THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD

AUGUST 2009 / NO. 3

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EDITORIAL CONTENTS 3

A lost year

arge and small companies are continually finding themselves obliged to introduce 5 short-time work or, even worse, to make job cuts. Hardly a day goes by without Mailbag Lnews that raises concerns about the immediate future. Then there are also the 5 problems Switzerland’s largest bank, UBS, is having with the authorities in the USA, Sounds: The bells of home which will hopefully have been resolved by the time this edition of “Swiss Review” 7 reaches you. Images: Giacometti in Riehen Switzerland is among those badly hit by the global economic crisis, as the Swiss 8 National Bank announced in the spring. The Swiss economy has experienced its sharp- UBS on the brink – the end of banking confidentiality? est downturn since the oil crisis in 1975. While economists estimate that the Swiss econ- 11 omy will contract by 2.7% this year, this must be seen in the light of recent high levels of The book on the crisis: economic performance. The economy has performed exceptionally well in recent years. Bank, Banker, Bankruptcy However, the extent of the crisis is evidenced by the current rate of unemployment at 12 3.8%, which is expected to rise to 5.5% next year with as many as 240,000 out of work. Swiss humour at the National Museum Economists do not anticipate an upturn this year. Some are even calling 2009 a 14 “lost year”. That said, they all agree in forecasting that there will be a recovery in 2010. Notes from Parliament They do not reach consensus though on when the upturn will take hold in Switzerland. One expert recently said that the only thing you can be sure of is that the sun does even- Regional news tually come out after a downpour. In his article on page 8, Rolf Ribi primarily examines the reasons behind the UBS 17 debacle, the pressure on banking confidentiality and the global financial crisis, which Politics: A retrospective on voting has had such a devastating impact on the global economy. In the same vein, René Zeyer’s 18 bestseller, “Bank, Banker, Bankruptcy”, which looks at the world On the trail of Sherlock Holmes in of investment banking (see page 11), is shocking and insightful in Switzerland equal measure. 20 * Increasingly fewer communes in Switzerland Even “Swiss Review” has been affected by the economic crisis. 23 Advertisers are now taking a more cautious approach, and adver- Politics: Federal Councillor Couchepin tising budgets have been cut as the economic situation is expected stands down 24 Heinz Eckert to get even worse. Parliament has also cut our budget, leaving us with CHF 500,000 less this year. As a result, there will only OSA news be four editions of “Swiss Review” this year instead of the usual six. We deeply regret this 26 development and hope that Parliament reviews its decision, enabling us to have six edi- Hans Erni celebrates his 100th birthday tions again in 2010. 28 The website www.revue.ch contains a link to a survey we are carrying out together Discovering Switzerland with our partner, Switzerland To urism. We hope many of you will complete this survey 30 to assess our work. We are very interested to know what our readers think of “Swiss Profile: Stanislas Wawrinka Review”, what they particularly enjoy reading and what they would like to see improved. 31 The answers concerning your habits with regard to visiting Switzerland are of great Echo importance to Switzerland To urism. Thank you for showing an interest in our concerns. Cover photo: Caricaturist Corinne Bromundt’s HEINZ ECKERT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF impression of the relationship between German- speaking and French-speaking Swiss (from the “Witzerland” exhibition at the National Museum). 3 . No / IMPRINT: “Swiss Review”, the magazine for the Swiss abroad, is in its 36th year of publication and is published in German, French, Italian, English and Spanish in 14 regional editions.

2009 It has a total circulation of 408 000. Regional news appears four times a year. t

gus ■ EDITORS: Heinz Eckert (EC), Editor-in-Chief; Rolf Ribi (RR); René Lenzin (RL); Alain Wey (AW); Viviane Aerni (VA); Rahel Schweizer (RS), responsible for “Notes from Parliament”, Service

Au for the Swiss Abroad, DFA, CH-3003 Berne Translation: CLS Communication AG ■ POSTAL ADDRESS: Publisher, editorial office, advertising: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpen- strasse 26, CH-3006 Berne, Tel.: +4131356 61 10, Fax: +4131356 61 01, Postal account (Swiss National Giro): 30-6768-9. Internet: www.revue.ch ■ E-MAIL: [email protected] ■ PRINT: Zollikofer AG, CH-9001 St.Gallen. ■ CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please advise your local embassy or consulate. Do not write to Berne. ■ All Swiss abroad who are registered with a Swiss REVIEW representation receive the magazine free of charge. Anyone else can subscribe to the magazine for an annual fee (Switzerland: CHF 25 / abroad: CHF 40). Subscribers are sent the magazine ISS direct from Berne. Copy deadline for this edition:: 22.6.09 SW Leave a lasting legacy behind Do something for our compatriots abroad

A legacy or bequest allows you to leave instructions on the disposal of your money, real estate or property*. A bequest to the OSA is an enduring reminder of your solidarity with our compatriots abroad. The Organisation for the Swiss Abroad uses all such funds to assist Swiss Abroad in accordance with the testator’s instructions.

*To do this you need to draw up a will. The OSA offers an informative, easy-to-understand brochure on how to draw up a will: Contact the OSA Legal Service, "Rechtsdienst der ASO", Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne or e-mail [email protected] Help us to help you! MAILBAG SOUNDS 5

The Swiss economy in good ages to put together for each EVERYONE IS BOUND to be familiar with the sound of the shape issue – go on! bells of home, which have rung in Sundays every Saturday The interview with Silvio For Swiss living abroad evening for decades on Swiss radio from one of Switzer- Borner in the April issue was (like me), it’s good to have a land’s many church steeples. Radio producers only real- excellent. Heinz Eckert periodic look at what’s hap- ised just how popular this traditional broadcast was when showed great style the way pening in Switzerland that they changed the schedule to leave ringing in Sunday un- the interview was con- does not tie me to the com- til Sunday morning. There was such an outcry from the ra- ducted. My praise goes to puter monitor. dio audience that the decision had to be reversed and the Silvio Borner who presented P. KRAUS, FAIRFIELD, USA church bells were immediately put back to their original the whole financial crisis in a slot. The peal of the bells is so popular among listeners very practical way. I wholly Keep the printed issues that the radio broadcaster “DRS Musikwelle” has placed endorse his thinking and I am a Swiss citizen from

home the sound of the church bells, which is recorded and digi- only wish we had the same Berne and have been living

of tised every week throughout Switzerland, on the Internet. philosophy here in the US. in the San Diego area for 20 s Anyone who associates church bells with their childhood As a native conservative years. I have been receiving, and a piece of their homeland can now access this sound Bell Swiss, it makes me cringe the reading and enjoying “Swiss individually from all over the world at any time of the day. way things are developing Review”, as it connects me Where possible, the names of the bells and other details, here. We could use someone with current events and such as pitch, weight, year of manufacture and name of the like Mr. Borner as an advisor trends in Switzerland, as foundry, are given for all the churches where the sounds are for our government. well as provides me with recorded. Each sound is also described. For example, for the H. HAEMISEGGER, HOUSTON, USA high-quality background Roman Catholic church of St.Martin in Olten the description analysis on political and cul- reads: “voluble six-pitch peal in a marvellous sequence with Thank you tural events “back home”. under-fourth”. And the church I would like to thank you for I read that financial limi- of St. Mauritius in Naters has your highly informative tations are driving a consid- a “polyphonic, distinctive peal magazine. My closest friend, eration to eliminate the with high scarcity value”. who comes from the Canton printed copy in favor of an Some of the bells date back of Valais, regularly gives it to online-only version. I would to the Middle Ages, such as the me to read, after which I like to add my vote in favor one in the reformed church in pass it on to my parents who of keeping the printed edi- Matt in the Canton of Glarus, also really enjoy it. Through tion, even if it means charg- which was cast in the 13th cen- my friend, I have come to ing for it. I read the Review tury. It is described as “a charm- know and love Switzerland when I travel, when I wait ing gentle peal that has remained and its people, and “Swiss for someone in the car, or unchanged for centuries and is Review” has played a big simply out by the pool, i.e. in very well suited to this mountain-valley church”. Of course, the part in this. many locations where read- heavyweights of Berne cathedral are also featured on the site. J. LEIPERT, GERMAN NATIONAL ing online is either impracti- They give “Switzerland’s loudest peal with an extremely diverse cal or impossible. range of bells from seven different centuries”. And what is more: Go on Please consider asking As a communications con- your readership how many “The two large bells are closely related with their charming, typi- sultant who often works would be willing to pay for a cally Bernese Renaissance decoration and exceptional sonority. with print media for clients subscription before you The executioner’s bell, which was sounded a total of 65 times be- in Switzerland and the USA, cease to print the issues! tween 1734 and 1861 to herald hangings, is also striking.” I appreciate the quality and J. CHARVAT, ALPINE, USA Other bells of major significance on the website are the depth of reporting that the Heinrichsglocke of Basel cathedral, the Herrgottsglocke of the “Swiss Review” team man- church of St. Laurentius in Herisau and the chimes of the mon-

h astery in Rheinau.

win.c Unfortunately, the website does not feature church bells from French-speaking Switzerland or the beautiful melodies of the churches in Ticino. However, the site is constantly being up- VOLUNTARY DONATIONS dated. If you are missing a particular bell sound, you can order it 3

. Readers are constantly calling for us to launch a donation appeal for “Swiss Review” oelfl inswil.oberhof@blue No

i.w from the radio station. The requested peal will be uploaded and

/ now that federal government has cut the budget by CHF 500,000, which means only re

ar four editions can now be published each year. We are, of course, grateful for any pf 2009 made available within a short space of time. EC t e: financial support, although we do not believe that the financial basis of “Swiss gus hur Review” can be secured through voluntary donations. Au oc br e BEKB, 3001 Berne, Account No. 16 129.446.0.98 790 (payable to OSA) th

om IBAN: CH 97 0079 0016 1294 4609 8 REVIEW Fr

ISS Thank you for your solidarity and support. SW Photo: www.drsmusikwelle.ch/www/de/drsmusikwelle/sendungen/glockenderheimat www.revue.ch We look forward to your online visit.

