swiss subsidiaries, survey found that 90 percent would still de-
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. and CHF 11 billion was transferred to parent cide on Switzerland as a location. In addition companies abroad. One interesting statistic to tax considerations, Switzerland’s political
recorded by the National Bank is the 167,000 stability, skilled workforce, liberal job market Stock of Swiss direct investments abroad Quelle: SNB, CS Economic Research SWISS REVIEW personnel employed by foreign subsidiaries, and “economic neutrality” are highly valued Stock of foreign direct investments in Switzerland POLITICS/VOTING 11
Green light for Switzerland-wide education system. Commentary 85.6 percent of the people and all cantons have voted for the The work begins here harmonisation of the Swiss education system. From the fi rst The vote on the Federal Constitution’s new year of primary school to university graduation, a single education article has not exactly made great waves. There was too much consen- educational area is to be formed for the whole of Switzerland. sus among political parties, cantons and Attendance at the polls hit an all-time low: just one in four educational associations for that. The registered voters took part in the vote. By René Lenzin opposition of a very few dissidents from the SVP and extreme left-wing politicians from French-speaking Switzerland was too weak. The people and cantons followed the Fed- eral Council and parliament and gave une- quivocal consent. The fact that there was The result could not be clearer: the people and will ensure standardised levels of studies, tran- no major controversy among the people cantons have approved the Federal Constitu- sitions and fi nal qualifi cations. Such managing either is demonstrated by the extremely tion’s framework article on education by an bodies will be provided for in the new Higher low turnout at the polls of 27.2 percent. overwhelming majority. In most cantons the Education Act currently being prepared by the The education article establishes the share of ’yes’ votes was between 80 and 90 per- Federal Government. The desired interchange- framework for Switzerland as a single edu- cent. Six cantons actually topped the 90 per- ability and transparency are intended not least cational area from primary school to uni- cent mark: Berne (92.9), Neuchâtel (92.6), Ba- to provide the Confederation with a clearer ba- versity. That is an important basis for the sel-Stadt (92.1), Vaud (92.0), Solothurn (91.4) sis for its subsidies to cantonal further educa- successful future of education, research and Basel-Landschaft (90.7). The chorus of ap- tion establishments. and innovation in our country. The solu- proval fell short of 80 percent in just six can- In the area of compulsory education, too, tion the country has opted for also takes tons: Appenzell Ausserrhoden (79.8), Schaff- standardisation is in train. Under the title ’Har- account of the historically grown educa- hausen (79.3), Uri (75.6), Schwyz (74.5), Ticino mos’, the Conference of Cantonal Ministers of tion system: the cantons will retain their (59.7) and Appenzell Innerrhoden (59.2). There Education has been working for quite some autonomy, and the Confederation will only was no urban/rural divide and no signifi cant time now on an agreement that will give sub- intervene if they do not voluntarily ensure difference between German- and French- stance to the general formulations of the con- interchangeability and transparency. The speaking Switzerland. stitution’s mission. Following the unequivocal quite emphatic popular vote should be suf- This unequivocal vote refl ects the history of ’yes’ from the people, Hans Ulrich Stöckling, fi cient incentive for them to address har- the draft law’s development and the broad St.Gallen Executive Council member and Pres- monisation with all promptness. The gen- agreement of all major parties as well as indus- ident of the Conference of Cantonal Ministers eral happiness and satisfaction concerning trial associations, trade unions and educational of Education, assumed on the day of the poll the vote’s success should not blind us to organisations. The new articles in the Consti- that Harmos could now soon be implemented. the fact that what has been created is really tution have arisen out of a parliamentary initi- just a shell, which now has to be fi lled with ative whose implementation has been ad- Two foreign languages in primary school content. It seems likely that this clear con- dressed by parliament in close collaboration Stöckling’s confi dence is based on cantonal ref- sent was achieved partly because the vote with the cantons and the Federal Government. erenda on the teaching of foreign languages. was only a declaration of intent that puts Because only one left-wing and one right-wing The Ministers of Education had agreed that the formalities in place. There is very little splinter group opposed the bill, there was vir- every canton should start instruction in a new in the articles about real content. tually no voting campaign. The downside of foreign language in years three and fi ve. At least The real work is therefore only just be- this “total harmony” can be seen in the poor one of the two languages must be one of the ginning. And the truly controversial deci- turnout: only 27.2 percent of registered voters Swiss offi cial languages. This so-called 3/5 sions that will be painful for those involved took part, the second-lowest fi gure since the model has been opposed by popular initiatives still need to be taken. At higher education Swiss Confederation was founded in 1848. in fi ve cantons. In Schaffhausen, Thurgau and level, in particular, a pruning of subjects Zug, voters rejected the initiatives and thus is indicated. For the Swiss universities to And now to implementation confi rmed the linguistic compromise. Voting is hold their own by international compari- The new constitutional provisions will basically still pending in Lucerne and Zurich. The Zu- son, they have to join forces and focus in change nothing in the allocation of educational rich result is of central importance, since no a more targeted way on specifi c disciplines. authority. The cantons will continue to be re- harmonisation can be achieved without the The Confederation and cantons have to ini- sponsible for compulsory schooling. However, most densely populated canton, in German- tiate a process of coordination and con- the Confederation will be able to intervene if speaking Switzerland at least. centration without strait-jacketing the the cantons cannot agree on a harmonious so- individual universities’ autonomy. At the lution in certain areas. Those cited include the compulsory education level, formal harmo- school entry age, the length of compulsory nisation should not be permitted to lead school attendance and the individual levels, ed- to a rigid one-size-fi ts-all system. The chal-
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. ucational targets and mutual recognition of lenge will lie in creating enough scope for qualifi cations. In the case of universities and children’s individual development within colleges of higher education, the Confedera- a single organisation with unifi ed objec-
SWISS REVIEW tion and cantons have to set up joint bodies that tives. RENE LENZIN 12 Hopp Schwiiz! Allez les
2006 Football World Cup in Germany: The Swiss national team and support staff June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. Front row from left: Philipp Degen, Christoph Spycher, Ludovic Magnin, Alexander Frei, Raphael Wicky, Fabio Coltorti, Pascal Zuberbühler, Diego Benaglio, Johann Vogel, Patrick Mueller, Ricardo Cabanas, Daniel Gygax, Johan Vonlanthen. Middle row from left: Christian Meissgeier (physiotherapist), Ruedi Roder, Marco Streller, Philippe Senderos, Pierluigi Tami, Jakob Kuhn (coach), Michel Pont (assistant coach), Erich Photo: Keystone SWISS REVIEW 13 s Suisses! Forza Svizzera!
