Doris Leuthard – a Fresh Face on the Federal Council

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD

AUGUST 2006 / NO. 4

Which energy will be best for Switzerland?

Doris Leuthard – A fresh face on the Federal Council

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Raptures in red and white 5 When the Swiss national football squad returned home after losing their World Mailbag Cup game against Ukraine, the players were welcomed at Zurich airport as if they A had won the competition. Even the missed penalties couldn’t dampen the fervour 5 that awaited the team on their arrival back in Switzerland. During the competition tens Sounds: Jazz made in Switzerland of thousands of red-and-white-clad Swiss fans travelled to Germany, determined to turn their side’s encounters into home games. Thousands watched the games on huge screens 7 Images: Lake Lucerne in cities up and down the country, revelling in their team’s performance at the group stage of the competition. Swiss fl ags and red t-shirts bearing the Swiss cross were everywhere. 8 The country was in party mood, the likes of which it had seldom seen. And even the side’s Which energy is best for Switzerland? unfortunate elimination in the second round didn’t dampen spirits for too long. After all, We ask the experts the FIFA World Cup in Germany was just the beginning: “That was the World Cup. Now for the European Championships. Roll on 2008”, wrote main sponsor Credit Suisse in 13 full-page ads, voicing the sentiments of Swiss football fans. In two years’ time, the Swiss Portrait: New face on the Federal Council national squad could be playing for the European title in front of its home crowd. Then 14 the party will begin anew. Offi cial DFA information Rarely has Switzerland witnessed the type of enthusiasm for sportsmen shown to the current national football squad and their coach, Jakob “Köbi” Kuhn. And never be- 16 fore has Switzerland had a national squad that prompted so much support while embod- Swiss Himalayan pioneers ying a modern, open-minded country. Players like Senderos, Dzemaili, Djourou, Bar- netta and Cabanas are the multilingual sons and grandsons of immigrant families. Their roots lie abroad, they play in Europe’s top leagues, and they are optimistic, ambitious and proud to be Swiss. They may be reserved when facing the media, but they clearly affi rm their commitment to their country’s greatest possible success. They are self-confi dent and sure of their Swiss identity: an attitude by no means taken for granted. As recently as the 1990s, Switzerland drew attention to itself with the slogan “La Suisse n’existe pas” (Switzerland doesn’t exist). The ‘68 generation, left-wingers and the media in particular had major issues about being Swiss, and any form of patriotism was equated with right-wing extremism. Flags were the scorned synonym for the army and the right-wing bour- 18 geoisie. The end of the Cold War brought more relaxed atti- Avenches - Rock in the arena tudes. Indeed, “Swissness” has even made a distinct comeback since 19 the Expo.02. Accessories bearing the Swiss cross are now extremely Politics: The new asylum law trendy and big money-spinners. The young people of today have a relaxed relationship with 20 OSA news Heinz Eckert their home country and are proud of their red passport. They are not alone: A representative survey found that 78 percent of respondents were proud to 22 be Swiss – up from 74 percent in 2004. In the past, national identity was never even ques- New services from Soliswiss tioned. Sociologist Kurt Imhof sees this as a positive development. “Democracy needs a be- 23 News in brief lief in communality, and it’s good that identifying with one’s home country is no longer the sole preserve of the Swiss People’s Party,” he says. “It’s cool being Swiss,” a 28-year-old designer confessed in an interview. Such sentiments are new to Switzerland. “Chauvinism is a matter of dosage,” said literary critic Peter von Matt in an interview on the issue. “Controlled delivery is good

for you. It increases your joie-de-vivre and makes you adventurous. Ill-tempered self-ﬂ ag- Cover Photo: ellation is unproductive in the long run.” HEINZ ECKERT, CHEFREDAKTOR Doris Leuthard, Federal Councillor. Keystone o. 4 2006 / N t s u g 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. u A 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] ISS REVIEW

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Swiss Socialist Party – International section If you wish to support the campaign financially, please make contributions payable to www.spschweiz.ch/international "SP International – No to Asylum Laws", SP Schweiz, BEKB, 3001 Berne, IBAN CH55 0079 0042 3913 0629 7. MAILBAG SOUNDS 5

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD

JUNE 2006 / NO. 3 Low-cost airlines growth and many Swiss jazz has long stepped out of the shadows, and is now ”Switzerland is becom- other considerations, increasingly attracting international attention. This is con- ing the Mecca of low- but I still get the ﬁ rmed by a selection of recently-released albums. cost airlines,” wrote graphic impression Zurich-based pianist and band leader Irène Schweizer is

In economic terms Switzerland is a giant

The Lavaux to become Lorenzo Vasella in the World Heritage Site that the Swiss govern- one of Switzerland’s internationally acclaimed jazz musi- Greens now the centre-right alternative

April issue of the ment is in the process land cians alongside percussionist Pierre Favre and fellow pian- ”Swiss Review”. In of sawing off one of the ist and band leader George Gruntz. No-one else in Switzer- view of the upgrading of Basel four arms of its famous white land plays the 88 black-and-white keys like she does; Airport, that sounds rather cross on a red background; lit- witzer constantly exploring new avenues, tirelessly improvising, positive. However what the ar- erally mutilating its own iden- playful and innovative, whether in a duo (often with drum- ticle does not say is that not tity! Yes, so much stupidity at mers) or a big band with saxophonists like Co Streiff and only does easyJet manage to ﬂ y once really is saddening, even Omri Ziegele. The 14 tracks on “Portrait” (Intakt CD 105) at lower cost than other airlines for those of us whose liveli- and a comprehensive booklet invite listeners on a journey because it limits itself to sup- hoods are not touched by it. through her work. azz made in S

plying basic transport. Even A. I. OPHIR, K-YAM, ISRAEL J Does Swiss jazz yodel? For the past 20 years, more and when fl ying to airports within more Swiss jazzmen and women have focused on their musical the European Union, easyJet Franz Weber and the Lavaux heritage. The “Alpentöne” (Alpine Sounds) festival takes place does not abide by EU regula- Oh yes, the Lavaux certainly is every other year. The “Alpentöne 05” sampler (Musiques Suisses tions on the protection of pas- beautiful! And the region mer- MGB CD 6263) contains not only lots of exciting music but also no sengers’ rights. Whereas other its all the attention it gets. fewer than three versions of the famous “Guggisberglied”. The Zu- airlines look after their passen- But what a mistake not to rich Jazz Orchestra also addresses matters Swiss in “Beyond Swiss gers when fl ights are cancelled have mentioned the name of Tradition” (Universal 987 512-1). The result is a mixture of tradi- due to bad weather, for exam- environmentalist Franz Weber tional music and new, folklore-based compositions with a swing- ple, and limit the damage even once in your article. No- ing big band jazz sound. It’s light and uncomplicated, but thor- caused by helping passengers one should have a memory that oughly enjoyable. The Tritonus group presents more challenging fi nd alternate transport to their short! fare consisting of old Swiss music played on original instruments. destination, easyJet takes a ”not Love him or hate him, it is “Alpan” (Zytglogge ZYT 4901) is a search for new sounds and links our problem” approach to- largely thanks to Weber that up with musicians in other genres, for instance the young Heri- wards its customers. Precisely property developers and other sau-born jazz saxophonist Reto Suhner. this happened to us, for exam- destroyers of the countryside And the pianists? Despite his youth, 24-year-old Colin Vallon ple, and two-and-a-half months have been kept well away from from Western Switzerland is hugely talented. His debut album “Les later we still haven’t been reim- the magnifi cent Lavaux. Franz Ombres” (Unit Records UTR4145 CD), in which he plays as part of bursed the cost of the tickets Weber faced almost unanimous a trio, is proof of his amazing maturity and skill. His swinging, we paid for long in advance (ac- opposition in 1977 when he bubbly music is pleasant to listen to without being superfi cial, cording to the relevant EU Di- launched the ”Save Lavaux” and occasionally reminiscent of Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand). rective, airlines must refund campaign: to great success. It The music of 35-year-old pianist Nik Bärtsch and his band Ronin customers within a week). was a case of da capo al fi ne in is rather unusual. The compelling strains on “Rea” (Tonus Music DR. EVA LACOUR AND PAUL DINGER, the autumn of 2005, when the Records TON 15) could be described as Zen funk; a stupendous ANSCHAU, GERMANY indefatigable ecologist success- blend of James Brown, minimal music, Japanese ritual music, am- fully fought his second ”Save bient and jazz – in short, hypnotising music. Culture shock Lavaux” campaign after the Bebop meets New Orleans: Australian trombonist Adrian Mears Firstly I’d like to say that I al- wine-growing region was down- lives in Germany. Drummer Jeff Boudreaux is from New Orleans, ways enjoy reading the ”Swiss graded by Vaud’s new cantonal though just like fellow American pianist Peter Madsen he lives Review”, which keeps me in- constitution. in Vorarlberg. Together with the superb Bernese saxophonist formed about happenings in So let’s give Weber his due, Domenic Landof and driving bassist Stephan Kurmann from today’s Switzerland in an at- and the Lavaux will be the bet- Basel they make up the New Orleans Hardbop ensemble. On “Jump tractively succinct and yet ter for it. On In” (TCB 25202), this dynamic quintet really lets rip with readable and interesting man- NICOLE ALLEMANN RUCHTI, hell-raising, swinging, uniquely New Orleans grooves with ner. Many thanks for that! I LANGUEDOC, FRANCE distinct echoes of Monk, blues and Eddie Harris. The excellent have just fi nished reading your Harry’s Satchmo All Stars is just one of the many bands in Swit- April issue. Being far removed zerland that play good old New Orleans jazz. To celebrate their o. 4 from agricultural matters, your 20th anniversary, they’ve produced “Happy Birthday” (Euro Top 2006 / N

t article about the state of farm- EU 333 1882), a thrilling tribute to the unforgettable Louis Arm- s u g u

A ing in Switzerland was a real strong. culture shock for me. I under- RICHARD BUTZ, born 1943; A journalist, author, adult education teacher and stand the economic, labour, cultural educator, Butz lives and works in St. Gallen, where he has been listening WISS REVIEW

S competition, political, social, to and collecting jazz for more than 50 years. [email protected] Advertising feature

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2006 – a mixed bouquet of new stamps One of the innovations in 2006 is the Swiss Post new stamp series "Switzerland as seen Stamps and Philately by foreign artists" launched in May with Ostermundigenstrasse 91 designs by French cartoonist and illustra- 3030 Berne, Switzerland tor Patrice Killoffer. His humourous pictu- Tel. ++41 (0)31 338 06 06 res show a cow – an animal often asso- Fax ++41 (0)31 338 73 08 ciated in the public mind with www.post.ch/philashop.ch Switzerland – for each season. Other topics this year include the centenary of PostBus Switzerland, the opening of the Simplon Tunnel and the reintroduction of the ibex. But historical parks and gar- dens, cultural integration and the Alpine panorama of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau also feature. IMAGES 7

Lake Lucerne. Lake Lucerne has always been a source of inspiration for artists. In its summer exhibition, Lucerne Art Museum presents a selection of the immense body of pictures of the lake. The range of works on display spans everything from William Turner to Alexandre Calame and photographic artist Gerhard Richter. But there are also contemporary works produced specially for the show. The exhibition runs until 10 October.