The taste of Switzerland.

MySwitzerland.com/aso The new cookbook from Betty Bossi. Orders are sent post-free.

In English for the first time! IMAGES 7

Giacometti – a real highlight The Beyeler Foundation in Riehen, near Basel, is exhibiting more than 150 works by the prominent Swiss artist, Alberto Giacometti (1901–1966), which come from the family collection as well as collections from across the world. The Beyeler Museum’s summer exhibition is one of the highlights in the European cultural calendar. The Giacometti exhibition runs until 11 October 2009. www.beyeler.com

Alberto Giacometti; L’homme qui chavire, 1950, Alberto Giacometti; La main, 1947, The Hand; bronze, Alberto Giacometti; Le chariot, 1950, The Chariot; cm; private collection, Switzerland. bronze, with golden patina, on black painted wooden 3.5ן72ןcm; 57 22ן14ןMan Falling; bronze, 60 ;cm, height without base: 145 cm 69ן69ןKunsthaus Zurich. base, 167 Alberto Giacometti-Foundation, Zurich. h ic Zur is, Litter 3 o . Pr No / 2009, / 2009 t AG gus FA Au photos:

all Alberto Giacometti; La place, 1948, City Square; bronze, Alberto Giacometti; Le chien, 1951, The Dog; bronze, Alberto Giacometti; Homme qui marche II, 1960, REVIEW

;cm 110ן26ןcm; Alberto Giacometti-Foundation, Walking Man II; bronze, 189 15ן98.5ןcm; The Museum of Modern Art, 46 43.8ן64.5ןight 21.6 yr ISS Zurich. Beyeler Foundation, Riehen. SW Cop New York. 8 ECONOMIC CRISIS

The Atlantic hurricane hit Switzerland at full force American mortgage products. In 2006, the First there was the US Federal Reserve’s ill-advised monetary American real estate crisis erupted. Investors lost confidence in the non-transparent secu- policy, then came the real estate and financial crisis in America, rities, causing their prices to plummet. A real followed by a serious banking crisis in Europe. Finally, the “financial tsunami” (Alan Greenspan) swept waves of the “financial tsunami” hit the real global economy. across the Atlantic in 2007. At UBS headquarters in Zurich, nobody Switzerland, with its open economy and powerful financial cen- seemed to want to acknowledge the extent tre with banking giant UBS, was hit hard. Banking confidential- of the crisis or the imminent collapse of the ity is facing “the beginning of the end”. By Rolf Ribi bank. Even the most senior authority at the time for monitoring the banks did not be- come suspicious, despite the bank’s enor- mous exposure on the US mortgage market. The most severe recession for decades in the dled based on risk, turned into securities and The leading rating agencies continued to global economy was preceded by the US traded on the stock market. The new finan- classify the bank’s credit standing as high. Federal Reserve’s “policy of cheap money”. cial products were virtually impossible to When the historic financial crisis hit in sum- As Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, rate and were a major reason for the real es- mer 2007, there was more than CHF 100 bil- Alan Greenspan introduced very low inter- tate and banking crisis. lion in American credit securities on UBS’ est rates, triggering two major speculative books, more than twice the equity capital. In runs – firstly on the Internet market (“new Banking giant UBS on the brink the October, Switzerland’s biggest bank was economy”) and later on the real estate mar- In 2004, UBS was still considered the safest forced to announce a loss of CHF 4 billion ket. In June 2003, he dropped the base rate bank in the world. This universal bank, with for the first time. More bad news followed in to a record low of just 1%. American consum- its headquarters on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse, December 2007 with write-offs of a further ers were encouraged to borrow, including for was the world leader in asset management. CHF 12.5 billion on American mortgages. the purchase of real estate. Cheap mortgages But its managers at the time also wanted to Hugely devalued investments had to be writ- provided practically 100% finance for homes. turn UBS into the world’s top investment ten off and sold by autumn 2008, with losses The number of such mortgages increased as- bank, making it bigger than the famous of almost CHF 50 billion. tronomically. names on Wall Street in New Yo rk (invest- UBS’ situation had become critical by late When interest rates started to rise in 2004, ment banking involves supporting companies autumn 2008. Other banks would only lend lots of mortgage holders got into trouble. with IPOs and trading in securities). In sum- UBS capital on a short-term basis, in the end Forced sales of homes caused prices to drop mer 2005, the Swiss bank was a major player overnight at most. More and more custom- on the housing market. This also left mort- in this high-risk market with re-packaged ers withdrew their assets from the bank. gage lenders facing difficul- Frantic attempts by the ties as they were forced to bank’s senior management make value adjustments in to find financially powerful their balance sheets. The private investors proved situation deteriorated unsuccessful. The govern- sharply in 2008 when big ment was the last hope. The names like Bear Stearns Chairman of the UBS and Merrill Lynch were Board of Directors re- sold, and the insurance quested financial help of up group AIG was placed un- to CHF 68 billion in three der state supervision. At letters to the Federal Coun- the height of the crisis, cil, the National Bank and America’s fourth-largest in- the banking supervisory au- vestment bank, Lehman thorities. This was an ad- Brothers, filed for bank- mission of failure on an ruptcy on 15 September, enormous scale. The billion- taking other banks down franc rescue package from with it. federal government and the One of the reasons for National Bank was made up 3 . No

/ the great banking crisis in of CHF 6 billion (repay-

2009 the USA was that the banks’ able) in new equity capital t gus troubled mortgage claims from federal government Au

one were transferred out (in- and up to USD 60 billion yst REVIEW

Ke stead of being entered in Switzerland as a financial centre has been hit hard by UBS. from the National Bank o: ISS ot SW the balance sheets), bun- (for the transfer of illiquid Ph 9

American securities). This was state inter- The wind had also changed in Switzer- … and from the European Union vention on the largest scale ever seen in Swit- land. In October 2008, the Swiss federal tax The European Union has joined the USA in zerland – it equates to each of the nation’s administration responded to a request for exerting tremendous political pressure on seven million citizens assuming risk of almost administrative assistance from the US and Switzerland. “Tax havens are a scandal. The CHF 10,000. passed on the bank data of 300 American international community will no longer put In June 2009, it became apparent that fed- UBS customers. “It was primarily a matter up with Swiss banking confidentiality”, said eral government would retain its CHF 6 bil- of averting the threat to the bank’s existence. former German Finance Minister Hans Eichel. lion loan to UBS for the time being. After The risk was justified and real”, said Eugen The current German Finance Minister, Peer six months, the authorities had the right to Haltiner, Chairman of the Swiss Federal Steinbrück, has been even more outspoken: sell the loan directly, or to change it into Banking Commission. He added that the “We must use the stick with Switzerland as well shares and then sell it. What stopped federal bank had evaded American tax law and the as the carrot. Transactions can also be taxed government from getting rid of the UBS cases concerned involved tax fraud. UBS to put pressure on Switzerland.” risk? The terms of the loan are favourable. agreed to a settlement with the US judicial The European Union and Switzerland The interest on it is set at a good 12.5%, and authorities and paid USD 780 million in concluded an interest agreement in 2005. at the current rate that would actually pro- fines. However, this does not rule out pos- This obliges all Swiss banks to impose a re- duce a profit of CHF 800 million for the fed- sible criminal proceedings against the tention tax (25% currently, 35% from 2011) eral coffers. But the Federal Council is not bank. on EU citizens’ interest earnings. This only yet convinced that the bank has recovered. Shortly afterwards, the American tax au- affects interest earnings from private foreign According to the National Bank, UBS still thorities brought a civil action against UBS assets, and not income such as dividends of has exposure of USD 24 billion in critical in Florida demanding that it reveal all 52,000 legal entities. This means the assets of for- loan markets. names of US customers whose assets man- eign customers of Swiss banks remain anon- aged by the bank total almost USD 15 billion. ymous, protecting banking confidentiality. Huge pressure from America … It looks likely that UBS will be in the dock in Within the European Union, the interest tax Offshore banking (the management of assets Florida in mid-July . “UBS’ fate will be de- agreement with Switzerland (and with the outside the customer’s country of origin) cided in Florida. A victory for the tax author- EU countries Luxembourg, Belgium and and the protection of private clients through ities would break the bank’s neck. The bank’s Austria) is only seen as a limited-term tran- banking confidentiality made Switzerland’s core business, asset management, would be sitional solution. This worries Federal Coun- financial centre the world leader in asset hit badly” (so writes the “NZZ am Sonn- cillor Hans-Rudolf Merz: “A low front is management. However, the outflow of pri- tag”). “Berne” and the bank are now hoping heading our way from Brussels. The Euro- vate assets is a thorn in the side of the US that the (wealthy) American customers sus- pean Union is working towards an automatic government and its tax authorities. Under pected of tax evasion will turn themselves in exchange of information on fiscal matters. the “Qualified Intermediary Agreement”, to the US tax authorities. That would spell the end of our banking con- UBS had to undertake to fidentiality. And we don’t reveal the assets of its want that at any price.” American customers in US securities. The bank at- Black day for banking tempted to gain authorisa- confidentiality tion from these customers “Switzerland has become a to report names and invest- paradise for foreign capital ments to the US tax au- on which tax is not paid. thorities. But the majority The uproar from foreign of American customers re- governments is understand- frained from disclosing this able.” These are not the information. When former words of a critic of the senior executives at the banks, but of private banker bank revealed the illegal Konrad Hummler. He says practices they often used to that around 30%, or CHF win new customers to the 1,000 billion, of the CHF US courts, offshore busi- 2,800 billion or so of foreign ness with “undeclared” cus- assets in Swiss banks is un- tomers became like “walk- taxed “black money”. 3 . No