Burgener (goalkeeper coach), Tranquillo Barnetta, Mauro Lustrinelli, Cuno Wetzel (doctor), Roland Grossen. Back row from left: Daniel Griesser, Xavier Margairaz, Johan Djourou, Valon Behrami, Martin Suter (equipment), Fredi Haener (medical supplies), Jean-Benoit Schuepbach (equipment), Stephane Grichting, David Degen, Blerim Dzemaili, Stephan Meyer (physiotherapist). 14 OFFICIAL DFA INFORMATION
Staff changes he was promoted to Counsellor sured persons resident in the and reach retirement age or be- in 1999. In mid-2000 he became following countries: Austria, come disabled, receive a partial The following staff changes Head of the Special Crisis Unit Belgium, Denmark, Finland, pension from each involved took place in spring at the in Berne (with the title of France, Germany, Greece, Ire- state. Due to this so-called pro Service for the Swiss Abroad Minister) and Deputy Head of land, Italy, Luxembourg, Neth- rata system, every EU/EFTA (Auslandschweizerdienst, ASD) Political Division VI. Since erlands, Portugal, Spain, Swe- state guarantees a share of the of the Federal Department of mid-2004 Markus Börlin den and the UK. pension indexed to the period Foreign Affairs (DFA). At the has been Counsellor and First during which the insured person end of May 2006, Ambassador Secretary to the Head of Insured persons resident has been resident in the country Markus Börlin succeeded Am- Mission in Stockholm. in EFTA countries and paying contributions, pro- bassador Peter Sutter, who now Persons resident in Norway, vided contributions have been represents the interests of the Iceland or the Principality of paid for at least one year to the Confederation in the Philip- Voluntary Liechtenstein who were born on relevant national social security pines. Ambassador Börlin is AHV/IV in EU/EFTA or after 1 June 1952, can remain scheme. Entitlement to a Swiss head of Political Division VI countries insured under the voluntary AHV/IV pension is also calcu- (PD VI), which looks after the AHV/IV scheme only until lated according to this system, concerns of Swiss abroad, and As a result of the revision of 31 May 2008. Insured persons and paid to Swiss nationals as the ASD, which is attached to the voluntary old age, survi- who reached the age of 50 well as EU and EFTA citizens PD VI. vors and disability insurance before 1 June 2002 can remain abroad if they have been paying scheme (AHV/IV), Swiss na- insured until they reach the contributions for the minimum tionals resident in EU and EFTA statutory retirement age. period. member states can no longer Insured persons are free to join the voluntary AHV/IV New EU member states supplement their state retire- scheme. On 25 September 2005, the ment pension with private insur- Swiss electorate voted in favour ance. In this context we also re- The agreement on free move- of the extension of the agree- fer you to Soliswiss, the ment of persons between Swit- ment on free movement of per- Solidarity Fund for Swiss Na- zerland and EU/EFTA states sons. The extension protocol to tionals Abroad, which offers a has been in force since 1 June the agreement between Switzer- range of retirement products for 2002. Among other things, the land and the EU came into force Swiss nationals living abroad. agreement governs the coordi- on 1 April 2006. Persons residing or taking up nation of social security in mem- The extension of the agree- residence outside the EU/EFTA ber states. In 2001, ahead of the ment to include the ten new EU area can continue to contribute coming into force of this agree- member states also means that voluntarily to the Swiss AHV/ ment, the Swiss parliament insured persons resident in these IV scheme if they were insured voted to amend the provisions countries can no longer contrib- with the AHV/IV for an unin- Markus Börlin, born in Basle in governing voluntary AHV/IV ute to the voluntary AHV/IV terrupted period of at least fi ve 1960, is a citizen of Bubendorf / contributions. This means that scheme. The new EU countries years immediately prior to leav- BL. He graduated from Basle since 1 April 2001 Swiss nation- are as follows: the Czech Repub- ing Switzerland. University with a degree in law als resident in an EU member lic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Additional information: (lic.iur.). After working as a state and, since 1 June 2002, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Po- www.avs-ai-international.ch court registrar at the Liestal ad- those resident in an EFTA state, land, Slovenia and Slovakia. Per- www.soliswiss.ch ministrative and insurance court no longer have the option of sons who were insured in these and the district court in Arle- joining the AHV/IV scheme on countries under the voluntary sheim, and as an assistant for a voluntary basis. AHV/IV scheme until the pro- New telephone penal law at Basle University’s tocol came into force, can re- p r e fi x for the Faculty of Law, he joined the Insured persons resident in main insured for another six Zurich region DFA in 1990 and served as an the EU countries consecutive years (maximum), intern in Berne and Ottawa. Insured persons who reached i.e. until no later than 31 March From the end of March 2007, From 1992 he worked as a diplo- the age of 50 before 1 April 2001 2012. Persons who had reached the prefi x 01 will be replaced by matic offi cer at the Section can still be insured under the the age of 50 by the date on 044 for all telephone numbers in for International Cultural and voluntary AHV/IV scheme un- which the protocol came into the Zurich region. The rest of UNESCO Affairs, part of the til they reach the statutory re- force (i.e. 1 April 2006) can re- the telephone number remains former Directorate for Inter- tirement age. In Switzerland the main insured under the volun- unchanged. If you are calling national Organisations. In 1995 statutory retirement age is 64 tary AHV/IV scheme until they from abroad, you must dial +41 he was assigned to Political for women and 65 for men. reach the statutory retirement 44 instead of +41 1. Division II, where he was re- From 1 April 2007, insured age. The prefi x 044 can be used as
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. sponsible for Latin America. persons born on or after 1 April Under the terms of the agree- of now. Until March 2007, num- In 1997 he was transferred 1951 can no longer pay contribu- ment on free movement of per- bers beginning with 044 can still to Nairobi as First Secretary tions to the voluntary AHV/IV. sons, those who were insured in be dialled using either prefi x
SWISS REVIEW to the Head of Mission, where This regulation applies to in- two or more EU/EFTA states 044 or 01. After this date, num- 15
bers with prefi x 01 will no longer tion on when these par- be valid. Anyone who dials liamentarians were a number with prefi x 01 will elected and the commit- hear a recorded message. tees on which they sit. For more information, The brochure also ex- contact: plains in simple terms www.bakom.admin.ch how new laws are created, (Topics – Telecommunication) and describes the tasks of the Federal Council, departments and federal “The Swiss Confed- offi ces, parliamentary eration – a brief services, the Federal guide 2006” Chancellery, Federal Court and Insurance The brochure entitled “The Court. Swiss Confederation – a brief Once more the infor- guide 2006” was published in mation is enhanced with March 2006 in the four na- the aid of photos, tional languages as well as in diagrams and organisa- The natural course of the river Töss, downstream from Embrach (ZH). English. The publication, is- tional charts. The pho- sued by the Federal Chancellery, tographs for this year’s edition ter levels artifi cially caused by CURRENT POPULAR is available free of charge. were taken by Zurich photogra- hydroelectric plant operators, INITIATIVES pher Stefan Walter. since this damages the ecosys- The following initiative has been This year’s brochure covers The brochure is available free tem of fl owing waters (bed launched since the last issue: 84 pages. As usual, it begins with of charge from: erosion through swell and sink “For a solidarity tax (against an interview with the Federal Federal Offi ce for Construction effects). a two-tier society”); until 28 President of