Gerhard Richter, 1969 Wiliam Turner, 1844

Ludwig Vogel, 1848 Cecil Wick, 2006 Ernst Stückelberg, 1879 is o Litter ight Pr o. 4 yr n, Cop 2006 / N t uzer s u g u A tmuseum L WISS REVIEW

S Photos: Kuns Alexandre Calame, 1849 Lovis Corinth, 1924 8 THE FUTURE OF ENERGY SUPPLY

Which energy is best for Switzerland? The future of energy supply is currently a hotly-debated issue in our country. The Federal Council and environmental groups have a vision of a “2000 watt society”, while electricity utilities dream about a “renaissance of nuclear power”.

Energy Minister Moritz Leuenberger cre- SFOE is not planning to build new nuclear “Nuclear power must play a major role in ated waves last year when he announced, “In power plants for the time being because of Swiss electricity supply in the long term,” the the coming decades, the Federal Council will the lengthy approval process and lack of a so- nuclear lobby says. This has reignited the de- work towards realising the vision of a 2000 lution for disposing of nuclear waste. bate over nuclear power in Switzerland. watt society. In this vision, per-capita con- Power companies are even talking about a sumption of energy would not exceed 2000 Call for “major action” “renaissance for nuclear power” and enthus- watts – that is, between a half and a third of Environmental organisations are urging guts- ing about the new European 1600-megawatt the current level in this country. Such visions ier, more specifi c measures than the Swiss EPR pressurised water reactor. are not illusory.” This target is to be met by authorities. Yet they are pursuing the same Energy expert Rudolf Rechsteiner says the making machines, motor vehicles and build- aim of an environmentally friendly “2000 high cost of investing in nuclear power makes ings more effi cient and capitalising on the watt society” as the Federal Council. ”We it “uncompetitive in a free market”. Given potentials offered by renewable energy. must reduce our energy consumption by two- the political risks involved, it remains to be Switzerland is currently witnessing a re- thirds by 2050,” they say. They are also call- seen whether private investors like banks will peat of the policy debate that raged back in ing for “major action”, specifi cally employ- invest in nuclear technology. Martin Bäumle, the 1970s and 80s. Once again, the talk is ing the best technology for all investment a scientist and Green National Councillor, about energy scenarios for the coming years, and consumer decision-making; control taxes says, “No-one can guarantee geological and fears of electricity defi cits, and the possible on all energy sources; stricter technical social stability for the 10,000 years it takes construction of new nuclear or natural gas- norms for electrical devices; the Minergie to isolate highly radioactive waste.” driven power plants. And yet again, utility standard for insulation, windows and heat re- Polls carried out this spring show that the operators and their corporate interests are covery in new and renovated houses; and Swiss remain split over the issue of nuclear pitted against the brash and well-researched cost-covering prices for electricity supplied power. Asked “Should the nuclear power promoters of modern alternative energy from alternative sources. plants in use today be replaced by a new gen- sources. Environmentalists say the following are es- eration of nuclear power plants?”, 46 percent sential in order to meet the ambitious target of respondents answered Yes, and 51 percent Energy prospects for Switzerland of creating a “2000 watt society”: better No. The future of atomic energy in Switzer- This spring the Federal Offi ce for Energy technology (from heating systems to electric land will eventually be decided by voters at (SFOE) published its guidelines for a future motors), better houses (insulation), better home and abroad. The proposed Nuclear energy policy for Switzerland. Its prognoses transport (cars that consume less than 3.5 li- Power Act will be put to an obligatory refer- for the period 2035-2050 suggest that de- tres of fuel per 100 kilometers, hybrid buses), endum in a move to seek grass-roots approval mand for electricity could increase by as less driving (for business and pleasure) and for new nuclear power plants. ROLF RIBI much as 24 percent, and warns of ”persistent more renewable energy. electricity shortfalls” by about 2020 because the three smaller nuclear power stations in A nuclear power renaissance? Beznau and Mühleberg will be taken off the The electricity industry has very different grid and electricity supply contracts with objectives. The “Preview of electricity sup- France will begin to expire. ply in Switzerland in the period 2035-2050” The SFOE has therefore announced a by the industry’s umbrella organisation three-pronged strategy to secure power sup- points to a defi cit in electricity supply from plies: Firstly, broad technical improvements 2020 onwards. It says cuts in electricity con- in energy effi ciency; secondly, developing ex- sumption are “unrealistic in the long term.” tra capacities for renewable energies such as And it suggests that the proportion of do- geothermal power (heat from deep under- mestic electricity production covered by re- ground), photovoltaic energy (transforming newable (wind, photovoltaic, biomass and light into direct current using photoelectric geothermal) energy “would not exceed 10 o. 4 cells), biomass or wood as well as the expan- percent for a long time.” Three variations are 2006 / N

DOCUMENTATION: t sion of hydroelectric power (technical up- proposed for bridging the gap between elec- s u

g www.energiestiftung.ch (Swiss Energy Foundation, u A grades, small-scale power plants); and thirdly tricity supply and demand: new nuclear Greenpeace Switzerland, Transport and Environment constructing fossil thermal plants with opti- power plants, natural gas combined-cycle Association, WWF Switzerland) – www.strom.ch (Swiss Electricity Producers’ and Distributors’ Associa- mised re-use of waste heat (combined gas plants, and a combination of natural gas and tion) – www.iea.org (International Energy Agency, WISS REVIEW

S power plants). Interestingly enough, the atomic power. World Energy Outlook) 9

“Swiss Review” put 9 questions on Swiss energy policy to three experts. The replies by Walter Steinmann (Director of the Federal Ofﬁ ce for Energy), Daniel Spreng (a professor of energy policy at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich) and Rudolf Rechsteiner (a Social- Democrat National Councillor) can be found on the following pages.

Last year, for the fi rst Steinmann: Sustainable energy supply involves an effi cient, environmentally-friendly, 01 time ever, Switzer- socially acceptable, just and economical approach towards energy on the part of pro- land consumed more electricity ducers and consumers alike. Energy policies must create the necessary underlying than it produced. Carbon conditions for this and point us in a direction by which we can eventually reach our dioxide emissions are higher objectives. The Federal Offi ce of Energy’s strategy, based on the 2000-watt society, than in 1990, and there are is a fi rst sketch of future sustainable energy policies in Switzerland: one which, it still no control taxes on energy should be remembered, contains many other elements apart from the aforementioned producers. What sort of sus- three pillars. However, our politicians will have to work intensively over the next few tainable (and constitutionally years to draw up the precise framework conditions and decide which instruments should be employed. enshrined) energy policy should Switzerland adopt? Spreng: Energy policy is a diffi cult issue. Why? Because only a minority is interested in it: energy suppliers and environmentalists. That’s why the two camps are constantly at loggerheads. In the past, energy policies have only functioned if they were part of a more comprehensive policy. In the 1970s, broad-based support for reductions in air pollution led to the introduction of strict regulations for oil burners. Amongst other things, being forced to comply with the regulations prompted the Swiss to develop oil burners that were unparalleled worldwide. Another example concerns the construction industry. When the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA) introduced tougher norms on energy consumption by buildings, the government launched incentive programmes to promote continuing training for affected professional groups. These proved so successful that the SIA norms could be met and the construction industry increased its competitiveness. The fact that energy consumption in new houses more than halved in the space of 30 years was a welcome side-effect to the main aim of increasing the sector’s competitiveness.

Rechsteiner: Growing CO2 emissions and dwindling oil reserves will favour sustainable energy supplies. Feed-in tariffs could also trigger a boom in “clean” technology in Switzerland. Buildings employing the Minergie and Minergie P standards will make a breakthrough. Freight will increasingly be transported by rail and ship. Within the single European electricity market, electricity will be produced where the resources are best: wind energy along coastlines, on plateaux and offshore, and solar power in areas with plenty of sunshine – in Switzerland that means the Valais and En- gadine regions. We may also import electricity from Italy, Spain or Tunisia. Instead of investing in foreign atomic energy ventures, companies will become involved in wind and solar energy projects – like Axpo, which recently bought shares in Norwegian wind farms.