/ ing a tightrope”. Faced with Things finally came to

2009 large-scale investigations a head on Black Friday, t gus against it by the judicial au- 13 March. Under intense Au

one thorities and the threat of pressure from the major yst REVIEW

Ke losing its licence, the bank Chairman of the UBS Board of Directors, Kaspar Villiger, is trying to win back the trust countries in the European o: ISS

ot of its customers. SW decided to cooperate. Union and the USA, Swit- Ph 10 ECONOMIC CRISIS

zerland recognised the OECD standard on too long for the USA, Germany and the to boost the economy. The first set of meas- administrative assistance in fiscal matters. other countries … ures, launched in November 2008, and the Switzerland will now provide foreign tax second set, from last February, primarily authorities with assistance not only in cases Deep recession in Switzerland concern public works projects, while the of suspected tax fraud, but also in cases of “The significant global downturn has hit third set in June focuses on combating youth suspected tax evasion. The long-standing Switzerland badly”, the Swiss National Bank and long-term unemployment. Federal gov- Swiss tradition of differentiating between tax announced in spring. Jean-Pierre Roth, ernment has committed almost CHF 2 bil- evasion (a legal offence punishable with a Chairman of the National Bank, said: “We lion to boosting the economy, which is rela- fine) and tax fraud (falsification of docu- anticipate a considerable fall in economic tively little by international comparison. Urs ments punishable through criminal proceed- output of up to 3% this year.” This would be Müller, an economic researcher from Basel, ings) no longer applies to foreign customers. the sharpest fall our economy has experi- comments: “The economic recovery plans The “beginning of the end of banking confi- enced since the 1975 oil crisis. In June, fed- agreed abroad will have a greater impact on dentiality in its current form” will have re- eral government’s chief economists pre- our economy than our own measures.” percussions: “Switzerland will in future no dicted that the economy would contract by longer be a safe haven for money from tax 2.7% this year and by 0.4% next year. The un- Hope for change evasion” (“Neue Zürcher Zeitung”). “The employment figures are unusually high for “I see 2009 as a lost year. But various argu- handover of customer data to the Americans Switzerland – 3.8% unemployed this year, ments would suggest a global recovery in has made investors nervous. We are unfortu- rising to 5.5% or 240,000 jobless next year. 2010”, explained the chief economist at nately unable to send a clear message out to Switzerland’s financial centre has been un- Deutsche Bank, where Josef Ackermann, a them.” (Yves Mirabaud, a private banker able to avoid the crisis. With overall losses of Swiss citizen, is CEO. Low commodity prices, from Geneva). over CHF 30 billion, 2008 has been one of low interest rates and the economic recov- the worst years ever for all those working in ery plans (above all in the USA and China) Switzerland on the “grey” list Swiss financial organisations. Most of the are set to produce stability relatively quickly Switzerland’s “good conduct” with regard to losses can be attributed to UBS (CHF -36.5 by means of global trade. Switzerland is still international assistance on fiscal matters, billion) and Credit Suisse (CHF -2.2 billion). being hit badly at the moment owing to the based on the OECD’s model agreement, has 6,000 jobs had been lost at the big banks by major significance of the financial sector and so far done little to relieve pressure from this summer, with the figure set to rise to a the heavy dependence of engineering and the abroad. At the summit in London on 2 April, total of 10,000 by the end of 2010. chemical industry on foreign markets. the twenty leading economic nations put On the basis of the main article concern- However, the current recession must also Switzerland on a “grey” list. Switzerland has ing the economy in the Federal Constitution be seen in the context of the bigger picture. recognised the OECD standard, but has not (Article 100), the government and Parlia- The Swiss economy has achieved annual yet implemented it. “Switzerland in the ment have agreed three recovery plans so far growth of almost 3% in recent years, creat- G-20’s vice” was the head- ing around 290,000 jobs. In line in the “Neue Zürcher the worst-case scenario, Zeitung”. If Switzerland economic output will fall to does not comply with the 2006 levels. Since 1950, so OECD standard, “it will be in just two generations, real threatened with economic Swiss gross domestic prod- sanctions. Such a disastrous uct has increased by 4.5 outcome must be avoided times and by 2.8 times per under all circumstances”. capita. This indicates the The Federal Council extent to which Swiss pros- wants to implement the perity has increased. OECD standard through (Article written on 30 June) amended double taxation agreements with foreign DOCUMENTATION states. These govern the Lukas Hässig: Der UBS-Crash. Verlag Hoffmann und Campe, provision of Swiss adminis- Hamburg 2009, CHF 36.90 trative assistance “in spe- Myret Zaki: UBS am Rande des Abgrunds, Tobler Verlag, cific cases of tax evasion”. Altstätten 2008, CHF 29.90 The intention would be to (original French edition – 3 . Editions Favre SA, Lausanne) No

/ put the first agreement of Documentation centre

2009 this nature to Parliament www.doku-zug.ch t gus and, in the case of a referen- Au

one dum, to the people for a de- yst REVIEW

Ke cision. However, this dem- The financial crisis has cost thousands their jobs; job centres are overrun again. o: ISS ot SW ocratic approach may take Ph RECOMMENDED READING 11

René Zeyer – “The bankers were only interested in bonuses” René Zeyer sees the financial crisis as a His book entitled “Bank, Banker, Bankrott” is already on its 5th “gigantic, outrageous, but well-orchestrated robbery by a few bankers of the assets of edition. 30,000 copies have been sold in six months. René millions of savers and current and future Zeyer is scathing about investment bankers and, as a former pensioners”. He states that, on this occa- communications consultant in the banking sector, he knows sion, the bank robbers were standing be- hind rather than in front of the counter, what he is talking about. He is also the spokesman for the while people like Alan Greenspan, the alliance of Swiss Lehman victims, who lost their savings thanks former head of the US Federal Reserve, to advice provided by Credit Suisse. This book is a shocking kept watch. Zeyer does not mince his words. The bank robbers’ tools were not picklocks portrait of a business world that has spiralled out of control. and blowtorches, but derivatives, hedge By Heinz Eckert funds, private banking and financial engi- neering. The bankers were selling financial products, the purpose of which they did not really understand themselves. The 650 or so Lehman victims, on whose The chain of events that led to the crisis behalf René Zeyer is working and for whom is actually quite simple. Penniless and job- he is the spokesperson, are almost all of re- less Americans in the Midwest wanted to tirement age. They are people who never suddenly live the high life. Various banks speculated and never owned shares in their and financial institutions strove to make lives. They simply listened to the advisors their dreams come true. But only on the from the bank they had trusted for decades condition that they took out mortgages – Credit Suisse. A 60-year-old service-in- with one of these banks to pay for the cost dustry worker had CHF 30,000 in a savings of their houses and promised to pay back account when the nice man from Credit the loan one day with interest and com- Suisse advised her to make more of her sav- pound interest, which was not a problem as ings and invest them more profitably in the houses would double in value as fore- Lehman securities. Why should she have cast. The banks now had to get the capital doubted him? Like one 93-year-old man, required from somewhere – from collapsed also a victim of poor advice who lost all his banks, as we know them today, from refi- savings, her previous experience with her nancing, as it is known in banking jargon. As trusted bank had always been good. “It was they were unable to obtain the capital with awful to see how these people, who had such dubious borrowers, they had to pack- been duped, lost not only their money, but age the deals to prevent them from being also their trust”, explains René Zeyer. He identified as bad loans and to palm them off adds: “Why shouldn’t they have followed on the eager recipients as first-class, high- the advice of their bank advisor? There was tech financial products. Zeyer believes the no reason for mistrust.” René Zeyer, journalist and author fact that these schemes were approved by Zeyer believes that the Lehman victims highly respected rating agencies indicates stood no chance. Spurred on by high bo- picture of the professional world of bank- that there was more to this than cunning nuses, irresponsible bank advisors ruth- ers that could hardly be shallower. They are and stupidity. René Zeyer says: “It is clear lessly exploited them, continuing to sell Leh- motivated by new Porsches and golfing that this was a huge conspiracy in which a man securities when the crisis had already handicaps. They spend most of their work- few people greatly abused their power over begun to become apparent, and suggesting ing day either on the golf course or in gour- public institutions and public assets in ex- to their victims that they could achieve re- met restaurants. actly the same way as bank presidents bla- turns of 10, 15 or 20% on their savings with- It would be dreadful if just 20% of Zey- tantly abused their power in the banks they out any risk. However, Zeyer suspects that er’s accounts were true. However, the au- managed.” Zeyer raises the question why many bankers were not even aware of what thor insists that every quote is authentic neither bank directors nor investors were these securities actually were. They were and is based on reality. Zeyer had to choose able to recognise a product that was worth- only interested in the bonuses awarded to a literary form for his book because his ex- less. René Zeyer believes that greed, self- 3 . No