Switzerland. This and Logistics (BBL), Publications, The cantons would be respon- September 2007 year Moritz Leuenberger was CH-3050 Berne sible for restoration measures You can download signature interviewed by Konrad Mrusek, Fax: +41 031 325 50 58 and the related fi nancing, and forms for current initiatives from a correspondent with the “Frank- Internet: www.bbl.admin.ch/ would set up renaturation funds. www.admin.ch/ch/d/pore/vi/ furter Allgemeine Zeitung”. bundespublikationen If the resultant costs cannot vis10.html . be charged to the polluters, the measures would be fi nanced VOTING: Healthy Swiss from these funds. Federal Referendum: waters The initiative also calls for 24 September 2006 The Swiss Fishing Federa- an extension of the right to People’s initiative of 9 Octo- tion has launched a people’s appeal of directly affected ber 2002: “National bank profi ts initiative entitled “Living organisations or nation-wide for the AHV” water (renaturation initia- fi shing, nature conservation Federal law of 16 December tive)”. and environmental organisa- 2005 on foreigners (provided The initiative calls for tions. Such organisations would the request for a referendum is a new Article 76a to be be able to petition the Confed- successful) incorporated in the federal eration and cantons to imple- Amendment of 16 December constitution, along with a ment water renaturation 2005 to the asylum law (pro- new transitional provision, projects. vided the request for a referen- Article 197 Para. 6. You still have until 4 July 2006 dum is successful) The new constitutional to sign this initiative. Date of forthcoming referen- article would oblige the dum in 2006: 26 November cantons to take steps to promote the renaturation RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OFFICIAL DFA INFORMATION PAGES: of public waters such as GABRIELA BRODBECK, SERVICE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD/DFA “The Swiss confederation – lakes and rivers and their shores
a brief guide 2006” provides an and banks. The aim is to im- Advertisement explanation of Switzerland’s prove and expand connections political system, people’s rights, between waterways and to and the composition of the replant banks and shores. The National Council and Council cantons would also be obliged to
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. of States. As always, the bro- implement measures to reacti- chure includes photographs of vate the bed-load balance. They members of both Councils. The would also be responsible for Foto: BBL/PA SWISS REVIEW new issue also contains informa- reducing the differences in wa- 16 LAVAUX SET TO BECOME UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
The three suns of Lavaux The picturesque viticultural Offi ce for Culture. Florence Siegrist (47), Prefect of Lavaux and member of the registra- region of Lavaux is situated between Lausanne and tion committee, explains the history behind Montreux. The terraced vineyards at the foot of the Alps the project and the motivation behind it. Fol- on the shore of Lake Geneva, nestling in a landscape lowing a feasibility study conducted by the canton of Vaud, the baton was handed over to blessedly free from urbanisation, are home to some noble the district of Lavaux. Lavaux submitted a wines – reason enough for the citizens of Lavaux to submit project to the region and set up a committee. their region for inclusion on the UNESCO list of World “It’s a project involving the entire region,” stresses Florence Siegrist. And what makes the Heritage Sites. By Alain Wey. location so original and extraordinary? “You only have to look around you: A landscape shaped by human hand over the centuries, ar- chitectural uniformity; the conservation and strong protection of the region have ensured the harmony of Lavaux.” The object of the ap- plication is a cohesive, lively cultural landscape where wine growing continues to be practised. Everything in Lavaux revolves around the vine. The terraces – an ideal example of a specifi c type of wine-growing – were retained at the same time as wine-growing techniques were enhanced. “We are presenting not only a land- scape,” says Florence Siegrist, “but also a cul- tural whole. This summer, experts from Ico- mos (International Council on Monuments and Sites) are to visit Lavaux. The decision will be made in 2007.” The vitality and social life of Lavaux that revolves around wine are refl ected not only in the vintners’ know-how and the brand image of the appellations of or- igin (Epesses, Saint-Saphorin, Villette, Deza- ley, Calamin etc.), but also in another attrac- tive characteristic: every village in Lavaux runs a wine cellar where the products can be tasted Fascinating Lavaux: view to the East and purchased. 11 a.m., and it’s time for an aperitif. In Cully, In this small corner of the world, Man and Na- lakeside like a gigantic fortress: immense steps vintner Mélanie Weber (29) welcomes us to ture have joined forces to create the nectar of leading to the highlands of the Vaud. Assets like the wine cellar of Francis Weber & Daughter. the gods. Bacchus would be proud of the dili- these (the region is already protected by can- The young woman is a member of the Con- gence shown by the people of Lavaux. The tonal law) have prompted the citizens of Lavaux frérie des vignerons-tâcherons (Association of vintners we met have been practising their art to apply for inclusion on the UNESCO World Vintners and Wine Workers), which grades the for more than four generations. Wine growing Heritage List. An overview of a region where vines three times a year and organises the huge is inextricably linked with the region that Chasselas is king. Fête des Vignerons every 25 years. The young stretches from Pully to Montreux. The steeply The application documents for the World vintner runs a vineyard in the commune of terraced vineyards are a feast for the eyes and Heritage List were submitted in Paris in De- Riex, selling her produce to other vintners and the senses. Row upon row of vines rise from the cember 2005, with the approval of the Federal preparing wine for the family cellars. Mélanie vey Tourisme June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. Photos: Oberlein Andreas Ve / Montreux SWISS REVIEW Vintners of Lavaux: Florence Sigrist, Bernard Chevalley, Mélanie Weber, Jean-Luc Blondel (from left) 17
Weber represents the fi fth generation of this more than thirty years through a law that im- producing Saint-Saphorin for more than a hun- family of vintners. Over a glass of wine her fa- poses restrictions on construction. “We live dred years.” Our hosts live in a house built in ther talks about the hard work in the terraced in an exceptionally beautiful landscape. I of- 1734 in the timeless little village of Saint- vineyards, particularly following severe ten travel around Switzerland. It’s a beautiful Saphorin. Bernard Chevalley uses scientifi c ter- weather conditions. Some 15,000 bottles of country but no region can match Lavaux.” minology – a strange jargon to the layman’s ear Epesses, Calamin and Dézaley are produced On the steep slopes of Saint-Saphorin only – and speaks of wine with an undying passion. here each year. The wine cellar dates from a few kilometres from the Blondel vineyards is The vintner’s symbiotic relationship with 1900. “It used to be the village byre,” smiles the Domaine des Fosses run by Bernard Chev- Nature, the terraced slopes of Lavaux and the Mélanie Weber, who has been a vintner for alley (33). This muscular blue-eyed young man, weather is clearly revealed when Bernard Chev- twelve years. “The love of wine runs in our the fourth generation of a vintner family, is alley talks darkly of the heavy hailstorm of 18 family’s blood!” Is it rare for a woman to be a studying oenology. Situated on a gradient of al- July 2005: “It happened at exactly 3.32 p.m.: vintner? “No. More and more women are join- most 50%, his vineyard starts at a height of 430 we’ll never forget it.” ing the profession. I personally know more than ten...” What does Lavaux mean to you? “Something wonderful. A very special land- scape from any perspective – whether you’re in the vineyards or approaching it from the lake or from Berne. You can never get enough of it.” At the heart of the wine-growing region on the terraces of Lavaux sit the Blondel vine- yards, which have produced fi ve acclaimed ap- pellations of origin: Villette, Epesses, Saint- Saphorin, Calamin and Dézaley. Jean-Luc (45), fourth-generation vintner, and Francine Blondel, whose family has been tending vines since 1453, produce award-winning quality wines. “We grow mainly Chasselas. With this grape we set ourselves apart from other re- gions and produce superior wines. Chasselas is the workhorse of Lavaux.” The high qual- ity standards apply throughout the growing season until harvest time and the decanting of the wine. “Here we don’t re-invent the wheel, but maintain strict discipline from planting of the grapes until the bottled end Fascinating Lavaux: view to the West product.” Jean-Luc Blondel, a member of the Candidacy Committee for UNESCO World metres and rises to 650 metres. Bernard Chev- www.lavaux-unesco-inscription.ch / www.lavaux.ch Heritage Sites, emphasises that the canton of alley talks of the “green harvest” in July, when www.domaine-blondel.ch (Lavaux mit einer Webcam bereisen) /www.lesfosses.ch Vaud has protected the Lavaux region for the vines are pruned back. “Our family has been