Global support for Steinmann: Just like any other country, Switzerland must expect the prices of fossil energy sources to re- 02 crude oil and natural main high and supplies uncertain in the medium term. And we would be wise to expand the relevant meas- gas will decline in the medium ures – some of which are already in place today, for instance in the EnergieSchweiz programme – in a tar- term, while demand grows and geted manner and as soon as possible. For example, at least 50 percent of our heat requirements could be oil prices continue to rise. generated through the use of wood, biomass, solar thermal plants and heat pumps over the next 25 years (fos- What are the implications for sil fuels currently account for 80 percent of the total heating market). And in the long term, 10 to 15 percent energy supply in Switzerland? of our engine fuels could come from renewable sources such as biogas, bio-ethanol and other renewable energies. o. 4 Spreng: Unfortunately, it’s by no means certain that oil prices will continue to rise. After all, they are the re- 2006 / N

t sult of production bottlenecks, not a shortage of resources. High oil prices are a double-edged sword: On the s u g u

A one hand, the huge proﬁ ts they bring to producing countries create enormous economic turmoil as well as political tensions that Switzerland, like other countries, cannot ignore. On the other hand, higher prices are healthy for purchasers too. It would be good if oil prices remained at the present high level for a long time to WISS REVIEW

S come. This would give alternatives a fair chance and encourage energy saving. 10 THE FUTURE OF ENERGY SUPPLY

Rechsteiner: Demand should never outstrip supply. As prices increase, effi cient and renewable technologies will (fi nally!) come to the fore. Those that aren’t effi cient will be swept off the market.

The Federal Offi ce Steinmann: If electricity consumption continues to grow by 1 to 2 percent a year, we will already start hav- 03 for Energy plans to ing defi cits from 2015 during the winter months. At the same time as massively increasing our energy effi - use natural gas power plants to ciency, we must try to plug the remaining gap on the production side. In so doing, the proportion of renew- bridge the shortfall in electric- able energies should be expanded as far as possible. However, the remaining requirements must be met by ity from the year 2020. What conventional production technologies. Basically, we really have only two alternatives: new nuclear power sta- are the advantages and disad- tions or gas-fi red plants. No new nuclear power stations are on the cards in the short to medium term, since vantages of gas-fi red power the waste disposal issue fi rst needs to be solved once and for all. Among the economically acceptable alterna- plants? tives, we assume that combined gas-fi red power plants are the lesser evil. Their relative advantages are that they can be planned, approved and built quickly, and they are acceptable from an energy point of view if cou- pled with credible CO2 compensation measures. What’s more, if we use combined gas-fi red power stations, we are not tying ourselves to a technology for 60 years, as would be the case with new nuclear power plants.

Spreng: One advantage is that gas-ﬁ red power plants do not tie up much capital and could therefore be suitable as a bridging solution. The disadvantage is that Switzerland would relinquish its trump card of CO2-free electricity production if it built new gas-ﬁ red power stations.

Rechsteiner: Gas-ﬁ red power plants can handle peak loads. They are relatively cheap and quick to build. Combined with heat pumps and good waste heat reutilisation, they can even cut CO2 emissions if part of the electricity is used to replace oil-powered heating systems (via heat pumps). The disadvantages are the CO2 emissions and the lack of cost security, because gas prices follow the price of oil.

Is there still a suffi - Steinmann: Hydroelectric power remains the most important domestic pillar of our energy supplies. How- 04 cient potential for ever, there is relatively little scope for economically viable expansion of hydroelectric power in Switzerland, expanding and modernising and what there is, is based mainly on measures to optimise and expand existing plants. Hydroelectric power hydroelectric power plants in could therefore grow by 5 to 10 percent. our country? Can the capacities of hydroelectric plants be Spreng: Hydroelectric power plants play a key role in securing the country’s energy supplies. If the electric- increased further? ity market were opened up to competition, the state would have to ensure that the modernisation of hydroelectric power plants was not neglected. Looked at purely in terms of fi nancial investment, many of these expansion and upgrading projects are not particularly cost-effi cient. Luckily, nearly all hydroelectric power stations are still in public hands. So let’s hope that the powers that be won’t only be looking at short-term cash fl ows.

Rechsteiner: Much can still be gained by modernising existing hydroelectric plants. In particular, Switzer- land could earn even more money than it does now through an international reservoir management network. Wind energy and hydroelectric power complement each other ideally. When the wind blows, electricity prices fall and water reserves are preserved or topped up. When there’s no wind, you can use the hydroelectric plants. The important thing is that water conservation is not neglected. If cleverly and carefully designed, protection and utilisation needn’t be mutually exclusive.

Will Switzerland Steinmann: By 2020 at the latest, when the oldest nuclear power stations in Switzerland are taken out of op- 05 need new nuclear eration, there will be a shortfall in our electricity supplies. This could theoretically be plugged in the medium power plants when the existing to long term by a new nuclear power station, since this option still remains open in Switzerland following sev- ones close? Do atomic technol- eral referendums on the matter. In the meantime, however, construction of a new Swiss nuclear power plant ogies even have a future? And is rather unrealistic. Instead of engaging in trench warfare over the issue for the next 20 years, we should work how do you assess the attitudes on improving energy effi ciency and on renewable energy technologies. The Federal Offi ce for Energy is pres- towards nuclear power among ently drawing up its energy predictions for the year 2035. These results, which will be presented at the end of the general public? this year, can form the basis of the political debate about how many and what types of conventional power o. 4 plants we really need in 20 to 30 years, be they nuclear or combined gas-fi red. 2006 / N t s u g u Spreng: A In spite of the danger of proliferation and the durability of radioactive waste, I get the impression that mankind will not be able to resist the temptation to use this compact energy source. I would be happy if Switzerland didn’t build any more reactors that were not inherently safe, i.e. that the chosen reactor types WISS REVIEW

S couldn’t possibly release unhealthy amounts of radioactivity in the event of an accident. 11

Rechsteiner: Nuclear power plants represent an unacceptable safety risk and must be prevented with all the political and legal means at our disposal. On closer inspection, the so-called “nuclear renaissance” is pure propaganda. Few nuclear power plants are being built anywhere in the world, and even these are mostly at the state’s expense. In view of the trend towards renewable energies, especially wind and solar power, it is becoming increasingly difﬁ cult to justify new nuclear risks even for propaganda purposes. Atomic energy is not only be- set by unsolved safety and waste problems. Its competitiveness on the free market is also restricted by a lack of cost-effectiveness and long construction times. Wind farms the size of the Gösgen plant can be planned and built within a year. Nuclear power plants, by contrast, take ten times as long.

What should be done Steinmann: From an ethical point of view, it’s clear that we must solve the problem of radioactive waste dis- 06 with the radioactive posal, because as the benefi ciaries of atomic energy we owe it to future generations to clean up our mess. Ex- waste produced by Switzer- treme care must be taken in selecting possible locations for storage. This we are doing by putting together a land’s fi ve nuclear power “deep geological depository plan” which starts by laying down the criteria by which we should select suita- plants? And what is the ethical ble locations. Aside from safety criteria – the safety of people and the environment are always foremost – justifi cation for storing nu- there are also pressing social and economic criteria and needs to take into account. Only when all the crite- clear waste for tens of ria are in place can the actual search for a storage location begin, with cantons, responsible foreign bodies, thousands of years? organisations and the general public being informed early on and involved in the process as appropriate. As- suming the Swiss authorities give us carte blanche, possible locations can then be assessed on the basis of these criteria. Further geological analyses may also need to be carried out. The procedure for selecting a location could be completed by the end of the decade. The aim is to be able to start using the deep depository by around 2040.

Spreng: The problem should not be played down, and when it comes to storage, corners should not be cut. In Switzerland we are well on the way towards developing a concept that both offers reliable passive protection in stable geological strata and – for future generations – provides for checks with the possibility of improving storage. Other sectors could take a leaf out of this book.

Rechsteiner: There is no technical solution to the waste problem. All we have is damage limitation. Even burial deep underground entails risks that merit a worldwide ban on nuclear technology. It’s just a question of time.

Could wind farms in Steinmann: First we have to ask ourselves what exactly we mean by “securing supply for our country”. Can 07 the North Sea one nuclear power stations in France, gas-fi red plants operated by Swiss companies in Italy, or wind parks run by day replace our nuclear power majority Swiss-owned Nordic fi rms make a real contribution towards securing our energy supplies in the sense plants for generating electric- of being self-suffi cient? It’s also debatable whether there’s really any sense in transporting energy. Firstly, trans- ity? How do you evaluate porting electricity over such large distances involves not insubstantial losses. Secondly, present-day transport wind energy from a technical capacities would hardly suffi ce, which means that we’d need massive investment in new lines. For landscape con- point of view i.e. in terms of servation reasons and because of the relatively low wind factor, only a few locations in Switzerland are suitable power fl uctuations, line loss, for wind energy generation. In the EU, by contrast, wind energy is witnessing a huge expansion, partly also in landscape conservation and the face of stiff opposition from environmental groups. If the proportion of wind energy in the European elec- wind availability? tricity network increases, this can lead to fl uctuations in production and prices. And this in turn could benefi t Swiss storage power stations, which could provide back-up power at very short notice when the wind drops.

Spreng: Wind farms are a good thing. And, in principle, wind and water complement each other nicely in terms of electricity production. But we Swiss are not alone in Europe. The countries that build these wind farms will want to use this electricity themselves and build the necessary back-up power plants and network support facilities. As regards landscape conservation, there is no way of generating energy without a down- side.

Rechsteiner: Wind energy is increasingly being harvested in all the world’s oceans. Its potential has even been recognised in China and the United States. When DC lines are used, transport losses remain below 5 o. 4 percent, even over very long distances (1000-2000 km). Fluctuations in wind availability can always be man- 2006 / N t s aged if wind farms are properly networked. After all, it’s always windy somewhere. Added to this, we have elec- u g u

A tricity storers and demand-side management. Landscape conservation regulations restrict planning and ensure that large wind farms are built in sparsely populated areas or out at sea. However, just like hydroelectric plants in the Alps, wind farms are very lucrative for local residents. That’s why wind power exploitation is W ISS REVIEW S growing exponentially. 12 THE FUTURE OF ENERGY SUPPLY

The price of solar Steinmann: Photovoltaic energy has an enormous potential, but we will only be able to capitalise fully on it 08 power and the cost of in the long term – i.e. in a few decades. At present there are still too many technical hurdles to overcome and solar cells have dropped. What the costs are too high. Photovoltaics can be considered one of the key technologies of the future. Technical future does solar power have advances are already bringing prices down by about 5 percent a year, which means that production costs per in this country? What are its kilowatt-hour should be competitive in 20 to 30 years’ time. Switzerland is very well-positioned in this tech- chances? nical ﬁ eld. It has excellent researchers and lots of experience with practical applications. Even so, our research and development needs further support and applications need to be promoted so that Switzerland can main- tain its strong position (also as an exporter of energy).