/ them as a reward for good sales perform- posure of the vanity, intrigues and career indulgence, vanity, career ambitions and

2009 ance. ambitions of these money dealers who have egotism resulted in the biggest bank rob- t gus Zeyer’s book on the inner workings of an lost all touch with reality seems too absurd bery of all time. And he predicts: “When Au investment bank seems like a farce at first. for a work of non-fiction. And yet Zeyer’s the global economy has recovered from the

REVIEW Readers would not think it was based on re- book, that has appeared only in German, is financial crisis, the bankers will carry on in ISS SW ality as it appears so far-fetched. It paints a a factual report. exactly the same way as before.” 12 EXHIBITION AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

“Witzerland” – the humorous side of Switzerland September 2009. The diversity of this spe- Do the Swiss have a sense of humour and, if so, what kind? cial “Witzerland” exhibition at the Na- tional Museum is highlighted by the fact An exhibition at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich shows that politically incorrect and even dirty there is a very funny side to Switzerland and that Swiss jokes are featured. humour can often be quite cutting. Young and old visitors The main part of the exhibition is dedi- cated to political satire, with the glorious alike will find this multimedia exhibition amusing and past of the Swiss satirical magazine “Der enlightening. By Heinz Eckert Nebelspalter” as the main attraction. Cari- catures from the magazine from the 19th century to the 1970s are displayed in large- format print. It is interesting to see that the When the exhibition was being planned, or- plains the curator, Walter Keller, in the pro- main themes highlight practically the same ganisers asked themselves whether there gramme for the exhibition which opened issues both then and now, including Swit- was such a thing as “Swiss” humour, ex- its doors on 2 April and will run until 13 zerland’s relationship with other countries h 3 . ic No Zur / 2009 t Museum, gus Au tional Na Swiss REVIEW es: ISS “Well, I never!” SW Imag 13

and with itself, opening up to the world and political satire in French-speaking Switzer- dio and visual displays from German-speak- to Europe, and isolation in the hedgehog po- land. The only criticism that can be levelled ing Switzerland can be enjoyed. These sition. at the “Witzerland” exhibition at the Na- range from Niklaus Meienberg to Kliby How cartoonists see political life in Swit- tional Museum is that the satirists from and evoke plenty of memories from yester- zerland today is revealed by the vast number French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino year. of drawings sent in for the exhibition fol- are treated shabbily, and great political car- lowing an appeal by the Swiss National Mu- icaturists, such as Chapatte and Burki, This special exhibition at the Swiss National seum and the “Nebelspalter”. are not represented with a single illustra- Museum in Zurich runs until 13 September The political drawings from French- tion. 2009. More information is available at speaking Switzerland poke fun at the same French-speaking Switzerland is unfor- www.witzerland.ch things as their colleagues in German-speak- tunately also marginalised in the audio- ing Switzerland. However, the border with visual section, and Ticino is not represented German-speaking Switzerland and the re- at all. Nevertheless, Marie-Thérès Porchet, lationship between French-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland’s answer to German-speaking Swiss play a big role in Emil, does feature. On the other hand, au- 14 NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT

A(H1N1) influenza: precautions remain sures. However, not all countries are in a position to do this, and individual responsibility is required even in countries with good important pandemic provisions. A(H1N1) influenza, first discovered at the end of April 2009, Everyone can help to protect themselves with the right con- is currently continuing to spread, principally in the Americas duct and by taking a few precautionary measures. In coopera- and the southern hemisphere. However, when the WHO tion with the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the declared Phase 6, it stressed that the spread of the A(H1N1) FDFA has drawn up recommendations on personal pandemic influenza was not an indication of the threat posed by the precautions. Yo u will find these recommendations and lots of virus or the severity of the illness. other useful information on the risk of pandemics on the FOPH website www.pandemia.ch (Prävention und Behandlung – According to the WHO, the epidemic will spread further, and Kranke Schweizerinnen und Schweizer im Ausland). The infor- it is highly possible that the virus will mutate and become more mation is available in German, French and Italian. dangerous. However, it is currently assumed that not everyone ANDREAS WORMSER, FDFA, POLITICAL AFFAIRS DIVISION VI, who becomes infected will become ill and that most of those SWISS ABROAD infected will only have mild symptoms. Biometric passport This edition went to press on 22 June 2009. To enable you to receive information quickly in the event of an emergency, supply the Swiss On 17 May, the Swiss people approved the proposal for the representation responsible for you with your e-mail address and introduction of electronically stored biometric data in the mobile telephone number via its website (www.eda.admin.ch – Swiss passport and in travel documents for foreign nationals. Representations). The new passport will be introduced on 1 March 2010.

The A(H1N1) influenza has once again clearly shown that it is The federal decree does not include an obligation to introduce often too late for preparations in the event of the outbreak of an an identity card (ID) with electronically stored data in addition epidemic. A preventive private purchase of Ta miflu® and to the passport. The ID will continue to be issued in its current breathing masks was no longer possible in Mexico, or in many form, without a chip, until further notice. The Federal Council other countries, after the acute risk of a pandemic had been es- will decide at a later date whether there will be a Swiss ID card tablished. with a data chip. Any decision will also have to take interna- The pandemic alert is also a warning to the international tional developments into account. community. Despite the current uncertainty about the new vi- Further information is available in German, French and rus, many countries, who previously neglected to make provi- Italian at www.schweizerpass.ch and will also be published in sions for a pandemic, are stepping up their preparatory mea- “Swiss Review” at a later date.

Private purchase of Tamiflu® 25% of the population may become ill during a pandemic outbreak, Electronic voting: soon to be made according to the estimations of national and international health available to Swiss voters abroad in the authorities. Although a vaccination is the most effective protection cantons of Geneva and Basel-City against a pandemic virus, the vaccine required is only available around 4 to 6 months after the outbreak of the pandemic. It takes The cantons of Geneva, Neuchâtel and Zurich have been this long for the new virus to be isolated and characterised and for carrying out trials with electronic voting for federal referenda the vaccine to be produced. Wealthier nations should have suffi- since 2004. cient vaccines against the A(H1N1) virus by this autumn. Should a person still become ill with the A(H1N1) influenza, the The aim is to gradually extend these trials to include Swiss vot- antiviral drug Ta miflu® is the most important medication. It can ers abroad. The Canton of Neuchâtel began doing this in 2007. mitigate the symptoms of the illness, reduce its duration and pre- At the end of 2009, Swiss citizens abroad entitled to vote in the vent serious complications or even death in some cases. However, cantons of Geneva and Basel-City will now also be able to use Ta miflu® can only be taken under medical supervision due to the electronic voting if they live in a Member State of the European risk of side-effects and the build-up of resistance. Union or of the Wassenaar Arrangement* on Dual-Use Goods. If the country you are in has Ta miflu® supplies for 25% of the This amounts to 9 out of 10 Swiss abroad with voting entitle- population, it is not necessary to purchase it privately. Private pre- ment in these cantons. 3 . cautionary purchase of the medication is advisable in all other coun- No

/ This extension of electronic voting has been made possible tries. Please be aware that counterfeit Ta miflu® is also being sold,

2009 thanks to the technical hosting of Swiss voters abroad from the t particularly over the Internet. For information on the distinctive gus Canton of Basel-City on the Geneva system, which required ex- Au characteristics of original Ta miflu®, visit: tensive and precise agreements and technical provisions. Ge- www.roche.com/de/med_mbtamiflu05d.pdf (German) REVIEW neva would like to gradually enable Swiss abroad from other

ISS www.roche.com/tamiflu_factsheet.pdf (English).

SW cantons to use electronic voting from 2010. Intensive negotia- 15

Electronic “Swiss Review” an active contribution towards reducing At www.swissabroad.ch you can also register costs and protecting the environment. If to receive information by e-mail from your 14,285 people had registered to receive you too would like to receive the link to the representation (embassy or consulate gen- the electronic version of “Swiss Review” latest edition of “Swiss Review” by e-mail eral) on topics such as culture and the econ- by the time of going to press. and to read it online, you can register at omy, etc. www.swissabroad.ch. They appreciate the fast delivery, the op- Simple step-by-step instructions can be tion of reading “Swiss Review” in the lan- found at www.swissabroad.ch or in the Feb- guage of their choice and being able to make ruary edition of “Swiss Review” (No. 1/09).