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY make use of the steepest slopes, gion is provided by the three suns Chasselas grape. The region is ■ The sunny vine-growing slopes cutting terraces on which to grow of Lavaux: The actual sun that be- home to eight controlled appel- of the Lavaux were formed by the the vines. After centuries of stows light and heat on the steep lations of origin and grapes: Rhône glacier. The glacier hol- painstaking labour, and following vine terraces; the sun refl ected Lutry, Villette, Epesses, Saint- lowed out the depression now a few decades which saw the in- by Lake Geneva, which acts as a Saphorin, Chardonne, Calamin, fi lled by Lake Geneva, in the exorable advance of concrete, the giant mirror and at certain times Dézaley and Vevey-Montreux. process shaping not only the re- wine-growing region of Lavaux of the year casts a second shadow Each grape has its own special gion’s physiognomy but also the successfully turned its back on on the terrace walls like a second characteristics and fl avour, underlying fl esh – the soil – of urbanisation. Lavaux now boasts sun; and the solar heat stored in depending on the soil qualities Lavaux. This subterranean al- some 830 hectares of vineyards the stone walls, which is slowly (more or less loamy) and situa- chemy produces a soil of fascinat- i.e. 5.5 percent of Switzerland’s released during the cool of the tion (near the lake, bordering ing diversity. Nature’s handwork total wine-growing land. The night and creates a unique micro- the forest, or on terraces with has been crafting this region wines are heavily characterised climate. thick load-bearing walls).
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. since time immemorial, but what by the special qualities of the about Man? Wine growing was in- soil. Loam exerts a signifi cant in- APPELLATIONS OF ORIGIN troduced by the Romans, but only fl uence on the fl avour. Another ■ Vintners in Lavaux primarily Photo: Vevey Montreux Tourism SWISS REVIEW in the twelfth century did monks special characteristic of the re- produce white wine from the 18 PARTY POLITICAL LANDSCAPE SEES CHANGES
The Greens as a centre-right alternative. The Social centre-right leanings. The SP is widely re- garded as an anti-capitalist party that wants Democrats (SP) and the Greens are going from strength to to nationalise everything. Similar, fundamen- strength. Switzerland’s fi ve biggest cities are ruled by tally religious considerations mean that the red-green majorities – at the expense of the Radical Free Catholic CVP is not a viable option for many Protestant FDP supporters. In contrast, you Democrats (FDP) and the Christian Democrats (CVP). “The have the Green Party: an ideologically un- Greens are now positioning themselves for many voters as a tainted party representing concerns that are centre-right alternative,” says political scientist Hans Hirter worth supporting.
in an interview with Heinz Eckert of the “Swiss Review”. Does the basic traditional attitude of voters or their sense of family and background still play a signifi cant role in their choice of party? Are you surprised at the great success Whether or not someone is a mem- enjoyed by the Left and the Greens ber of the Reformed Church, a Catho- in most of the recent local elections? lic or a trade unionist, is just as impor- No, not really. On the one hand, the tant as his or her position on how much Social Democrats and the Greens have power the state should have and how always been very well represented in much responsibility the individual major urban areas, and the FDP and ought to bear. The Greens are not af- CVP have been losing voters steadily fi liated with any trade union or religion, for several years. nor do they have a reputation for being great believers in State control. So it’s not really down to a new environ- mental consciousness? Having lost ground in all its former No, that’s not the way I see it. That strongholds, the FDP is now in free fall. used to be the case in the 1980s. Today, Looking back , what was probably their all parties include a set of environmen- biggest political and tactical mistake? tal or “green” principles in their mani- It’s very hard to say exactly why the festos. And it’s not as if the concept of electorate have turned their backs on environmental protection was exactly the FDP. The political parties have in- enjoying a boom right now. creasingly become a kind of self-service store. These days the traditional funda- So why is the FDP losing so many votes mental values of the FDP and CVP are to the Greens? Are they turning slowly no longer automatically sought after. but surely into a political force of the Voters now tend to decide on a case-by- middle ground? case basis. The old FDP slogan “More The Greens certainly cover a very freedom, less state” is now just as inef- broad political spectrum, ranging from fective an argument as campaigning for the extreme left to the political centre, Dr Hans Hirter is a political scientist with the University of Berne’s a socially-conscious free market econ- Institute of Political Science. particularly in urban areas. But most omy conscience or advocating Chris- voters appear not to realise this. For tian values. them, the Greens are simply a viable alter native So, do the Greens attribute their success to the to the FDP – unlike the SP, which is not an FDP’s lack of identity? What role does a party’s Hasn’t the globalisation of the FDP as a busi- option for many voters due to its close asso- European policy play at the polls nowadays? ness party also damaged it, even making it su- ciation with the unions. The Swiss People’s Yes, the FDP’s current weak position is cer- perfl uous for the business community? Party (SVP) is too right-wing for these voters tainly benefi ting the Greens. Many voters no It’s true that the networks between politics and the CVP too Catholic. So, the moderate longer know where exactly radical free demo- and industry no longer work as they used to, wing of the Greens is the only possible option cratic liberalism stands or the direction it is tak- and Zurich’s economic liberalism no longer left. ing, or they are afraid it is getting too close to plays a major role. Moreover, many top man- the SVP. EU accession does not play a big role agers of Swiss companies are from abroad and On the one hand, the left camp is growing, and at the ballot box. But the European question have only a limited interest in Swiss politics, on the other hand, the SVP is the only party might still be important for the SVP, since and it’s some time since Swiss captains of indus- with a clearly outlined centre-right policy. Is many people supported the party on the try were automatically members of the FDP. there really a need for a political middle ground strength of it. Joining the FDP used to be a means of boost- any more? ing one’s career; this is no longer the case. Lib- Of course. Not only is it needed – it actually In which areas do the Greens and the SP differ? eralism is no longer the road to success.