Spreng: It’s true that Switzerland was once a leader in Europe in this ﬁ eld, at a very basic level. However, I don’t think it would be tragic if only modest amounts of solar power were generated in Switzerland. The important thing is our role as a world-class provider of high-end technology. The direct use of solar energy is a perfect example of an area that encompasses many promising technologies. It helps our planet survive and it’s “good business” if our industry gears itself to long-term viability. With this in mind, a sustainable energy policy must form an integral part of a forward-looking policy on technology.

Rechsteiner: Solar power can meet about a third of our electricity needs. Here, too, a tie-in with hydroelectric power is important. By about 2020 cell prices will have fallen to such an extent that solar power plants will be competitive around the world.

Do you think there is Steinemann: Energy effi ciency policies have been a key pillar of Swiss energy policies since the 1990s. 09 a need or a possibility In addition to regulations for factories, cars and machines, the government together with the cantons to reduce energy consumption? and the private sector are primarily focussing on voluntary mechanisms (e.g. information, advice, educa- And if so, how and by what tion and further training) within the framework of the EnergieSchweiz programme. The cantons in partic- means? ular are responsible for regulations for buildings and the implementation of their own promotion programmes. To date such energy effi ciency measures have scored several successes, but it is clear that they don’t go far enough. Energy policy as a whole is facing major long-term challenges that cannot be addressed without a massive increase in energy effi ciency. This means that, alongside the voluntary schemes, we must also introduce obligations and, for example, take certain energy-wasting devices off the market altogether.

Spreng: The most important thing is to save energy. If we in Switzerland needed less energy overall, higher energy prices would be easy to digest from an economic standpoint. It takes technical advances and the right energy price to promote energy saving. Without economic incentives, technical progress is wasted on un- necessary supplementary applications. Years ago, while working for Alusuisse, I calculated where energy could be saved by using light vehicle parts made of aluminium. Alusuisse (now a part of ALCAN) had great success developing light vehicle parts. Unfortunately, cars have not got lighter. Instead, bigger vehicles have been built and fi tted with air conditioning and electric motors for windows, seat adjustment and other “crea- ture comforts”. For the past 30 years, I and other scientists have been calling for an energy tax. Yet in all those years, all attempts to introduce such a tax have come to nothing. It seems that too few people are interested in an energy tax for it to be introduced on its own in a direct democracy. Given that there is even a danger that the planned CO2 emission caps will not be introduced, it is clear that short-sighted special interests exert too much infl uence on energy policy.Taxes of this kind must be seen as a part of fi nancial policy. Our country’s competitiveness depends to a large extent on the level of taxation and income-related contributions. Oppo- nents of an energy tax implicitly support higher labour taxation. Revenues from energy or other resource- based taxes could take the burden off welfare contributions and income tax.

Rechsteiner: We are currently witnessing an “autonomous effi ciency gain” of about 1-2 percent a year based on economic output. Global per-capita oil consumption has decreased since 1979. However, the increased effi ciency is partly counteracted by increased consumerism (more electrical devices, more living space and in- o. 4 creased traffi c). 2006 / N

t Higher prices for oil, gas and coal will not only promote energy efﬁ ciency but also make new renewable s u g u

A energy sources affordable. This can lead to a very strong reduction in energy consumption, assuming that technologies that generate no waste heat (e.g. wind turbines, solar cells and biomass combined heat-and-power generators) replace thermal power plants and car engines, which at present gobble up between 60 and 80 per- WISS REVIEW

S cent of our primary energy. PORTRAIT 13

New face on the Federal Council Doris Leuthard is Switzer- Leuthard, and Doris Leuthard is the CVP”, land’s newest Federal Councillor and the successor to Joseph wrote the “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” newspaper. The party’s new slogan – “Liberal-social” Deiss. The 43-year-old lawyer is the great white hope of Christian – seems to have been tailor-made for her. No- Democrats and consensus-seeking liberals alike. She is only the one embodies the Christian Democrats’ new- fi fth woman on the Federal Council and the fi fth member of found self-confi dence better. And she has played a part in ensuring the party and par- government from canton Aargau. Leuthard takes over from Deiss liamentary group takes a united stance on as economics minister. By René Lenzin key issues, for instance in pushing through uniform child benefi t of at least CHF 200 per child per month, and on the privatisation then – in the autumn of of Swisscom. 2004 – permanently. And now the woman who turned Downhill slide slowed but not stopped 43 on April 10 will, in early Nevertheless the CVP has not been as suc- August, take over from Jo- cessful under Doris Leuthard as it claims. seph Deiss, who is leaving True, it has scored a few spectacular succes- the regional government af- ses at cantonal parliamentary and general ter seven years in offi ce. elections, but overall it still loses more seats than it gains, particularly in the Catholic Down-to-earth heartlands. Under Doris Leuthard, the and modern CVP’s slide has slowed, but not stopped. It is typical of Doris Only National Council elections in the au- Leuthard that she has stuck tumn of 2007 will show where the party re- to her roots and is still invol- ally stands. Doris Leuthard on her way to watch Switzerland v France in the World Cup. ved in local associations. Leuthard will not lead the party into these She keeps her political feet elections, as originally planned, because she The scene: Merenschwand in the local au- fi rmly grounded, knows how to talk to peo- is now taking over the economics portfolio – thority of Freiamt (Aargau canton) in the ple and can fi nd the words to express com- where she has important dossiers to look af- early 1990s. The president of the local plex issues comprehensibly. And yet Leuthard ter – from party colleague Joseph Deiss. The women’s gymnastics club is giving a speech. is not merely a rural conservative. She is a most important of these is agriculture. Swiss The same young woman presents a very dif- modern woman who runs her own legal prac- farmers are under pressure from the World ferent picture in the village gymnasium du- tice, frequently travels, and has no problem Trade Organisation to liberalise, and Swit- ring rehearsals for the gymnastics evening. communicating in Switzerland’s three nati- zerland wants to discuss free trade in agricul- Her name is Doris Leuthard, she is barely 30, onal languages. In social affairs she is more tural goods with the EU. Leuthard will have and still virtually unknown. Today, just a de- liberal-minded than her Catholic back- to decide whether to fi ght to protect Swiss cade later, she’s on the front page of all the ground would suggest, and she is more open farmers or support widespread demands for newspapers. On 14 June this year, Leuthard to the interests of the business community free trade and lower prices. Up to now, was elected the 109th member of the Federal than many of her party colleagues. She sits Leuthard has been a staunch proponent of Council. From her roots in Merenschwand, on the governing boards of the Neue Aar- access – ideally completely unrestricted – to where she grew up, had civic responsibilities gauer Bank, a subsidiary of Credit Suisse, Swiss markets for European products. Now and still lives, she gradually climbed up the Laufenberg electricity utility EGL, and she will have to defend her stance against re- ladder of Swiss politics. health insurance company CSS. She must sistance from some of her Federal Council The impressive thing about her political now resign from all these positions, and has colleagues, a somewhat formalistic adminis- career is not the individual stages, but the already stepped down as president of the tration, and the affected sectors. Another speed of her ascent. At the age of 30 she was board of the Catholic Lenten Fund, a relief tricky issue facing the new Federal Council- a schools inspector in Muri district. She was organisation. lor is the reform of the unemployment bene- elected to the Aargau cantonal parliament at Sometimes it is diffi cult to tell where fi t system, which is running at a defi cit. 34, and two years later to the National Coun- Leuthard stands on specifi c political issues, In 1999, Doris Leuthard married her long- cil. By 2001, Leuthard was already the vice- not least because she has been on the execu- standing partner Roland Hausin. He will now president of the Swiss Christian Democra- tive of the CVP almost since the start of her probably see his wife even less than before, o. 4 tic People’s Party, the CVP. After the party national political career and therefore pri- given that her core activities are clearly shif- 2006 / N

t had been drubbed at National Council elec- marily conveys the party’s ofﬁ cial line in pu- ting to Berne. The people of Merenschwand s u g u

A tions in October 2003 and Ruth Metzler was blic. However, that also makes her convin- have already erected a monument to her – one

t voted out of the Federal Council in Decem- cing. She is the shining star of a political just in case. After all, they too won’t see s y ber of the same year, Leuthard took over the party that teetered on the brink and is now “their” Doris quite so often. WISS REVIEW

S Photo: Ke party leadership, at ﬁ rst temporarily and slowly recovering. “The CVP is Doris 14 OFFICIAL DFA INFORMATION