For security reasons, your personal informa- ■ Pay attention to the entry format for the your place of origin. A simple Internet search tion will be compared with the registration date of birth (day/month/year), as the date (e.g. at www.wikipedia.org), entering the data that you provided when you registered is written differently in some countries. name of the commune, will usually provide with your Swiss representation. Therefore, ■ Pay attention to the use of the “Umlaut”- you with additional information and the please pay attention to the following points use “ä” or “ae”, but not “äe” or other varia- name of the “new” commune. when registering and use an official docu- tions. ment, such as your Swiss passport, identity ■ Do not use titles in the name fi eld. Titles One person per family is indicated as head card or birth certificate, to assist you when are not registered in the database. of the household in the database. All official entering information. Otherwise, you will re- ■ Check your entries are correct and do not statements are sent to this person in written ceive a message stating that the system can- contain any typing errors before you send and electronic form. This prevents publica- not match the data you have entered. off the registration. tions from being sent to your family several ■ Do not confuse the fields “last name” and ■ Do not copy the e-mail address into the times, putting excess strain on the server. “first name” or “last name” and “maiden second entry field, but instead enter it again. Please therefore only register the data of the name”. This prevents typing errors from being copied. person to whom the paper version of “Swiss ■ Only use double-barrel names (Müller Review” has been addressed up to now. Meier or Müller-Meier) if these are the names A number of smaller communes in Switzer- entered in official documents. land have merged, automatically changing

tions on this issue are currently being held between Geneva and formation on Swiss passports and travel to the USA can be other interested cantons. found at www.schweizerpass.ch or, alternatively, you can contact Yo u will receive information on registration procedures for your nearest US embassy. the cantons of Geneva and Basel-City at a later date in “Swiss Review”. *The following countries have signed the Wassenaar Arrangement: Voting rights: registration and renewal Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark,Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, It- of entries aly, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Po- If you are over 18, you are entitled to take part in federal land, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, referenda and National Council elections. Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and USA. HANS-URS WILI, FEDERAL CHANCELLERY, Yo u must re-confirm your wish to participate within four years HEAD OF THE POLITICAL RIGHTS SECTION of your initial registration. If you fail to do so, you will be de- leted from the electoral roll. However, you can re-register at any Travel to the USA time. Further information on this matter and the relevant forms can be obtained from the representations or found at www.eda. From 1 July 2009, the USA will only accept the current admin.ch (Documentation – Publications – Swiss Abroad). provisional Swiss passport, without a data chip, if accompa- The “Registering to vote as a Swiss Abroad” registration nied by a visa. form should be completed and returned to the Swiss represen- tation (embassy or consulate general) where you are registered. 3 . No

/ This regulation applies to all travellers with provisional pass- Registrations must be received by the polling commune at

2009 ports from all countries which, like Switzerland, are participat- least six weeks before the next vote or election to ensure you t gus ing in the USA’s Visa Waiver Program. For visa-free travel into can be entered in the electoral roll and will receive your voting Au and within the USA, the USA will only continue to accept the documents in good time. The next Swiss federal referenda

REVIEW biometric passport (passport with a data chip) and machine- are scheduled to take place on the following dates: 27.9.2009, ISS 29.11.2009.

SW readable passports issued before 26 October 2006. Further in- 16 NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT

The “Renewing your registration to vote” form should be ■ If the delivery envelope is not valid as voting identification, completed and returned directly to your polling commune in you will receive separate voting identification from your polling Switzerland. commune. Please put the signed voting identification inside the Please send the forms by post and not by e-mail. Yo ur original reply envelope in such a way that the recipient’s address is signature is required on the document. Please do not send forms visible through the window. to the Service for the Swiss Abroad. We cannot process them for technical reasons. For logistical reasons, the communes use the same envelopes for citizens abroad as for citizens in Switzerland. The envelopes Voting made easy! must be large enough to contain the voting documents for proposals at cantonal and communal level as well as for federal The FDFA’s Service for the Swiss Abroad is frequently asked referenda for Swiss citizens in Switzerland. The lists are how the ballot papers should be returned to the polling particularly long in densely populated cantons at National commune, why the envelopes are so large or why no separate Council and Council of States elections every four years. envelope is enclosed for the ballot papers. Individual modification of the envelopes for Swiss citizens abroad is unfortunately not possible in view of global postal The voting procedures are governed by cantonal legislation, tariffs. However, according to the Federal Chancellery, simply and there are 26 different regulations. It is therefore not folding the ballot paper and envelope in half will not affect its possible for us to explain the individual procedures here, but validity. please bear in mind the following points when you next receive Please contact your polling commune directly with any fur- voting documents and want to vote. ther questions concerning the voting procedure. Please read the instructions from your polling commune If you move home, please immediately inform the Swiss carefully (e.g. on a separate sheet or on the back of the delivery representation (embassy or consulate general) where you are envelope). This will help ensure that your vote counts. registered of your change of address: www.eda.admin.ch (Representations). Voting documents Yo ur polling commune will send you the voting documents in the official language you specified (German, French, Italian) before the day of the election or vote. These essentially include: NEW POPULAR INITIATIVES AND REFERENDA ■ Federal Council information on the individual ballot pro- By the time of going to press, the following new popular initiatives posals, had been launched since the last edition: ■ a blank envelope from the polling commune for the ballot ■ “Für den öffentlichen Verkehr” (In favour of public transport), papers, if this is provided for by cantonal legislation, initiative committee: Verkehrsclub der Schweiz VCS, ■ possibly a separate reply envelope (the delivery envelope can www.verkehrsclub.ch, signing deadline: 17.9.2010 be used as a reply envelope in many cantons), ■ “Verteidigen wir die Schweiz! Das Bankgeheimnis muss in die ■ the ballot papers for the individual proposals. Bundesverfassung” (Let us defend Switzerland! Banking confi- dentiality must be enshrined in the Federal Constitution), initiative Return delivery committee: Lega dei Ticinesi, www.legaticinesi.ch, signing The following voting procedures exist, among others: deadline: 1.10.2010 ■ Yo u have received a blank ballot envelope from your polling ■ “Schutz vor Passivrauchen” (Protection against passive smoking), commune. Put the ballot papers inside this envelope. Seal and initiative committee: Lungenliga Schweiz, www.lung.ch, signing return it to your polling commune in the official reply envelope; deadline: 19.11.2010 ■ Yo u have not received a separate envelope for your ballot ■ “68 Milliarden für die soziale Sicherheit” (68 billion for papers from your polling commune. In this case, put your ballot social security), initiative committee: Künstler Partei Schweiz, card together with your voting identification open inside the www.kuenstlerpartei.ch, signing deadline: 26.11.2010 reply envelope, seal it and return it to your polling commune; ■ If the delivery envelope is also your voting entitlement iden- At www.bk.admin.ch/aktuell/abstimmung you will find a list of tification, it must be signed before it is returned; pending referenda and popular initiatives and the corresponding signature forms if available. Please complete, sign and send the forms directly to the relevant committee which is responsible for

Advertisement the authentication of your signature. 3 . No / 2009 t gus Au RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OFFICIAL FDFA INFORMATION PAGES: RAHEL SCHWEIZER, SERVICE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD/FDFA, BUNDESGASSE 32, REVIEW CH-3003 BERNE, TEL. +41 31 324 23 98, FAX (NEW NUMBER): +41 31 322 78 66 ISS

SW WWW.EDA.ADMIN.CH/ASD, [email protected] POLITICS: A RETROSPECTIVE ON VOTING 17

Biometric passports approved by the tightest of margins Comment The Swiss people endorsed the introduction of passports Approval of the passport containing biometric data by a margin of just 5,500 votes. of the future By contrast, the constitutional article on complementary medicine met with clear approval. By René Lenzin The real strength of a democracy lies in the way it deals with minorities in general and the losers of referenda in particular. This is especially true when the result is as close as It could hardly have been any closer. On 17 latter group called for plans for the central it was with biometric passports. The Federal May, 50.1% of the people voted in favour of storage of data to be abandoned. Politicians Council and Parliament should therefore be the law to make biometric passports compul- have now responded to this request. The Na- applauded for taking the concerns of the de- sory. If the proposal had required a cantonal tional Council committee responsible has feated side seriously. As a result, Switzerland majority, it would not have gone through as agreed an amendment to the law just passed. is to refrain from using biometric data in it was rejected in 16 of the 26 cantons (see The law is now to state that identity cards identity cards provided there is no need to do map). The turnout was a modest 38%. Op- will not contain any biometric data. And the so from a domestic or foreign policy perspec- ponents of the proposal made appeals and central database is either not to be intro- tive. In addition, the central database for the demanded recounts in several cantons, but duced at all or only introduced on a volun- digital photographs and fingerprints in the to no avail. At the time of going to press, a tary basis. Parliamentary consultations on new Swiss passports is not to be used for po- further appeal was pending before the Fed- these proposals were still ongoing at the time lice investigations under any circumstances. eral Supreme Court. of going to press. On the other hand, a victory is a victory in Anyone renewing their passport from next a democracy, and the difference between ap- year will have an image of their face and their 67% say yes to complementary medicine proval and rejection can be extremely tight. fingerprints stored on a chip in the docu- The constitutional article on complementary It may therefore seem odd that the losing ment. What is currently available on a vol- medicine produced far less controversy. Two side is now calling for the central database untary basis will now become mandatory for thirds of voters and all the cantons approved not to be introduced at all, or only intro- everyone. By introducing biometric pass- the following provision: “A s part of their re- duced on a voluntary basis. This demand ports, Switzerland is moving into line with sponsibilities, federal government and the raises questions, such as: Would the same the European Union, which has also made cantons will ensure that complementary groups now be calling for a new law for a vol- passports with digital body recognition ele- medicine is taken into account.” However, untary database if an equally tight result had ments mandatory. It is also responding to what this clause means in concrete terms re- gone the other way? When is a result close more stringent immigration regulations in mains unclear. The proposal’s supporters enough to cause the controversial element of the USA. Swiss citizens without biometric want alternative therapies, such as anthro- the proposal to be moderated or revoked? passports will require a visa to travel to the posophical medicine, homeopathy, neural With a difference of 5,000 votes? 10,000? or USA in future. therapy, herbal medicine and traditional Chi- 15,000? And what would the demands be if However, it was not the introduction of bi- nese medicine, to be included in the basic the people were to reject tax reductions by an ometric passports per se that proved contro- services covered by compulsory health insur- equally tight margin? Would the losing side versial prior to the referendum. Opinion was ance. However, after the referendum, Health call for the option of paying less tax on a vol- split over the central database where federal Minister Pascal Couchepin, who had reluc- untary basis? government will store the digital data. Fol- tantly supported the proposal, was unwilling Of course, Parliament has the right to lowing the de facto stalemate between sup- to guarantee that these treatments would au- amend the recently passed law and – in the porters and opponents of the proposal, the tomatically be covered by health insurance event of a referendum – to put it to the peo- schemes in future. ple again. A better approach, however, would As with all services be to introduce the biometric passports now, covered by basic in- showing appropriate consideration for data surance, he argued, protection. Because of all the bickering over evidence is first re- the central database, we have almost lost quired to show they sight of the fact that there were good reasons are effective, appro- for supporting the new travel documents. priate and cost-effi- They will be more secure than their predeces- cient. sors. Switzerland cannot avoid the interna- 3 . No