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. exists. In Berne and the canton of Vaud, mod- After all, the Social Democrats also cover a erate Greens in particular chalked up major broad spectrum. But the globalised Swiss economy also benefi ts successes, and they represent the political mid- The SP has always been a workers’ party from the Swiss education system and other polit- Photo: pd SWISS REVIEW dle ground. and therefore not an option for those with ical factors. So a business-focused party that can 19
build bridges between business and politics is RED-GREEN MAJORITIES ONLY IN BIG CITIES still needed. Can the SVP take on this role? While the cities of Zurich, ■ Over the past 20 years, the account for almost 61 percent No, the SVP defi nitely can’t do this because Basle, Lausanne, Berne and FDP and CVP have lost a con- of all seats on the executives. many of its supporters are dependent on state Geneva are governed by red- siderable percentage (4.5 per- ■ The SVP was successful only support. Take agriculture and retired people, green majorities, the SVP con- cent and 2.7 percent respec- in the executives of towns for example. It’s not as though the FDP no tinues to make inroads into tively) of seats in the execu- with between 10,000 and longer represents business interests. But per- the governments and parlia- tives of Switzerland’s 121 larg- 49,999 residents, and has lost haps it doesn’t really advocate them forcefully ments of smaller and medium- est towns and cities with more all its seats in larger towns enough: a criticism often levelled at it by Econ- sized towns. Women now ac- than 10,000 inhabitants, while with a population above omiesuisse. count for around 25 percent the SVP has gained 2.5 per- 50,000. of the membership of munici- centage points. Despite these ■ The Greens (+2.2 percent) Might the general feeling of uncertainty about pal executives, and 31 percent losses, the FDP remains the have also benefi ted from the job security and the future of social security in legislative bodies. These biggest party with 28.5 per- FDP’s and CVP’s losses. Red- mechanisms also be a contributory factor in the are the fi ndings of a study by cent of all seats, ahead of the green parties held more than success of the left-wing parties? the Swiss Federal Statistical SP (23.9 percent, the CVP (16.7 27.9 percent of seats in mu- I don’t think so. Those who voted left/green Offi ce on elections to munici- percent) and the SVP (12.4 nicipal executives in 2005 (SP are not in a bad way fi nancially. No, the vacuum pal authorities between 1983 percent). Centre-right parties 23.9 percent, Greens 2.7 per- left by the FDP and CVP is the reason for the and 2005. (FDP, CVP, SVP, LP) together cent, PDA/Sol 1.3 percent). success of the left/greens. Anyone who is wor- ried about their livelihood and intends to make this known at the ballot box will vote either SP or 2 percentage points at the expense of the vote SVP, one third comes under the category or CVP and not take a detour via the Greens. FDP. A party needs more than just two years of protest voters. They can only be mobilised In any case, the most socially disadvantaged are to reposition itself and communicate a new ap- through pure polemics and hackneyed argu- foreigners, and Swiss who are not fi nancially proach. And the FDP has not even made a start ments about what the country needs. Many secure do not vote. This has been clearly yet on defi ning its new direction. loyal SVP voters disagree with this policy, but proven by a number of studies. factual arguments alone are not enough to And what will happen to the other major achieve success on the far right. You have to use How do you see the future of the FDP and parties? sledge-hammer tactics. The SVP should be CVP? The SP, CVP and SVP will emerge from the pleased if it can maintain its present strength, Since the CVP has increasingly focused on elections on roughly level terms. The SVP can- since it has no new issues with which to create a family, the community and education, a stabil- not grow any further because there is precious big stir. There is about as much prospect of fi nd- ising trend appears to have emerged. Whether little left on the right-wing margins of the po- ing new protest voters as of fi nding a new crowd- this policy is succeeding with the rural popula- litical spectrum and it is intrinsically diffi cult puller in place of Christoph Blocher. Conse- tion is open to question. The CVP will fi nd it to hang on to protest voters. In addition, right quently, the voter base might start to crumble. diffi cult to attract enough new supporters, now the party patently lacks a charismatic fi g- And herein lies the opportunity for the FDP.
since it is still only popular with Catholics. It ure like Christoph Advertisement will be able to continue on a small scale but Blocher, who as a there is no doubt that it is in the most diffi cult member of the Fed- position of all the parties. The FDP will win eral Council is unable Rente oder Kapital back votes if it manages to project itself as the to campaign as ac- party for business, and if it succeeds in once tively as before. Der Anlageplan RentenTIP® erhält Ihr Kapital more representing the interests of younger und sichert Ihnen ein regelmässiges Ein- high earners. In other words, it has to take a Just how important kommen in Form einer Rente in Höhe von * distinctive stand on transport and education for success is the style 6,5% pro Jahr Ihres investierten Kapitals . Verlangen Sie unsere Unterlagen oder ein and have its own policy on family issues. Much cultivated by the persönliches Gespräch. of today’s younger generation see no reason SVP: a style that has Wir freuen uns auf Ihren Anruf. why they should vote for the FDP. repeatedly been the subject of controversy? ProTIP Financial Products AG Fax +41 52 369 05 68 What changes will emerge during the 2007 Very important Hauptstrasse 36, CH-8546 Islikon [email protected] elections? when it comes to mo- Telefon +41 52 369 05 65 www.protip.ch
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Advertisement June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No.