New Swiss passport Model 03 passports from this Swiss diplomas qualifi cations is required September. Applications for the because anyone with a Swiss Model 06 new passport can be made from valid throughout qualifi cation can seek work Readers of the 2/06 issue of 4 September onwards. EU and EFTA abroad. “Swiss Review” will recall that If you already have an 03 Swiss passports containing passport or are issued one be- The Agreement on Free Diploma recognition system electronically recorded bio- fore 26 October 2006, you can Movement of Persons (FMP), The system for recognising metric data will be issued from continue to visit or transit the signed jointly by Switzerland diplomas within the EU September onwards. Speci- United States without a visa and the European Union and EFTA is based on three mens of the new “06” pass- after this date. In other words, and the European Free Trade pillars: ports are currently being you do not need an electroni- Association, has been in force ■ Sectoral directives (for printed for testing purposes. cally-readable biometric 06 since 1 June 2002. Amongst medical and paramedical pro- passport. other things, it enables fessions and for architects) The fi rst test passport offi ces Holders of 03 passports is- Swiss nationals to seek work ■ General directives (for are located in Berne and Frank- sued after 26 October 2006 will throughout the EU and EFTA. academic professions and furt (Germany). Eight such of- in future require a visa to travel Another condition for pro- those requiring an apprentice- fi ces will be set up for the dura- to the United States. Binding fessional mobility is the ship) tion of the pilot project to information on travel to the recognition of different ■ Transitional directives introduce the new passports in USA is available from your diplomas if the profession (for professions in industry, Switzerland. Eight more will be nearest US representation. Fur- is regulated. The FMP there- trade, commerce, the service set up at Swiss representations ther details can also be found fore coordinates the bilateral industry and the handicraft abroad. These offi ces will be at the following websites: recognition of diplomas trades. These particularly provided with special cameras www.unitedstatesvisas.gov and certifi cates because each take account of professional that can take digital passport www.travel.state.gov country issues its own pro- experience). photographs. The location of www.dhs.gov/us-visit fessional titles. these offi ces can be found in the The Federal Offi ce of Police Sectoral directives 2/06 issue of “Swiss Review”. in Berne has published a leafl et The FMP does not cover The EU has issued so-called During an initial test in containing the most important the recognition of academic sectoral directives for some Berne and Frankfurt, photo- information on the passport 06. titles, a matter Switzerland professions. These apply graphs were taken of the faces This can be ordered at the has subsequently resolved specifi cally to general care of 160 volunteers of different following Internet address: through bilateral agreements nurses, dentists and vets, age and appearance. These with neighbours France, midwives, pharmacists, doc- were then combined with fi cti- www.bbl.admin.ch/ Italy, Germany and Austria. tors and architects. In these tious data and used to produce bundespublikationen These agreements are com- cases, diplomas are more or about 500 test passports. The Order no.: “403.300.d” pletely separate from the less recognised automatically. passports were then used for (the inverted commas must FMP. If, for example, a French nurse “chain tests” to check the effec- be entered). wants to work in Geneva, the tiveness of systems and proce- Regulated professions Swiss authorities merely check dures. The test passports will Further information: Professions requiring a whether she has a French remain in federal government “Swiss Review” 2/06 diploma, certifi cate or qua- nursing diploma. hands during the test phase, af- (www.revue.ch) li fi cation to practise in a The recognition of diplo- ter which they will be de- www.schweizerpass.ch parti cular country are de- mas for these professions stroyed. [email protected] scribed as “regulated”. Every only relates to the applicant’s Model 06 passports will be www.schweizerpass.ch member state has its own basic training. Special training issued in parallel to current Hotline: +41 (0)800 820 008. rules on the qualifi cations courses – e.g. supplementary required to practise a parti- vocational training to become ORDER YOUR 2003 PASSPORT NOW! cular pro fession. As a result, an anaesthetist – must ■ The Federal Council recommends holders of the old Model 85 passport Swiss nationals abroad need be reported (“notifi ed”) to – whether resident in Switzerland or abroad – to order an 03 passport to fi nd out if the profession the European Commission now. This is also cheaper than a biometric passport: 03 passports cost they wish to practise is regu- by member states and Swit- CHF 120 for adults and CHF 55 for children, while the new 06 passport lated in the country in which zerland. The Commission o. 4 will cost CHF 180 for infants under the age of 3 and CHF 250 for every- they want to work. If this is then decides whether to 2006 / N

t one else. the case, they must apply to approve such special training. s u g u man

A have their diplomas recog- Switzerland has notiﬁ ed ■ om Ger If you want to receive your 03 passport by 26 October 2006, you need nised. If their profession is and submitted to the Com- to apply for it as soon as possible. Swiss nationals resident abroad not regulated (e.g. chef), no mission the specialist titles anslated fr WISS REVIEW r

S T should apply no later than the end of August. ofﬁ cial recognition of their awarded in Switzerland. 15

A list of these can be found states. It mainly applies to Switzerland and (www.dfae.admin.ch/sub_ in Appendix III of the trade, commercial and handi- uno/e/uno.html) and can be FMP (Appendix III: Mutual craft professions. the UN ordered free of charge. When Recognition of Professional The Federal Council has ordering please indicate your Qualifi cations; Agreement on The basic principle of recogni- submitted to Parliament its name, address Free Movement of Persons tion in the EU fourth annual report, “Swit- and the required language with the EU, SR 0142.112.681). It is assumed that courses of zerland and the UN”, on (German, French, Italian and Even though recognition study pursued in EU/EFTA Switzerland’s co-operation English) to: is effectively guaranteed, Swiss Member States are generally with the UN and the interna- nationals seeking to pursue equivalent and that host states tional organisations based DFA UN Coordination one of these seven professions should therefore trust diplo- in Switzerland. The report Bundesgasse 28, 3003 Berne within the EU/EFTA must mas issued in other countries. focuses on the outcome of Fax: (+41) 031 324 90 65 apply for a permit to do so. For this reason, the general di- the 2005 World Summit E-mail : [email protected] To do this, they must present rectives are based on the prin- (Follow-up Summit in 2005 their diploma. The host state ciple of mutual recognition of of the UN-Millenium Sum- may demand further docu- training courses. The follow- CURRENT POPULAR mentary proof, which Swiss ing rule-of-thumb applies: All INITIATIVES nationals can obtain from the applicants may have the con- No new initiatives have been Federal Offi ce for Professional tent of their diploma checked launched since the last issue. Education and Technology and recognised. In so doing, Signature forms for current ini- (OPET). the titles themselves are not tiatives can be downloaded from compared, but rather the con- www.admin.ch/ch/d/pore/vi/ General directives tent and duration of the vis_1_3_1_1.html All other professions are cov- courses. ered by general directives. In Swiss citizens who want to VOTING order for a diploma obtained in use their diploma to work in Federal referendum an applicant’s home country to an EU/EFTA country must 24 September 2006 be recognised by a host state, apply for a work permit from ■ Popular initiative of 9 October the content and duration of the the relevant offi cial bodies. 2002: „National Bank profi ts for training course must in princi- At the same time, they must the AHV“ ple be comparable. If the host seek confi rmation of the ■ Federal law of 16 December state does not consider the two equivalence of their diploma. 2005 on foreigners (provided qualifi cations to be equivalent, If you are a Swiss national and the move for a referendum is it must allow the applicant to want to have your vocational mit in 2000) as well as on successful) make good any shortcomings. diploma recognised in an the challenges to Swiss policy ■ Amendment of 16 December This may take the form of an EU or EFTA member state, on hosting international 2005 to the asylum law (pro- aptitude test or a further train- please contact the national organisations. The report also vided the move for a referendum ing course. contact offi ce in the relevant includes a chapter on Swiss is successful) host country. candidacies and staff within Date of forthcoming referendum There are three types of the UN system. In its conclu- in 2006: general directives: The contact addresses can be sion, it sets out Switzerland’s 26 November First general directive: found at: main priorities for the 61th This applies to professions re- www.bbt.admin.ch/ themen/ session of the UN General RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OFFICIAL DFA quiring a minimum of three hoehere/00169/00370/00374/ Assembly. INFORMATION PAGES: years’ study at university level index.html?lang=en An illustrated brochure on GABRIELA BRODBECK, SERVICE FOR and not already covered by a the report is available online THE SWISS ABROAD/DFA sectoral directive. Further information on Second general directive: diploma recognition: This applies to all regulated www.bbt.admin.ch, “Topics”, professions for which the “International Diploma Advertisement course of study lasts less than Recognition”, “EU Diploma o. 4 three years (paramedical and Recognition” 2006 / N

t social work professions). The brochures “Swiss diplo- s u g u

A Third general directive: mas in the EU” and “EU di- This replaces numerous transi- plomas in Switzerland” can be A tional directives signed by downloaded from the “Further WISS REVIEW

S Photo: ED Switzerland and the EU/EFTA Information” section. 16 SWISS HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION

Swiss Himalayan pioneers Fifty years ago, the third Swiss expedition to Mount Everest notched up the second and third conquest of the world’s highest peak. It also managed the ﬁ rst ascent of Lhotse, the highest “eight-thousander” as yet unscaled. Alain Wey looks back at one of the most successful expeditions in the history of Himalayan mountaineering. By Alain Wey.

At 8,850 meters above sea level, the blue sky dinary strength, who with his sherpa Ten- been trying to put together a new Hima- begins to darken. To this day, towering Ev- zing Norgay became the fi rst to reach the layan expedition ever since. erest remains a source of yearning, almost as top of the highest mountain in the world After much negotiation between 1953 and if it embodied an unattainable dream. Before in 1953. The names Hillary and Tenzing 1956, the Swiss Everest Expedition was the glitzy conquest of space, it was the ascent went down in the history books, and Brit- formed. This experienced group of moun- of the world’s tallest mountains that drove ain basked in the knowledge that one of its taineers consisted of ten outstanding Swiss adventurers and researchers to new heights antipodean settlers had got there fi rst. alpinists under the leadership of Albert Egg- in the fi rst half of the 20th century. However, it should not be forgotten that ler, an honorary member of the Swiss Alpine There was even a kind of “competition” two expeditions from Geneva had been Club and at the time the club’s central pres- among the kings of the mountaineering na- forced to turn back just 250 meters from ident. The homogenous team comprising, tions. And yet it was Edmund Hillary, a the mythical peak in 1952. The Swiss Foun- amongst other things, a geographer, glaciol- beekeeper from New Zealand of extraor- dation for Alpine Research (SSAR) had ogist, meteorologist, doctor, and chemist,