/ tional trend towards biometric identification

2009 without damaging the economy and tourism. t gus The Swiss people like to travel and to do Au

one business internationally. This is why a major- yst REVIEW Ke ity ultimately voted for the passport of the : ge ISS SW future despite their reservations. rené lenzin Ima 18 ALPINE THRILLER

On the alpine trail of Conan Doyle Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, was born 150 years ago. The Reichenbach Falls provided the setting for the disappearance of his hero. We look at the author’s connections with the Swiss Alps ahead of the release of a new film about the detective at the end of the year. By Alain Wey

“A Study in Scarlet” appeared in 1887 and He stayed at the Park Hotel du Sauvage “The Sign of the Four” in 1890. Conan Doyle in Meiringen where a statue of Sherlock enjoyed remarkable success following the Holmes now sits imposingly in the garden. It publication of the first short stories about is believed that Conan Doyle left Grindel- the detective in the London Strand Maga- wald, passing through Grosse Scheidegg, be- zine in 1891. He gave up medicine to dedi- fore finally descending into Meiringen. He cate himself entirely to his writing. His hero would therefore have had a view from the top occupied his thoughts and prevented him of the famous falls where the upper fall is from working on books that he considered almost 120 metres in height. He then decided more worthy, historical novels. He wrote to to make it the setting for the presumed death Sir Arthur Conan Doyle his mother: “I imagine I’ll kill Holmes off in of his hero in “The Final Problem” published the sixth adventure. He is preventing me in October 1893. The plot sees Sherlock Conan Doyle and Switzerland? A seemingly from concentrating on better things.” But Holmes uncover Professor Moriarty and his obvious association at first glance in light of Conan Doyle did not count on how fond Mrs criminal organisation. But “the Napoleon of the disappearance of Doyle’s hero, Sherlock Doyle had become Holmes, at the Reichenbach Falls in the Ber- of the detective, and nese Oberland. But the mark left by the Holmes won a re- Scottish writer in Switzerland extends far prieve. Then the beyond the grandiose setting of the final Swiss chapter opened. confrontation between the detective and In December 1892, Professor Moriarty. A memorial in Davos, Conan Doyle moved for example, thanks Sir Arthur Conan to Davos Platz to Doyle for having brought the world’s atten- treat his wife’s tuber- tion to the appeal of skiing in the Swiss Alps. culosis. At the time, Anyone delving into the Swiss chapter of this village in Grisons Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s life can expect was famous for its quite a few surprises. While Guy Ritchie’s sanatorium. Writers “Sherlock Holmes” movie* is due for release such as Robert Louis at Christmas, Sherlock Holmes fans cele- Stevenson (1880, brated the 150th anniversary of the birth of “Treasure Island”) the writer this year by making pilgrimages and Thomas Mann to the Canton of Berne. (1912) also visited the How did Switzerland become part of village to undergo Holmesian legend? Let’s firstly look at the cures. The Doyles facts as Sherlock Holmes himself would have lived there until 1895 done. In the second half of the 19th century in the Chalet am in Victorian England, Arthur Conan Doyle Stein. (1859-1930) published his first short stories in 1879 and obtained his degree in medicine The Reichenbach in 1881. He practised medicine near Ports- Falls 3 . No

/ mouth, but as he only had a few patients, he The writer travelled

2009 published other writings albeit without much around Switzerland t gus success. In 1885, he married his wife Louise and discovered the Au

one who bore him two children and strongly Bernese Oberland yst REVIEW Ke

: encouraged him to persevere with his writ- and the Reichenbach os ISS ot SW ing. The first Sherlock Holmes adventure, Falls on his long hikes. Ph How Conan Doyle intended his hero to die at the Reichenbach Falls. 19

crime” threatens Holmes’ life, and he takes CASE CLOSED IN LUCENS AND MEIRINGEN refuge on the continent accompanied by his In the 1960s, Adrian Conan in a similar way to the exhi- in Meiringen is located in faithful companion Watson. “For a charm- Doyle (1910-1970), the son of bition at the “Festival of a former chapel next to the ing week we wandered up the Valley of the Arthur, moved to the Château Britain” in London in 1951. railway station and also Rhone, and then, branching off at Leuk, we de Lucens in the Canton of This museum was relocated features a reconstruction made our way over the Gemmi Pass, still Vaud. He founded a museum and reopened in 2001 in the of Holmes’ room on a more deep in snow, and so, by way of Interlaken, dedicated to his father’s Maison Rouge in Lucens and modest scale. to Meiringen”**, wrote Conan Doyle with works in a cellar. The room now focuses more on the www.lucens.ch the pen of Watson. The two companions set of Sherlock Holmes was recre- writer than on the fictional www.reichenbachfall.ch out for Rosenlaui uphill from Meiringen, but ated with furniture and items character of Sherlock Holmes. did not get any further than the Reichenbach which belonged to his father The Sherlock Holmes Museum Falls. They fascinated Watson as they con- tinue to fascinate visitors today. “It is, indeed, a fearful place. The torrent, swollen by the melting snow, plunges into a tremendous from Davos to Arosa in seven hours. Their how alpine tourism developed in our coun- abyss, from which the spray rolls up like the exploits contained in “A n Alpine Pass on Ski” try with Arthur Conan Doyle promoting smoke from a burning house.”** A ruse by were published under Conan Doyle’s name skiing. In the 56 short stories and four nov- Moriarty separates Holmes from Watson, in the Strand Magazine in 1894 with compre- els about Sherlock Holmes, there is another and the final struggle begins at the top of the hensive instructions on how to ski. The episode set in Switzerland in “The Disap- falls. Later, Watson can only assume that writer even predicted in a contemporary pearance of Lady Frances Carfax”. Holmes both men have fallen into the abyss and that journal that “the time will come when hun- sends Dr. Watson to Lausanne, and then to his friend is dead. Holmes’ disappearance dreds of Englishmen will come to Switzer- Baden to investigate a woman’s disappear- caused a major scandal in London. Readers land for a skiing season”. ance. “The Final Problem” proves a real protested and urged the author to bring the After the publication of this Victorian ad- crutch for any gallant individual struggling detective back to life. But the writer did not venture in Switzerland, it was remarkable with vertigo in the humid air of the revive his hero until 1903 in the short story Reichenbach Falls “The Empty House” thanks to the princely who has to climb the fee offered to him by the Strand Magazine. sharply ascending paths leading to the Love from Davos summit. When he Arthur Conan Doyle indulged his passion for has to cross a bridge sport in Davos. He wrote: “To give and to at the top of the falls, take, to accept success modestly and defeat Conan Doyle’s short bravely, to fight against odds, to stick to one‘s story again provides point, to give credit to your enemy and value the inspiration to your friend - these are some of the lessons take him safely to the which true sport should impart.” Conan other side. Having Doyle played cricket, bowls and golf as well discovered the gran- as enjoying swimming and boxing. The writer diose setting, many is credited with introducing golf to Davos. people must surely He was astonished though to see cows eat- have been tempted ing the red flags on his course. However, it to believe that Sher- was a Norwegian sport, not an English one, lock Holmes really which Conan Doyle would make popular - did exist. skiing. Having discovered skiing a few years earlier in Norway, he recognised that Swit- * Sherlock Holmes by Guy zerland’s topography and climate were per- Ritchie with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, fect for skiing. In 1893, Davos was just a small 2009. mountain village where skiing actually had a ** “The Final Problem”, bad reputation. Conan Doyle began to learn Strand Magazine, London, 1893. the sport on skis sent from Norway. In view 3 . No

/ of balance problems and countless falls, he

2009 said that skiing was a good remedy for any- t gus one suffering from too much dignity. He Au

one came to know two local skiers, the Branger yst REVIEW

Ke brothers, who would assist him. When Co- o: ISS ot SW nan Doyle was ready, the three men skied The Reichenbach Falls today near Meiringen. Ph 20 COMMUNE MERGERS