SWISS REVIEW 20 OSA INFORMATION
Electoral roll: “Sound barrier” of 100,000 broken The Swiss Abroad Council (SAC) convened in the National Coun- cil chamber in Berne on 1 April. More than 120 representatives of the Fifth Switzerland atten- ded the spring session of the SAC and, before representatives of governing parties, consoli- dated the importance of Swiss Abroad participation in Swit- zerland’s political life. The event, described by the Presi- dent of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad Council convene in the special atmosphere of the National Council chamber Swiss Abroad (OSA) at the opening of this symbolic con- ferent experiences and cosmo- ported “electronic voting and bers of the Swiss Abroad Coun- vention as “an important ges- politan outlook, they add new swissinfo” and was in favour of cil and representatives of govern- ture by parliament towards the impetus and an international di- an “open and intelligent” Swit- ment parties. Fifth Switzerland”, also cele- mension that enriches the politi- zerland. Thérèse Meyer-Kaelin, brated the breaking of the cal debate. This is why we rely on representative of the Christian No to foreign indexing “sound barrier” of 100,000 them,” said National Councillor Democratic People’s Party of pensions registered Swiss Abroad voters Thérèse Meyer-Kaelin, Presi- (CVP), described Swiss Abroad Equally unacceptable in the view in the electoral roll. dent of the “Swiss Abroad” par- as part of the “large Swiss fam- of the Swiss Abroad Council is liamentary group founded in ily”, adding that this is why the most recent decision by the Swiss expatriates are playing an 2004 and consisting of 85 mem- “communication among its National Council to index inva- increasingly important role in bers of parliament. The growing members is accorded the highest lidity pensions in future to living Switzerland’s political life. Of number of Swiss Abroad regis- importance.” Claude Long- costs in the destination country the 634,216 Swiss nationals resi- tered on the electoral roll makes champ, political scientist and if Switzerland has no reciprocal dent abroad, 485,105 are regis- them a political force that should head of the gfs.bern research in- social security agreement with tered on the electoral roll. Of not be underestimated, and one stitute, highlighted the charac- the relevant country. This meas- those registered, 105,212 or that has the potential to tip the teristic socio-political aspects of ure would primarily affect Swiss 21.69% exercise their political scales during elections. Swiss Abroad. According to the citizens living abroad. Moreover, rights. By breaking the “sound fi ndings of a study conducted by it contravenes international con- barrier” of 100,000, Swiss Parties woo the Fifth his institute, Swiss resident ventions. For this reason the Abroad have exceeded all expec- Switzerland abroad regard the ability to exer- Swiss Abroad Council passed a tations. This number is four At the SAC spring session, rep- cise their political rights not resolution on this issue. times higher than the number resentatives of the four Federal merely as an opportunity to hon- forecast by the Federal Council Council parties stressed the im- our their civic duty, but also, RTVG/swissinfo: Satisfaction when the postal vote was intro- portance of Swiss Abroad in the more particularly, as an identify- for the Swiss Abroad Council duced in 1992 – proof of the political debate. The chairman ing element that demonstrates With regard to the revision of growing interest shown by Swiss of the Swiss People’s Party their sense of belonging to Swit- the Radio and Television Law Abroad in Swiss politics and the (SVP), Ueli Maurer, spoke out in zerland. (RTVG), the National Council opportunity to advocate their in- favour of a “sovereign and inde- followed the Council of States terests. “An important success pendent” Switzerland and No to cutbacks in the consular and fi nally opted in favour of a for the OSA, which has cam- against a closer relationship with network federal subsidy equivalent to at paigned for the rights of Swiss the EU. Hans-Jörg Fehr, chair- For economic reasons, several least 50% of the annual budget of citizens abroad ever since it was man of the Social Democratic consular representations have swissinfo. The Swiss Abroad founded during the First World Party of Switzerland (SPS), took already had to be closed, and Council expressed satisfaction at War, ” emphasised OSA Presi- the opposite view, describing plans are in place for further clo- this decision in the interests of dent Georg Stucky. The OSA Swiss Abroad as an “important sures. The Swiss Abroad Council the Fifth Switzerland. hopes to see a further rise in this political factor”, adding that our cannot accept this move and favourable trend over the next compatriots abroad expected warns against such cutbacks, Congress of the few years, particularly with e- Switzerland to be “an open- which would prove highly dam- voting, which it would like to minded and hospitable country”. aging for Switzerland. Parlia- Swiss Abroad:
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. see introduced before 2010. Marianne Kleiner-Schläpfer, ment must consider the price it Offerings for kids and young Swiss Abroad make an important Vice Chairman of the Liberal will pay for these closures in the people contribution to Switzerland’s po- Democratic Party (FDP), em- long term. This issue triggered The seminar entitled “Partner- Photo: ASO SWISS REVIEW litical life. “Thanks to their dif- phasised that her party sup- heated discussion between mem- ship between business and 21
HELVETIA PATRIA JEUNESSE Leo Schelbert and fostering an understanding The Helvetia Patria Jeunesse Foundation is contributing CHF 25,000 in of Swiss living in the USA. support of the children’s and young people’s programme associated with awarded 2006 Swiss The FDP International chap- the Congress of the Swiss Abroad in Basle. The Foundation’s 2006 dona- Abroad prize ter is delighted to award the fi fth tion will give many children and young people the pleasure of visiting prize to someone who has shown Switzerland and participating actively in the Congress. We would like to The international chapter of such outstanding dedication to thank the Stiftung Helvetia Patria Jeunesse the Swiss Radical Free Demo- the Swiss expatriate community warmly for their commitment to this cause. cratic Party (FDP) has awarded and whose work has a strong im- the fi fth Swiss Abroad prize to pact both at home and abroad. Chicago-based Leo ScheIbert. The award ceremony was held culture: The secret of Basle” Register now: The Swiss history professor was in the Swiss Re Centre for Glo- is aimed at young people seeking spaces still available honoured for his excellent work bal Dialogue, in the presence of to gain an insight into the excit- There are still a few spaces avail- on the history of Swiss-Ameri- prominent fi gures from the ing world of Basle’s global con- able for the second summer can emigration. world of politics, business and glomerates. At the same time camp in Kandersteg. Register culture. History professor Urs you will get to know Basle and now! If it’s too late, we also offer From a list of 21 nominees, the Bitterli delivered the laudation. its many museums, and fi nd out young Swiss Abroad the oppor- jury headed by Dr Hugo Butler In his guest speech entitled “The the