The pictures are taken from the book “Everest – Lhotse, Schweizer am Everest 1952 und 1956“, which documents the Swiss conquest of Everest in 1956 from Base Camp (upper right) to the summit (top right). The picture above shows Sherpa Tenzin on h

ic the right, with the Swiss team on the summit. On the right is the h, Zur c cashbox from which the sherpas‘ daily fees were paid in cash. o. 4 or Alpine Resear 2006 / N t s u g u A oundation f AR, F WISS REVIEW S Photos: SF 17

underwent military mountaineering training Fritz Luchsinger reached the summit of where they remained for almost two hours in the summer of 1955, followed by courses Lhotse (8,501 meters) on May 18th. The enjoying the magnifi cent view that Everest on avalanches and explosives in January 1956, Lhotse ascent was a double premiere: It was grants in clear weather. All the members of to prepare them thoroughly for any eventu- also the fi rst time Swiss mountaineers had the team arrived back at base camp on May ality their forthcoming mission might hold successfully scaled an “eight-thousander”. 29. An incredible adventure had come to an in store. On May 23, a group of climbers led by end. Apart from a few medical problems at On 2 March 1956, the team arrived at the Ernst Schmied (the brother-in-law of the start of their voyage, the expedition was Nepalese border, where it was joined by a Hansruedi von Gunten) and Jürg Marmet, extremely fortunate, benefi ting from unusu- lama and 22 sherpas. After a six-week hike, left Camp VII and trudged indefatigably to- ally favourable weather conditions. The 1956 they pitched their base camp at an altitude wards the top of Everest. At around 2 p.m., expedition brought Swiss alpinism world- of 5,370 meters on April 7. In all, eight camps Man conquered the highest peak on the wide renown. And as a result of their exploits, were set up on the way to the summit: Camp planet for the second time. Back at Camp the team helped to make mountaineering I at 5,800 meters, Camp II at 6,110 meters, VII, they met the second group of Dölf Re- popular around the globe! Camp III at 6,400 meters, Camp IV at 6,800 ist and Hansruedi von Gunten (at 28, the meters, Camp V at 7,400 meters, Camp VI youngest member of the expedition), who The anniversary book: Everest – Lhotse, at 7,986 meters, and Camp VII at 8,400 me- spent the night there while the other team Schweizer am Everest 1952 und 1956, ters. returned to Camp VI. by Osw ald Oelz, published by AS Verlag, After spending a freezing night at minus 25 The following day, May 24, it was the turn www.as-verlag.ch degrees Celsius at Camp V, Ernst Reiss and of Reist and von Guten to reach the summit,

THE EXPEDITION IN FIGURES ■ Budget: CHF 295,000 (the actual cost was CHF 360,000) ■ The scientiﬁ c equipment and emergency materials weighed 10 tonnes and were transported to base camp from the Nepalese border by 350 male and female porters. The exhibition at the Swiss Alpine Museum in Berne provides a comprehensive insight into the equipment of the time. ■ Before the start of the 1956 Swiss expedition, only seven of the 14 independent o. 4 mountains over 8,000 meters had been con- 2006 / N

t quered. Nine days before the Swiss reached s u g u

A the top of Lhotse, a different expedition successfully climbed another eight-thousander: Manaslu. WISS REVIEW

S www.sac-cas.ch / www.sfar-evev06.ch 18 OPENAIR “ROCK OZ’ARÈNES”

Avenches – rock in the arena I took over the programme planning duties The Rock Oz’Arènes festival is celebrating its 15th anniversary. in 1993. Charlotte Carrel, the head and programme director of the Let me quote a few fi gures on Rock Oz’Arènes: festival, talks about the arena in Avenches, a Roman site that The budget has risen in recent years. It was became a music venue. By Alain Wey. CHF 2.3 million in 2005 and CHF 3 million in 2006. What next? This rise refl ects the fact that a fi fth What does the arena in Avenches mean evening – the Tuesday – was added. In 2003 to you? we had an artistic budget of CHF 700,000. It’s a unique place. Without wanting to This rose to CHF 750,000 in 2004, reached boast, I can safely say that I have witnessed CHF 850,000 for four evenings in 2005, and the best concerts in my life there. These very stood at CHF 1.25 million for fi ve days in special surroundings radiate a wonderful at- 2006. For several years now, we have in- mosphere and have natural acoustics. Any- creased the artistic budget by CHF 150,000 one who has ever played there remembers or even CHF 200,000 a year. We’ll get into the arena in Avenches as a special and alto- diffi culties if we have to keep increasing the gether unusual place. artists’ fees. And we’ll have to think of something if we want to continue to hold our own Can you develop a sense of what audiences on the European stage. will like? That’s something you learn over time. You How do you fi nance these CHF 3 million? can be wrong, but you learn not to focus on 70 percent of the budget is generated from one style of music. You need a comprehen- ticket sales. 15 percent comes from sponsor- sive view of music. And you must have a ship, local authorities, donations and the sense of the different genres and recognise Charlotte Carrel Swiss Lottery. The remaining 15 percent is what different audiences like. made up of revenue from restaurants and 15TH ROCK OZ’ARÈNES stalls. What was your job before you worked ■ The main attractions of the Rock for Rock Oz’Arènes? Oz’Arènes, which takes place from Tuesday What’s the festival’s maximum capacity? I always dreamt of becoming Bruce 15 to Saturday 19 August 2006 will be: Radio- 40,000 people over fi ve days; 8,000 per Springsteen’s lead guitarist! That was one of head (GB), Jamiroquai (GB), Franz Ferdinand night. In order to cover the budget for this my childhood ambitions. I studied business (GB), Calexico (USA), Jovanotti (ITA), Body year’s event, we need at least 32,000 people in Domdidier (FR) before spending a year Count featuring Ice T (USA), Texas (GB), in the arena, i.e. 70 percent of total capac- in London in 1987-88. It was the New Wave Nada Surf (USA) and Bernie Constantin (CH). ity. era: The Cure, Talking Heads, etc. It was For further information, visit www.rockoza- during my time in London that my interest renes.com Which records would you take with you in music came to the fore. When I returned to a desert island? to Switzerland, I worked for various Amer- THE HISTORY OF THE ARENA AT AVENCHES First of all, my “childhood idol”: Bruce ican companies. ■ In Roman times, today’s Switzerland was Springsteen, of course. I’ve fallen in love divided among fi ve different Roman prov- with his latest album, “We Shall Overcome How did the Rock Oz’Arènes adventure start? inces. The Romans founded several towns – The Seeger Session”, which I often listen A musician and his partner, who worked that then developed into administrative cen- to in the car. And naturally I’d take an album for Terre des Hommes, decided to stage con- tres. The capital of Roman Helvetia at that by The Cure; “Staring at the Sea”, for which certs at the arena to raise money for children time was Aventicum (present-day Avenches). singer Robert Smith wrote the song “Char- in need. To this day, the festival still donates In the fi rst century AD, the town had up to lotte Sometimes”. Then I’d pack the record money to charity. 20,000 inhabitants. The arena, also known as by the Valais band Water Lily, which I’m the amphitheatre, dates back to 130 AD. It completely besotted with. It’s such fun lis- And how did your debut at Rock Oz’Arènes was mainly used for wild animal and gladia- tening to Swiss bands of such high quality. come about? tor fi ghting. From the start of the 4th cen- I’d also take an album by the Swiss artist A friend asked me if I’d like to be on the tury onwards, people started using the Bernie Constantin, with songs like “Switzer- o. 4 team for the fi rst festival. At the time I was stones of the amphitheatre as materials for land Reggae” or “Lola Berlingo”. Inciden- 2006 / N

t in the middle of a public relations training other buildings, and in the 11th century the tally, he’ll be responsible for presenting the s u g u

A course in Lausanne, and I was very attracted Bishop of Lausanne ordered the construction bands that are up on the arena stage. appo R

y of a ﬁ xed tower on the site of the east gate,

l by the idea of helping out on site. I started as a voluntary helper before moving onto the which now houses the Roman Museum. www. WISS REVIEW

S Photo: Char organising committee the second year, where avenches.ch/aventicum/de/Archeo/b0.htm POLITICS/VOTING 19

Dual system entrenched in asylum law Switzerland’s humanitarian traditions. The An immigration policy that has been practised in Switzerland reforms would, indeed, tighten the existing regulations to the detriment of asylum see- for several years is now to become law. EU and EFTA citizens kers since immigrants without valid papers have unrestricted access to the Swiss labour market, while immi- would no longer have the right to seek asy- grants from countries outside these regions have to be well- lum in the fi rst place. Exceptions would only be made for asylum-seekers who could give qualifi ed. A referendum on the bill will be held on 24 September. a credible explanation for their lack of offi - Voters will also be asked to decide on tougher asylum legis- cial papers. The bill also aims to cut off wel- lation and a campaign to transfer Swiss National Bank profi ts fare payments to all rejected asylum seekers. At present this applies only to applications to the AHV fund. By René Lenzin that the authorities refuse to even consider. The right to emergency assistance would also The electorate may be voting separately on The bill was approved by 106 votes to 66 in be restricted. This would now only be gran- foreigners and the asylum bill, but the two the National Council, and 33 to 8 in the ted to failed asylum seekers who cooperated issues are closely linked. Firstly, they both deal Council of States. It was rejected by the So- with their extradition. with the rights of foreigners to live and work cial Democrats and Greens, who had unsuc- In the original bill presented by Federal in Switzerland. Secondly, certain issues neces- cessfully demanded a more generous immi- Councillor Ruth Metzler, this tougher stance sary for enforcement of the asylum law are co- gration policy for citizens of third countries was cushioned by the introduction of “hu- vered by Swiss immigration legislation. and a special ruling for immigrants with no manitarian refugee status”. According to this, The Foreigners’ Law codifi es the two-le- offi cial papers (“sans-papiers”). They had asylum seekers whose applications had been vel immigration policy already widely prac- called for legal residential status for well-in- rejected but who could not be expected to tised in Switzerland. The Agreement on Free tegrated foreigners living in Switzerland wi- return to their country of origin could work Movement of Persons with the European thout offi cial permission but unable to re- and bring their families to Switzerland. In Union grants citizens of EU member states turn to their native country. Their opposition accordance with a motion by Metzler’s suc- free access to the Swiss labour market. The to tougher custodial sentences for asylum cessor, Christoph Blocher, parliament redu- same regulations apply to citizens of EFTA seekers also proved unsuccessful. Asylum ced the rights of these temporary residents nations. The new law therefore only relates seekers who fail to cooperate with the autho- to a number of labour market reforms to fa- to so-called “third countries” and stipulates rities could face up to two years in prison. cilitate employment. that only well-qualifi ed people from these Because of the failure to amend the bill in The asylum bill was approved by 108 votes countries may enter Switzerland. However, Parliament, the Greens and various foreig- to 69 in the National Council, and 33 votes once here, more is to be done to assist their ners’ associations tabled a referendum against to 12 in the Council of States. The Federal integration than is presently the case. If they the asylum act and gathered the requisite Council and the majority of MPs say the can integrate successfully, they would be al- number of signatures. tougher regulations are designed to combat lowed to bring their family and have their re- abuse of the system. Genuine refugees have sidence permit extended. These rights are, Asylum ruled out for illegal immigrants nothing to fear, they say, and Switzerland’s however, formulated as discretionary, which There’s even more widespread opposition to humanitarian traditions remain intact. would lead to different practices in the va- the amended asylum act. This is rejected not rious cantons. only by the Social Democrats and Greens, but also by ecclesiastical bodies as well as ci- No provisions for “sans-papiers” ties governed by “red-green” coalitions. Op- The Federal Council and the centre-right ponents say the act constitutes a breach of CVP, FDP and SVP parties support the law. international law and conflicts with