More and more communes are merging can be explained by the cession of land. At the beginning of 2009, there were more than 250 fewer Berne had almost 100 fewer communes when the Canton of Jura came into exist- communes in Switzerland than just ten years ago. Migration from ence and Laufental transferred to Basel- peripheral and mountainous regions and increasingly complex Landschaft. However, there are also cantons responsibilities are encouraging communes to merge. However, with exactly the same number of communes today as in 1848, such as Appenzell Ausser- many villages still insist on maintaining their independence rhoden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Uri and Zug. in spite of problems, and mergers are not always voluntary. 15 of the 26 cantons have taken measures By René Lenzin to promote the merger of communes. These generally involve contributions for the plan- ning and implementation of mergers. Some Bauen is the smallest commune in the Can- More mergers than ever before cantons take on the debts of localities will- ton of Uri. The village of 200 residents went An increasing number of communes are at- ing to merge, or they offer general financial through a political crisis at the beginning of tempting to resolve these problems by support to the newly formed communes. the year. Three residents were elected to the merging. As many as 79 became part of Ticino has been one of the most active communal council against their will. To larger authorities between the beginning of cantons in this respect in recent years (see avoid taking office – serving in office is man- 2008 and the beginning of 2009 – more page 22). datory in the canton – they moved away cases than ever before in a single year. At the leaving the executive body with just two start of this year, there were 254 fewer com- The people of Glarus are more radical members and unable to function. Just as the munes in Switzerland than in 2000, and 465 than their government canton was about to introduce forced ad- fewer than in 1950. Only 104 communes dis- There have been hardly any mergers in Gla- ministration, three more volunteers finally appeared in the 100 years prior to that, and rus. But the cantonal assembly has now ap- put themselves forward for election to the therefore since the establishment of the proved what is probably the most radical re- council, one of whom was a former presi- federal state. form of communes seen in Switzerland. On dent of the commune. There are significant cantonal differences. 7 May 2006, the people’s assembly narrowly Not all small communities across Switzer- The canton that has lost the most com- approved a motion from a citizen to reduce land have experienced such dramatic events munes since 2000 is Fribourg (74), followed the number of communes from 25 to 3. This as those in Bauen, but the problems of the by Ticino (64), Grisons (22), Valais (20) and decision is remarkable for two reasons. village in Central Switzerland are sympto- Jura and Lucerne (19 each). Thurgau had al- Firstly, the government and cantonal parlia- matic of those faced by many small com- ready witnessed the vast majority of its ment had “only” proposed a reduction to 10 munes. Few residents are willing to put mergers before this time. The number of communes. Secondly, the move appears themselves forward for offices such as communes there fell from 179 to 80 be- even more radical when you consider that school management, social services or even tween 1990 and 2000. Further reductions in Glarus there are 20 educational, 16 wel- the communal council. The same people of- ten spend years or even decades in these of- fices, and the number of candidates who put themselves forward at elections is frequently exactly the same as the number of offices available. This hardly represents the ideal of a thriving democracy based on opposing ideas and personalities. Added to this is the fact that the respon- sibilities of the communes, such as educa- tion, social services, water and power sup- ply and waste disposal, are becoming increasingly complex and can only be dis- charged in conjunction with other com- munes. But even the limits of intercommu- nal cooperation will soon be reached, not least from a financial perspective. As well- 3 . No

/ qualified people migrate to the urban cen-

2009 tres where it is easier to find employment, t gus the small communes in the peripheral and Au

one mountainous regions will be left with tax At an extraordinary cantonal assembly in November 2007, the voters of the Canton of Glarus resoundly

yst rejected a reversal of the previous year’s decision to merge 25 communes to create three new REVIEW

Ke revenue shortfalls and will therefore be un-

o: communes. ISS ot SW able to invest. Ph 21

fare and 9 citizens’ communes, each with its Merger projects in French-speaking benefits of large communes. Mistrust of own powers, in addition to the 25 local com- Switzerland, too larger neighbouring localities is also often a munes. “Merger fever” has long gripped all regions factor, and significant differences in the tax The number three was not simply plucked of Switzerland, including the French-speak- systems can result in opposition in com- out of the air. The canton, which has 38,000 ing part of the country. Many communes munes where taxes are lower. residents, is effectively already divided into have merged in recent years in Fribourg, three regions – Unterland, Mittelland and Valais and Jura. Seven merger projects are Lucerne wants to become a major city Hinterland. The three new communes will currently underway in Vaud, the canton Most of the mergers to date have con- be created from these regions that have dif- with the second-highest number of com- cerned small and tiny communes in periph- fering levels of economic prosperity. “This munes after Berne, and ten further projects eral and mountainous regions. However, the is an historic decision – for Glarus and in- are in the pipeline. A quarter of the current merger trend has also gained momentum in deed for the whole of Switzerland”, said 375 communes are involved. medium-sized cities in recent times. For ex- Marianne Dürst, FDP cantonal councillor, The number of communes in Neuchâtel ample, the financial and economic centre after the cantonal assembly. She went on to fell from 62 to 53 on 1 January this year. Nine Lugano in Ticino has grown significantly say that the three-commune model was villages in Val-de-Travers joined together to (see page 22). And Lucerne too is preparing consistent with the canton’s planning re- form a locality with 11,000 inhabitants. And to incorporate surrounding localities. It will gions and was a long-term objective of the some people want to go much further. In join together with Littau next year, increas- government, but that the government had an interview with “Le Te mps” newspaper, ing its population from 58,000 to 75,000. planned a politically feasible route and had Raphaël Compte, President of the Neuchâ- However, that is not enough for the mayor, never conceived that “the people of Glarus tel Communes Association, recently out- Urs Studer. He would like to see the city would take this major step to just three lined plans for a canton with just eight merge with other suburbs. The parliaments communes in one go”. localities. However, he added that the pro- of Emmen and Horw have already agreed The cantonal assembly decided that the posals were still theoretical at this stage. to examine such a project. If Ebikon, Kriens Glarus commune reform was to be imple- The people firstly have to be convinced that and Adligenswil were also incorporated, Lu- mented by 2011, and incidentally reaffirmed the mergers make sense. He knows what he cerne would be larger than the federal cap- this decision in November 2007. An ex- is talking about – the planned merger of two ital Berne. It is not a question of prestige or traordinary cantonal assembly had been Neuchâtel communes has just been rejected size for Studer. He recently told the “Tages- convened after 2,000 voters called for the by the local population. Anzeiger” that mergers were a matter of sur- previous year’s merger decision to be re- And this is certainly not an isolated case. vival. He said: “Lucerne is bursting at the versed. An overwhelming majority again A majority of voters in other cantons con- seams. We scarcely have any more develop- supported the three-commune model. Op- tinually reject merger proposals. The auton- ment land on which to expand.” He went on ponents unsuccessfully argued that the de- omy, tradition and manageability of the ex- to say that the economy could only achieve cision contravened the communes’ consti- isting communes are more important to the more dynamic growth if the city were to in- tutional right to self-determination. opponents of mergers than the possible crease in size. These are ambitious plans, for which Studer is even prepared to make conces- sions. He is enticing the wealthy commune of Horw with the promise that the tax sys- tem of previously the most favourable local- ity will automatically apply in the new com- mune. And he is offering to take on the debts of the less prosperous Emmen. Whether this tactic will work will be re- vealed in the next few years.

COMMUNE MERGERS A number of communes in Switzerland have merged, which means that your place 3 . No

/ of origin may have changed automatically.

2009 A simple Internet search (e.g. at www. t gus wikipedia.org), entering the name of the Au

one Lucerne is seeking to merge with its neighbouring communes, to distribute centre charges more evenly commune, will usually provide you with

yst and to become a major city. Having won the approval of voters in Littau, this commune will merge with REVIEW