origins of patronage in Basle tunity to enjoy an exciting holi- chose Leo Schelbert as the fi fth appeal of the image and the and how the system functions day in Switzerland in August and recipient of the award. Schel- power of curiosity – the ’NZZ’ nowadays. You can discover September. bert, who was born on 16 March and structural change in the in- all about study opportunities The Valais trip (Switzerland 1929, has lived and worked in the ternational media market”, in Switzerland and, armed with mobile – the mountains of the USA since the 1960s. In the Markus Spillmann, editor-in- your experience of the seminar, Valais) is once more a jewel in the course of his career, Professor chief of the “Neue Zürcher Zei- contribute to the debate at crown in the Youth Service’s Schelbert has authored a wide tung”, addressed a topic that ap- the Congress of the Swiss summer arrangements. We offer range of publications that have peals equally to Swiss nationals Abroad. Federal Councillor young Swiss Abroad aged 18 or been instrumental in promoting at home or abroad. pd Blocher will be giving the wel- older a variety-fi lled week in the coming address to Swiss Abroad, Valais Alps, featuring lots of ac-
after which he will take time to tion, adventure and fun. Activi- Advertisement answer your questions. The ties range from an introduction Congress of the Swiss Abroad to alpine sport to the ascent of an seminar will be held from 14 to easy 4000-metre peak, wellness 20 August 2006. in the spas of the Valais Alps, and There are also some spaces left lots of fun with outgoing young in the language course to be held people from all over the world in Basle from 14 to 25 August (dates: 21 to 27 August 2006). 2006. Learn German in the This year the Federal Youth morning alongside other Swiss Session is celebrating its 15th an- Abroad, enjoy an attractive so- niversary. To mark the occasion, cial programme and practice a special programme has been your new-found language skills organised in Laax/GR from 30 on your host family. As part of September to 2 October 2006. the Basle language course you Participants over the years have are also invited to attend the expressed nothing but enthusi- Congress of the Swiss Abroad asm for Switzerland’s Youth Par- and take part in the discussions liament. The OSA will introduce and celebrations. you to Switzerland’s political Children attending the Foun- landscape and prepare you for dation for Young Swiss Abroad the session and the topic of de- (SJAS) holiday camp will be ac- bate. You can then take an active commodated in St. Ursanne, part in shaping Swiss policy and Jura, from 12 to 26 August 2006. meet important Swiss MPs. The 40 children will also travel As always, information on to Basle on the weekend of the these offers can be requested at: congress and present a small pro- The Organisation for the Swiss duction to congress participants. Abroad, Youth Service or Founda- Children of congress partici- tion for Young Swiss Abroad,
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. pants also have the opportunity Alpenstr. 26, 3006 Berne to join this group. Things are a Tel.: ++41 (0)31 356 61 00 lot more fun when you’re among Fax.: ++41 (0)31 356 61 01
SWISS REVIEW others your own age! [email protected] or [email protected] 22 PORTRAIT
“Oyez oyez, the bell has struck ten...” The night watchman In 1880, thanks to progress, disastrous fi res were consigned to history and watchmen were of Lausanne Cathedral is one of the last seven representa- no longer needed. But in Lausanne the offi ce tives of this historic guild in Europe. For more than 600 years of night watchman was literally saved by the he has been tolling the hours. A custom that is now more tower clock, which had to be wound regularly in order to keep the bell ringing. So the city akin to folk tradition was for centuries a vital service for decided to continue the tradition of hourly Vaud’s capital city. An encounter with the ’Guet’ Renato calls by the night watchman. From 9 p.m. to 6 Häusler. By Alain Wey. a.m. he cried out the hour. The clock was elec- trifi ed in the 1950s, and from 1960 the time was only called from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Nowadays there are only seven historic night watchmen left in all of Europe. The oldest is in England; Lausanne: Ten times the bell rings out in the est hint of danger. He also sounded the death his post dates back to the 9th century. Sweden night air. The cathedral watchman’s lodge vi- knell. And in addition to standing watch, he and Poland still have one night watchman, brates with the ringing of the Marie-Madeleine tolled the hours.” Germany three and Lausanne one. bell. With felt hat fi rmly in place, “Over the years you get used to Renato Häusler paces the balcony the special atmosphere, different of the cathedral’s North Tower, moods and noises like creaks and the “Beffroi” (belfry), at a dizzy- groans,” explains the night watch- ing height. “C’est le guet! Il a man, who knows the cathedral sonné dix... Il a sonné dix!”, he like the back of his hand. “When calls to all corners of the earth. I’m here I gain distance from eve- After his tour he disappears back ryday concerns and simply go into the tower. This ritual is re- with the fl ow. Here I gather the peated four times every night: a strength to go on. This place is a journey back in time to the Mid- source of energy: beams and joists dle Ages. But the night watchman that have not moved for centu- of Lausanne Cathedral is a 21st ries, and the sense of permanence century man and a creature of his conveyed by the 700-year-old ca- time. We meet him in his lodge, at thedral: all this gives me stability the top of a fl ight of 153 steps and and a fi xed point of reference.” thirty metres above the ground. How does Renato Häusler fi ll in We are at the top of the belfry the hours between his rounds? He above the cathedral’s main portal. devotes himself to his humanitar- “It’s a unique feeling being here ian organisation ARES (adminis- alone in the still of the night. I’m tration and charity appeals) and in the city and surrounded by its RENATO HÄUSLER to meditation. “In good weather inhabitants, but like a lighthouse ■ Personal details Renato Häusler, 47 years old, married, father of two I go outside, sit on a balustrade keeper, I’m isolated in a small, daughters, met his wife during a humanitarian trip to Sri Lanka. and contemplate the absurdity of confi ned space,” enthuses Renato ■ Profession Part-time (50%) night watchman, 5 to 7 days; PE teacher the world...”. Our night watch- Häusler. In former times every (swimming) in a facility for the visually impaired (blind or visually im- man is a philanthropist and more large marketplace had a night paired with mental disabilities). Renato Häusler has been a night watch- – in his opinion “everything living watchman whose task was to alert man since 2002, but started deputising for the previous night watch- or inanimate is an expression of the residents to fi res. “Fire, dis- man in 1987 and can himself call on seven deputies as required. the Creator.” ease and war were the bogeymen ■ Cycling. “I’ve never had a car. I always cycle.” A night watchman in the 21st of the Middle Ages. Five or six ■ Speaks fi ve languages: French, Swiss-German, English, Italian and century? “For me, the centuries- fi res were recorded in Lausanne Spanish. old continuity of the night watch- between the building of the ca- ■ Humanitarian involvement. In 1999 man tradition is like an unbroken thedral in 1275 and the sixteenth he and a paediatrician founded the chain. Right now I am the last and seventeenth centuries, claim- ARES (Actions Recherche Enfant Sida) link. But I sincerely hope that ing hundreds of victims and de- Association to promote AIDS research someone will follow me so that stroying entire districts of the city. for children. Project: Sponsored endur- the night watchman remains an The duties of the night watchman ance cycling to collect donations. In undying tradition for his descend- of Lausanne were laid down in a 1999 he cycled the “24 hours of Léman” ants and for forthcoming genera- decree dated 4 November 1405. i.e. 3.5 times around Lake Geneva. The tions.” The night watchman performed following year he cycled four times