NATIONAL BANK PROFITS FOR THE AHV? initiators of the campaign assume that the SNB’s profi ts would be so high ■ The AHV (Old Age and Survivors’ Insurance) fund should be given part thereafter that the AHV could receive CHF 1-2 billion annually. They of the Swiss National Bank’s profi ts. This is the demand made by a peo- therefore consider the initiative an important tool for stabilising the ple’s initiative launched by the Social Democrats to be put to the peo- pension system in the medium term. However, the SNB and opponents ple and the cantons on 24 September. At present, one-third of the SNB’s warn about overestimating the bank’s profi ts. They estimate average fu- profi ts fl ow into federal coffers and two-thirds go to the cantons. The ture profi ts of CHF 1 billion. That would leave nothing for the AHV. They o. 4 proposal is for the fi rst billion francs to be given to the cantons and the are also concerned about the SNB losing its independence because it 2006 / N

t rest to the AHV. According to an agreement between the Federal Gov- would have to work for maximum proﬁ ts for the AHV’s beneﬁ t. s u g u

A ernment and the SNB, an annual CHF 2.5 billion a year in proﬁ ts will be The initiative is backed by the Social Democrats and Greens, but has handed over until 2012. If the initiative were approved, the AVH would been opposed by both the Federal Council and the Christian Democrats, thus stand to get CHF 1.5 billion a year. Free Radical Democrats and Swiss People’s Party. The National Council WISS REVIEW

S How much the fund would receive after 2012 is still under debate. The and Upper Chamber have rejected it. (RL) 20 OSA NEWS

The Association for modation and scholarships. Where necessary, students are the Promotion of the put directly in contact with the Education of Young responsible body. The AJAS Swiss Living Abroad also advises young Swiss Abroad about cantonal grants (AJAS and other issues related to studying in Switzerland. The News from the Association for AJAS answers queries in Ger- the Promotion of the Educa- man, French, English and tion of Young Swiss Abroad Spanish. (AJAS): Last year the AJAS Important information is held a competition among stu- available in ﬁ ve languages on dents from various specialist the AJAS website (www.ajas. institutes of higher education ch). If you have any questions The new Federal Council, drawn by Peter Schrank. to design a new logo. The aim about studying in Switzerland, was to modernise the AJAS contact us. We’ll gladly help liament in the mountains of fun. With an attractive social logo and bring it into line with you out. Graubunden. Once again, the programme, visitors from existing OSA logos. We now Due to the decision to re- focus will be on an exchange of around the globe, and 200 have pleasure in presenting our duce our federal funding from views between the generations, other young politicians, enter- new logo, designed by the win- 2007, the AJAS is calling for with working groups examining tainment and enjoyment are ner, Silvia Hugi from the Berne donations or bequests from and debating current political guaranteed. University of the Arts.. Swiss living abroad, so that it issues. You can bring your vi- And all for a token contribu- can continue to provide serv- sions and suggestions to these tion of just CHF 100. ices in the future. One former working groups, while Swiss If you’d like to secure your- diplomat has graciously do- politicians and experts on the self a place at the New Year nated funds to enable us to of- issues up for discussion will be Camp, you can register online fer the new supplementary on hand to answer questions now: Freiburghaus Grant, which is and provide information. Your The logo is not the only named after him. arguments and proposals will New Year ski camp thing that has changed. The REMO GALLI PHD (HON.), be used as the basis for peti- in Sedrun (GR) AJAS team has also seen a few FORMER NATIONAL COUNCILLOR tions (demands) that will be 27.12.2006 - 05.01.2007 changes over the past year. discussed and voted on in par- Sixty young people from more Elisabeth Müller was ap- AJAS liament on the Saturday. The than 20 countries will gather in pointed as the new manager of Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne petitions must then be taken the Graubunden alps. Snow is the AJAS in February 2005, Tel: +41 (0)31 35661 04 into consideration by the rele- guaranteed at the Sedrun ski and has been ably assisted by Fax: + 41 (0)31 35661 01 vant parliamentary commit- resort and there’s lots to do. Fiona Scheidegger since Sep- E-mail: [email protected] tees.. Accommodation is comfortable tember 2005. and centrally located in the vil- The new AJAS team contin- Young Swiss abroad at the lage. Don’t miss an opportunity ues to pursue our policy of 15th Federal Youth Youth Session to be wished Happy New Year helping young Swiss living For several years now, a group in lots of different languages! abroad to return to their coun- Session of 14- to 21-year-old Swiss resi- try of origin to pursue their This autumn, a very special dent abroad has also taken part Experience Switzerland! studies and integrate them- Youth Session will be taking in the Youth Session. You, too, This is just a taster of what the selves into their home coun- place in Graubunden from 30 can take advantage of this op- Youth Service has on offer. try’s education system. To this September to 2 October. Be- portunity for budding young Click onto our website to ﬁ nd end, the AJAS offers a wealth cause of rebuilding work at the politicians. The programme out more. As usual, further in- of information that provide ini- Houses of Parliament in Berne, kicks off in Switzerland on 25 formation can be obtained at tial pointers to young Swiss the National Council and September. The Swiss political www.aso.ch or from Abroad, some of whom do not Council of States (the two system will be explained in de- o. 4 speak the local languages and/ houses of the Swiss Parliament) tail in Berne. The Youth Serv- Organisation of the Swiss Abroad

t 2006 / N or have little or no knowledge will be convening in the well- ice will prepare you for all the Youth Service ugus

A about their country. For exam- known tourist region of Flims/ issues up for debate at weekend Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne ple, the AJAS provides docu- Laax. The Youth Session will Session. But politics is not the Tel.: +41 (0)31 356 6100 mentation about education and take advantage of this opportu- only thing on the agenda: the Fax: +41 (0)31 356 6101 ISS REVIEW W

S training, internships, accom- nity to meet members of par- emphasis will clearly also be on [email protected] 21

Foundation for sports – we’ll be taking short Parents can therefore apply for interested in taking part must trips into surrounding areas, a reduction in the cost of the be able to communicate in at Young Swiss Abroad visiting the indoor swimming camp. Application forms can be least one of the three Swiss na- 2006/2007 Winter pool, and an arts and crafts requested when registering. tional languages (German, Camp for 8- to workshop. The kids will still French and Italian). The names have plenty of time to chat and Registration of the lucky participants will be 14-year-olds get to know their new friends Details on the winter camps drawn out of the hat in mid- from around the globe. and application forms will be October. Whether your children are available at www.aso.ch (under To take part in the draw, skiers or snowboarders, begin- Rendezvous “Youth”, “Holiday camps for 8- please send us your full postal ners or experts, our winter Around lunchtime at Zurich to 14-year-olds”, “Program address (as well as a fax number camps are a great opportunity Airport. Parents are responsi- Winter”) from September and e-mail address, if available) for 8- to 14-year-old young ble for organising and paying 2006. On request, we can also and mark it “Juskila Lenk”. Swiss Abroad to have a super for the outward journey to Zu- send you our information bro- We’ll then send you the Swiss holiday! rich airport on the ﬁ rst day and chure by post. Ski Association’s prize draw return journey on the last day. registration form in Septem- Winter camp ber. Hasliberg I Staff Swiss Ski For more information, con- Location: Hasliberg An experienced multilingual tact our staff in Berne, who will (Bernese Oberland) team of camp leaders is there Free youth camp for 13- and be happy to help: Date: Wednesday to make sure everything runs 14-year-old Swiss children and Foundation for Young Swiss 27 December, 2006, to Friday smoothly and that there’s lots young Swiss Abroad Abroad 5 January, 2007 to keep the kids occupied. Alpenstrasse 26 Number of participants: 48 Twenty young Swiss Abroad CH-3006 Berne Cost: CHF 800.– Subsidies born in 1992 or 1993 as well as Tel.: +41 (0)31 356 6116 Registration deadline: The Foundation for Young 280 children of the same age Fax: +41 (0)31 356 6101 15 October 2006 Swiss Abroad would like as living in Switzerland will be of- E-mail: [email protected] many Swiss children living fered free places at the large www.aso.ch Hasliberg II abroad as possible to have an Swiss Ski Association ski camp (“Youth”, “Holiday camps Location: Hasliberg opportunity to spend at least in Lenk to be held on 2-9 Janu- for 8- to 14-year-olds”, (Bernese Oberland) one holiday in Switzerland. ary 2007. Swiss children abroad “Program Winter”) Date: Saturday 10 February, 2007, to Saturday 17 February, 2007 Number of participants: 24 Cost: CHF 640.- Registration deadline: 15 December 2006