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. his duties throughout the Middle round the lake, a distance of 720 kilo- Ages and right up to 1880, regu- metres. The Association has 220 mem- larly making his rounds and bers and supports 500 children in Photo: Oberlein Andreas SWISS REVIEW sounding the alarm at the slight- Rwanda. www.deepblueart.ch/ares NEWS IN BRIEF 23
“Against cutbacks in GP health- rain that fell within the space of Doctor honoris causa care and the growing lack of GPs” 36 hours was equivalent to the Claude Nobs, founder of the were brought on stretchers to normal rainfall for the entire Montreux Jazz Festival, was the Houses of Parliament. One month of April. awarded an honorary doctorate week later the monitoring unit of by the Federal Institute of Tech- santésuisse, the umbrella organi- Crystal for the Red Cross nology of Lausane for his serv- sation of Swiss health insurers, The red crystal, the new emblem ices “in promoting the Lake Ge- reported that in 2004 some 4% of the Red Cross, will soon be a neva region”. This year the of doctors presented bills that protected brand in Switzerland. 70-year-old, a chef by profession, Federal Councillor Deiss: were up to one third higher than The National Council approved will be attending the 40th Festi- offi ce fatigue bills from colleagues in the same a protocol that recognises this val, whose initial budget was only To the nation’s complete sur- canton. symbol, along with the red cres- CHF 8000 (now the budget is prise, Federal Councillor Joseph CHF 17 million!). Deiss announced his resignation at the beginning of May. CVP New special “Houses of Parlia- President and National Council- ment” coin lor Doris Leuthard is tipped to As the seat of the government succeed him in mid-June. and parliament, the Houses of Parliament in Berne are a na- Free movement tional monument sine qua non, On 1 April 2006 Switzerland and for the past 104 years have opened its labour market to citi- played a key role in Swiss politi- zens of the new EU member cal affairs. Now the building has states. Last autumn the Swiss been immortalised in silver. A electorate voted to extend free special “Houses of Parliament” movement of persons to these coin with a denomination of countries. Workers from Poland, CHF 20 has just been issued. Hungary, the Czech Republic, The coin was designed by Ber- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slov- Acrobatics on ice cent and the red cross, as a pro- nese graphic artist Benjamin enia and Slovakia are subject to Stéphane Lambiel was crowned tected Red Cross emblem. Pfäffl i and minted in swissmint, restrictions on immigration and World Figure Skating Champion the Federal Mint in Berne. The salary controls. for the second consecutive year. World cheese champion artist’s aim was to convey as au- After winning a silver medal in Switzerland came fi rst in the thentic and detailed an image of Swiss Roots the Winter Olympics in Turin, World Cheesemaking Champi- the building as possible. The Federal Charter of 1291 will the skater from Saxon in the can- onships in the USA, thanks be on show in a Philadelphia mu- ton of Valais outshone the com- largely to a Bernese Emmentaler seum from 10 to 30 June. This petition at the World Champi- and a Fribourg Gruyère. Al- exhibition is part of the “Swiss onships in the Canadian city of though this competition has Roots” project under the aegis of Calgary. been held for the past fi fty years Presence Switzerland, the aim of or so, this is the fi rst time Swit- which is to familiarise Americans FC Basle out of the UEFA Cup zerland has won. with Swiss roots with their fore- The Swiss champions failed by a fathers’ home country. whisker to qualify for a historic Pasta lovers FC Sion once more cup-winners UEFA Cup semi-fi nal. In the Last year the Swiss consumed If ever a victory confi rmed a se- Rise in overnight stays home game FC Basle won 2:0 75,348 tons of pasta – 3.2 percent ries, it was FC Sion’s win against Last year the Swiss hotel indus- against Middlesbrough, but was more than in 2004 – equivalent FC Young Boys in the Swiss Cup try registered 857,000 more unable to seize the offensive in to 10.06 kilograms or some one fi nal. The current leader of the overnight stays than in 2003. Ac- England, losing by 4:1. hundred portions per person. Challenge League beat one of cording to the Federal Offi ce of Within Europe, Switzerland the best teams in the Super Statistics, the overall rise of 2.7% Flooding comes second only to Italy (an- League in a penalty shoot-out. is primarily accounted for by an Due to heavy rainfall, several nual per capita consumption of Sion has made it to the fi nal ten increase in visitors from abroad Swiss lakes and rivers burst their 24 kilograms) in the pasta stakes. times and never lost. (+6.8%). banks at the beginning of April. Advertisement Dozens of cellars were under wa- Doctors take to the streets ter, and roads and rail routes For the fi rst time ever, Swiss were closed off. In the canton of doctors and medical staff dem- Schaffhausen, a three-year-old
June 2006 / No. 3 June 2006 / No. onstrated on Berne’s Bun- girl drowned in a stream swollen desplatz to protest against poor with rainwater. According to working conditions. The 301,000 MeteoSwiss, the Swiss Meteoro- Photo: Swissmint/CVP/Keystone SWISS REVIEW signatures to the petition logical Institute, the amount of MIRROR OF SWITZERLAND DISCOVER TRUE VALUES.
For over a hundred years, the Parliament building has experi- enced an enduring position as the political centre of Switzerland. It is the seat of Swiss Government, re!ecting the country’s diver- sity. It is a place of discussion, where ideas are contested, where the country’s future, prosperity and progress are debated and decided upon. In four languages and entrenched in democratic principles. The 20 franc silver coin entitled «Parliament building» is a living piece of Switzerland – genuine, timeless and of eternal value. O*cial Swiss commemorative coin. Limited edition.
Order voucher Ocial Mint of the Swiss Confederation •www.swissmint.ch
I should like to place an order for the following item(s) plus Name: First name: shipping costs payable in advance: Quantity Quality Price per coin Address: Town/postcode: Parliament building 20 franc silver coin Silver 0.835; 20 g, 33 mm diameter Date: Signature: Standard coinage CHF 20.– no VAT CH-Revue E 06/06 Proof coin in presentation case CHF 50.– incl. VAT Send voucher to swissmint, Bernastrasse 28, CH-3003 Bern, or order directly online at www.swissmint.ch