Programme Winter sports are the main focus of our winter camps. Skiing and snow- boarding will feature highly in our programme, but there’s also a chance to go sledging, ice skating or snow- shoeing. The programme o. 4 is suitable for all levels, 2006 / N

t from beginners to s u g u

A advanced . As a bad-weather alternative – or just for WISS REVIEW

S as a change from winter FYSA winter camp in February 2006. 22 SOLISWISS

New products from Soliswiss ised in Switzerland, we will inform every Because it does not have bank status, Soliswiss, the cooperative Soliswiss member in person. In principle, only a few registration formalities are needed solidarity fund for Swiss Abroad, can no longer run savings to open a securities account with Wegelin accounts. Ulrich Pfi ster, Chairman, explains what this means to Bank‘s fund management and confer power the society’s expatriate policyholders in an interview with of attorney on Soliswiss for assets. “Swiss Review”. Will Soliswiss continue to broker international health insurance policies, life insurance and pension insurance? “Swiss Review”: Up to now, Soliswiss has Our insurance services have been very suc- not been subject to either banking or insurance cessful over the past few years and are not af- legislation. Now, with immediate effect, the fected by the changes. Our insurance broke- Swiss Federal Banking Commission (SFBC) ring business will aim for a higher quality of has prohibited Soliswiss as a non-bank from advice on the one hand, and on the other it taking the money from the general public for will work with our partners on special cover commercial purposes. Why? for Swiss nationals abroad. Higher admission Ulrich Pfi ster: The basic idea of the so- ages and approval of costs abroad are conc- lidarity fund for Swiss Abroad, which was rete improvements in benefi ts that our cus- founded in 1958, was to combine insurance tomers appreciate. against loss of livelihood with fi nancing from savings deposited with the fund. Back then Will the new business conditions also entail the solution was guaranteed and supervised advantages for your members? by the federal authorities, which is why the The new business conditions only affect banking and insurance supervisory authori- asset management. Our members will have ties were not responsible. Since then the pru- access to products from Wegelin, a highly re- dential services and pension benefi ts offered Ulrich Pfi ster, President, Soliswiss putable private bank, and will enjoy prefe- by Soliswiss have developed and grown inde- rential conditions with an institutional inves- pendent. Financial supervision has become ring more attractive investment opportuni- tor for deposits as low as CHF 1000. Soliswiss stricter. ties with a Swiss private bank. The new members can therefore invest in exactly the situation will not stand in the way of this stra- same way as Soliswiss does. Savings has always been one of Soliswiss’s tegy: on the contrary, it will make it easier to core tasks. According to the banking law, implement. Will members have to accept higher expenses however, only banks are allowed to use the and fees in the future? term “savings”. What are the implications And what will be the impact for your In future our members will have to pay the of this for Soliswiss? members? statutory charges and banking fees. Overall, “Savings” is indeed a term reserved for There will be no change for members. Sa- they will be better off than before thanks to banks. Our task is to promote fi nancial pro- vings accounts will be closed over the next preferential conditions and the bank’s strong visions and pension benefits, whether few months, and the money will be paid out. performance. through banking or insurance products. That We are advising our clients to transfer their won’t change. money immediately to a new investment ac- What advantages does Soliswiss offer Swiss count. Abroad in this day and age, compared with The new agreement between the European other insurance companies? Union and Switzerland governing compliance Does that mean that members can decide Soliswiss offers a unique and unrivalled with the EU agreement on interest rates will for themselves which bank they want to invest service in the form of loss-of-livelihood in- now also apply to Soliswiss. What are the with? surance. In asset management and insurance consequences? All members are free to decide whether to brokerage, Soliswiss is a purchasing coope- Soliswiss is registered as a paying agent as have their money transferred to a bank or pos- rative. Soliswiss offers Swiss nationals abroad defi ned by the EU agreement. In future, tal giro account, or whether to place their advantages in these areas by selecting fi rst- when our members’ money is invested with funds with one of four new investment stra- class Swiss products for our members, a bank, the bank rather than Soliswiss will be tegies via Soliswiss. Each of the four strategies maintaining a modern Internet platform, o. 4 the paying agent. offers a different return and risk profi le. They providing unbiased, individual advice on the

t 2006 / N address all requirements of Swiss Abroad. telephone, and operating as a not-for-proﬁ t ugus

A What are the consequences of these innovations cooperative society with the minimum of ﬁ - for Soliswiss as an asset manager? How do individual members go about this? nancial outlay. INTERVIEWER: HEINZ ECKERT We want to continue the asset manage- After receiving the SFBC licence in June WISS REVIEW S Photo: Soliswiss ment strategy we adopted last year of offe- as a distributor of investment funds author- NEWS IN BRIEF 23

Martina Hingis fascination with four-wheel Swiss Re bought the insurance Coordinating education in the top 15 drive cars to the sense of power business of General Electric for The people of Switzerland Martina Hingis is back at the and superiority these vehicles a total of CHF 9.1 billion. The have voted overwhelmingly top. In Rome, the tennis player give their drivers in traffi c. He takeover creates the world’s (85.6%) in favour of revising from St.Gallen notched up says their success is more than largest and most diversifi ed re- constitutional regulations on the 41st championship victory a fashion trend. The Federal insurance company. Credit Su- education. The outcome of the of her career and the fi rst since Council has decided to adapt isse has sold Winterthur to the referendum means cantons will her comeback in January. The an energy label to grade the en- French AXA insurance group. now be obliged to coordinate win pushes her back into the ergy effi ciency of cars on a their education systems. How- top 15 of the WTA rankings. scale of A to G. It will now be Freddy Nock walks into the ever, the turnout was poor at At the French Open, Hingis harder for heavier vehicles to record books only 27.23%. reached the quarter-fi nals. obtain a good effi ciency rating. Forty-one-year-old tightrope walker Freddy Nock from 93% of Swiss Sion promoted, King Roger Thurgau has a set a new world have a mobile phone Zurich wins league Roger Federer may have lost record on the high wire. With The number of electronic de- After its enforced relegation the fi nal of the French Open to the aid of just a balancing pole vices in use around Switzerland in 2002, Sion FC won its pro- Rafael Nadal, but Grass King weighing 30 kilograms, he has increased by 10.3% com- motion battle against Neuchâ- Federer soundly trounced the walked 1122 metres along the pared with last year. Almost tel Xamax, and will now cable of the suspen- 93% of the Swiss population be playing in the Super sion railway from owns a mobile phone. The League next season. This Schwägalp station number of Internet users con- year’s Cup winner will be (1306m) to Säntis tinues to rise (70.1%), as does the only club representing (2502m). the number of households with French-speaking Switzer- a computer (90.8%). land in the top Swiss divi- “Big Ben” visits sion. The league champi- Emmental Eurovision Song Contest onship was won by Ben Roethlisberger, Switzerland did poorly at this Zurich, who beat Basel 2:1 an American foot- year‘s Eurovision Song Contest in their last game. Because ball star with Swiss with its band of musicians of serious violence involv- roots, visited the from six nations – only one of ing its fans, Basel will be land of his forefa- them Swiss. The entry fi nished forced to play its fi rst thers in May. “Big 16th out of the total of 24 com- three home games next season young Spaniard in England to Ben” and the rest of the Pitts- peting countries. The outcome in front of an empty stadium. win his fourth Wimbledon burgh Steelers won the Super raised questions about the se- title. He was last beaten on Bowl back in February. But he lection of the country’s musical Cantons say grass in the opening round of was forced to undergo surgery representatives. Most impor- “Non” to English Wimbledon back in 2002. in June following a serious mo- tantly, when there are so many The people of Thurgau and torbike accident in which he great Swiss musicians, why Zug don’t want their primary Euro 2008 is good for tourism was lucky to escape with a few send an uninspiring group that school French interfered with. Switzerland Tourism plans to broken bones and concussion. has relatively little to do with Following a similar move in invest CHF 15 million in an Switzerland? February by Schaffhausen, the advertising campaign for the Falling rocks block two cantons voted against a 2008 European Cup. Director Gotthard motorway Italy win World Cup move to teach English only to Jürg Schmid says, “The aim is Six huge boulders of up to Italy became world champions children in this age group. Zug for people to remember our 50 m3 in size detached them- when the squad beat France and Thurgau have therefore country for more than simply selves from the Gotthard massif in a penalty shoot-out in the closed ranks with the majority staging a football competition. in Uri canton and plummeted fi nal of the 2006 World Cup of German-speaking cantons The largest proportion of tele- onto the A2 motorway below. in Germany. Germany won and accepted the recommenda- vision viewers will be Chinese. One of them, weighing dozens the third-place match against tions of the Swiss Conference For us that’s a huge opportu- of tons, fell on a car travelling Portugal, and Switzerland was of Cantonal Ministers of Edu- nity!” south. The vehicle caught fi re, Group winner but dropped o. 4 cation. killing the German couple in- out in the second round after 2006 / N

t Number 1 side. The A2 was closed for an losing to Ukraine – also in a s u g u

A Leuenberger and in reinsurance extensive clear-up operation penalty shoot-out. ALAIN WEY one

t four-wheel drives Swiss Re has completed its because the rock face is still s y Swiss President Moritz Leuen- takeover of GE Insurance unstable and there is a high risk WISS REVIEW

S Photo: Ke berger attributes the current Solutions. Reinsurance giant of further falls. Living abroad – with Swiss security

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If you live abroad, reorganizing your health insurance is a must. With a customized benefit plan, you can provide security for yourself and your family. Set the course now!

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Soliswiss Ltd. Gutenbergstrasse 6 CH-3011 Berne Switzerland T +41 31 380 70 30 F +41 31 381 60 28 [email protected] www.soliswiss.ch