Ke additional information and the name of the

o: the city of Lucerne in 2010. Others are likely to follow suit. ISS ot “new” commune. SW Ph SWISS REVIEW August 2009 / No. 3 22 Photo: Keystone As (113). The The Ha and fo hea A Berne No Sw can CHF Centov th ties to tw the wa which the an as pr ing in in inhabit out co option ceneri cessful of comp of olution ment re mergers munes merger ones cision cality locali had form few The COMMUNE ve jected This e mp ovid d een Ti 181 mixe many s rc the Ti the iss t dividends er ot rd thr merger not Fe st so themselves all cant its cantonal 245 cino not vily cino ties e ulsor tha lete 6.4 her and ta a The a aver by because and 100 means than me deral in ed , ly re millennium gov ee re ants), mergers of appr alli pr small better virtually the single pr the re indica t on gion, x me form communes communes the d. for have million ti a five communes compulsory ocess an d oposals and parliament Va ar age ern be pr had y as good me cantonal dif Seco case is 100. of has oach rg pr Supr merg e by re esent ud . end only In y comm parliament men The Ti ers s of smaller 150 for oposal re the of st Ti it commune car tes few fe tr the acce ev go , initia sponse had ot villag in art. ndly decade jected cino re The the no wo loan . eme cino. agna is of 1,2 MERGERS ers en a ex re re t villages as ot number ga the for tw he er ri new in based “s poi mor 20 pt unes uld sidents 00. ot ample cantonal This , her council smoothly as rd th ’s nces ted emi-merger at and as ed the o canton’ to Cour a inhabit made ed mer (890) her 08. founda r than the yo e plans s nte Ti still cons br es ago things e. the like 51 the pay ar ca by co this can The cant re to ungest on out parliament at cino ochur 55% gers of , Sw eas d t localities of , to mm cently merger four into nt the func has . and suppor aver ar communes titu give use time and out off the a for no also Borgnone In s democr communes institutions ants on iss tions wher . . political , of as polic on merg e cantonal un in not government w particularly the tion Fi 44 e tional. the a of age Pa out is at canton communes ballot the the ” , commune st ta al mer gr which appr rstly ta will involving and than some had the e lagnedr for pr the ts ye ke deb y of . anted ill . au Mo had govern- of canton, ary new at Ti king These t is ger ing om place th , a ers oved ic been This com- leg even turn plan. only nine cino ts too tha bo (117 pay nte suc- the the has fell re or , set be de to lo to of as al x, a ot a s- i- t ar - - - - - . . in th aut gr es eas is “merge eat. Ti Ther (pictur Fe Court communes ta wo tional wher wa vio vi at ag in city Pa re means merg ley si head The hor th de asons. ll ry leas st One ainst cino der ri s , because rked ag Ti cantonal re e wher also sh-pum of wa ep. va e e e t er ag cino ed). cently ities By al merg 1, r park has one the th co lley such re s The the losers ain 000 Supr to bad we one e e cently nc into But Howe ’s René been . va mer go the go of cr and ll pr er This will p ex urban withdr some lley ve it blood ve eme one of ea er ”. politics oject ne the in ample is ger rn rn canton th 1, a te the of d st dismissed 200 ment sing re ment mix economically of “d ill six Lenzin ver Court e to will the jected the in ew at centr ikt unclear times inhabit major le ok communes local ed wa commun belie of the re the , entity no at fr pushed comm people re it Ti s ars merg . om ” w es s in merger cino sponse ve Bu upper instig ants. fr ca whe re . . go the s its Va This ri om a ev t th Me se asons wants une pr ahead. the es th lle va at ug of thr The er as case at pr en wo er the omising rgers Ma a to on plans di ly ion one lr pr s fa osper th Su of ough uld go to why mer Mu operl , ggia ies r is the ve capit as re pr Ther which Cevio of also as will tribu- . rn duce have ggio The eme gers ous the y left th the Ce ment va na- mean happen functioning al e e l- th - e plans number th They as Lu Lu tion the tha the e ar ar per pr pump mun ic zona or ers mor riers mor models la ley loca selves small, subst for being end al rg to eas eas th In ev ga have ga t have ly ous commune com oth ho urban merg er e e l e al of es of ta fo no no addition ar ance such and e de but ar riv ur en ar to closely politics w rich sw r xe communes is in 57 er e ” , Locarno e th not mun have pr ba e e been t the alrie cooper significant the no ,000 has s allo have significant re entir e han in Locarno as concerned centr iv has n ar commune As t cent made ed th in Lu nine ce iti e ta we as mer s d been , re e . cona together been e or to Ti less lo es nt In Lo x also the va ga jected gr es at d Lo cino ye we fr differ lle Campanilismo re ged no ar these tha communes e ot . ea ca any up om political sa ). ca ars sub pr on y s r e and achieved of her t com rn . should and y. ar t The and rn in 24 oposed It unable as with by they Cor in headw joint es eas and ar In urb ences , es 5 issues urban the is the in e but Me e re e to ippo contr the e their wit re opposition. psy gener an dyi hav into fer no the 13 re 86 will pr ndrisio gion suburbs lar h nothing ay gion, com in betw to so w in enda urban fo suburban chological ng over , e ojects se centr ast mount longst ger be r Ve surr has at ve ally , play the have far bring fi out is might tween rz mun nancial ral to , all een wher . 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Couchepin stands down with a mixed record Battle-hardened in Valais Pascal Couchepin will stand down at the end of October Before entering national government, Couchepin worked as an independent law- after eleven years in national government. The Free yer. From 1968 he was a member of the exec- Democratic Liberals and the Christian Democrats are vying utive of Martigny, and from 1984 to 1998 to provide his successor. The election will be held on President of this commune of his birth. In 1979, the people of Valais voted him into the 16 September 2009. By René Lenzin National Council for the first time. He was President of the Free Democratic Party par- liamentary group from 1989 to 1996. Pascal Couchepin turned 67 in April, reach- 11th revision of old-age and survivors’ insur- Couchepin is married with three grown-up ing the age at which he said he would retire ance by the people in May 2004, no other re- children. Representing a minority group in in 2003. Now the Free Democrat Federal form project capable of gaining majority Christian Democrat-dominated Valais, full- Councillor from Valais actually is standing support was achieved for this social institu- blooded politician was used to fi ghting with down. On the last day of the summer session, tion. Most of Couchepin’s reform proposals no holds barred. However, his inclination he announced that he would retire on in healthcare were also blocked or failed ow- towards provocation faded into the back- 31 October. Couchepin told the media that ing to opposition from various interest ground as he was essentially a classical Swiss he wanted to attempt to win the vote on groups. consensus politician, who ultimately strove invalidity insurance (see below) and to get On the plus side, Couchepin’s achieve- for compromise solutions capable of winning urgent measures to reduce healthcare costs ments include the 5th invalidity insurance majority support. through Parliament before his departure. revision, producing significant impetus for On 16 September, the Federal Assembly After being elected to national govern- the integration of disabled people into the will elect Couchepin’s successor. The Free ment on 11 March 1998, Couchepin was the employment market. If the people and can- Democratic Liberals have strengthened their head of the Federal Department of Eco- tons approve the increase in VAT to shore claim on the vacant Federal Council seat. nomic Affairs from 1 April 1998 to the end up invalidity insurance on 27 September, However, they will not win it without a fi ght. of 2002. He then moved to the more diverse Couchepin will be able to claim much of the The Christian Democrats want to regain a and much more complex Federal Depart- credit for restructuring this insurance sys- second seat in government, which they lost ment of Home Affairs. At the same time, he tem that is chronically short of money. In his in 2003. When this edition went to press, it became Minister of Social Affairs, Health area of responsibility, he can also claim credit was not clear which parties would stand in and Education. He achieved less in these po- for taking various measures – including un- the election or which candidates they would sitions than he intended to when he changed popular ones – to control escalating health put forward. department. Following the rejection of the insurance costs.

Higher VAT to shore up invalidity insurance? the exception of the Swiss People’s Party On 27 September 2009, the Swiss people and cantons will vote on (SVP). The National Council has approved it by 126 votes to 58, and the Council of the restructuring of invalidity insurance and on abandoning the States by 39 votes to 2. introduction of the general popular initiative. By René Lenzin In February 2003, the people and the can- tons voted in favour of a new democratic instrument, the general popular initiative. The number of new pensioners has been re- IV would also be taken out of the AHV This provided for the opportunity to present duced for the first time in many years thanks fund. It would be allocated CHF fi ve billion issues in the form of general suggestions. to the fourth and fifth revision of invalidity as start-up capital. To ensure the sustainable Following approval by the people, the Fed- insurance (IV). The annual IV deficits nev- restructuring of this social institution, the eral Council and Parliament would decide ertheless still run into billions. The moun- Federal Council has also undertaken to pro- how to implement the issue. However, they tain of debt now stands at over CHF 10 bil- pose a sixth revision of invalidity insurance have now come to the conclusion that this lion. After the Swiss people rejected an with cost reduction measures by the end of instrument is too complicated in practice increase in VAT to shore up the old-age and 2010. The original aim was to bring the and are therefore proposing its abandon- survivors’ insurance (AHV) and invalidity higher tax into force at the beginning of 2010 ment. The National Council has backed this 3 . No

/ insurance (IV) funds in May 2004, the Fed- following approval by the people and can- step by 178 votes to 1, and the Council of

2009 eral Council and Parliament are now taking tons. However, in the wake of the economic States by 42 votes to 0. t gus a fresh approach. They are proposing a 0.4% crisis, the Federal Council and Parliament Au increase in the 7.6% rate of VAT for seven have resolved, as a spontaneous exercise, not

REVIEW years. This would generate annual income of to bring the increase into effect until a year ISS CHF 1.1 billion for IV. SW later. All parties support this proposal with 24 ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD

Camps for children TALON FOR THE DRAWING FOR THE JUSKILA LENK aged 8 to 14 Please complete in clear print. First name: Surname: Whether they are skiers or snowboarders, No., street: Town/city, postcode: beginners or at an advanced level, young Country: Telephone: Swiss people abroad aged 8 to 14 will have ❏ Female / ❏ Male Date of birth: a great time at our winter camps. Name of parent(s) / guardian(s): Commune of origin in Switzerland (see passport/ID): Winter camp in Wildhaus (St.Gallen) E-mail address of parent(s) / guardian(s): Date: Friday, 26 December 2009 to Type of sport* ❏ Alpine skiing ❏ Cross-country skiing ❏ Snowboarding Sunday, 4 January 2010 Language of child ❏ German ❏ French ❏ Italian No. of participants: 48 *Please only tick one box. The type of sport cannot be changed after the draw. Cost: CHF 900 (contribution to the camp) Signature of parent(s) / guardian(s): Ski or snowboard hire: approx. CHF 150 Registration deadline: 15 October 2009 Signature of child: Please send the form, together with a copy of the Swiss passport of a parent/guardian or of the child, by Winter camp in Saas Grund (Valais) 15 October 2009 (date of receipt) to: Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad, Alpenstr. 26, CH-3006 Berne Date: Friday, 26 December 2009 to Sunday, 4 January 2010 No. of participants: 48 Camps for young people aged dation is cosy and located right in the Cost: CHF 900 (contribution to the camp) 14 and above village. A rip-roaring New Ye ar’s Eve Ski or snowboard hire: approx. CHF 150 party is, of course, also part of the pro- Registration deadline: 15 October 2009 The winter sports camps for young gramme. Swiss people abroad are extremely popu- Registration lar. Young people have the opportunity Winter sports week in Grächen (Valais) Precise details on the winter camps to practise skiing or snowboarding 27.2. to 6.3.2010 and the registration form will be available in a well-known winter sports resort in A very special camp will be held this from 15 September 2009 at www.aso.ch Switzerland for eight to ten days. year in Valais. Participants of the winter (Offers / Offers for Children and Yo ung sports week are aged 18 and above. People / Camps and offers / Holiday OSA sports coaches look after the young Quite a number of frequent visitors meet camps and travel). Reduced contribution people and help them improve on the in Switzerland on a regular basis to enjoy rates are available in justified cases. slopes every day. An attractive fringe pro- the international atmosphere in the camp The form required can be requested on gramme ensures variety, entertainment and in the ski resort. However, new faces the registration form. We are also happy and relaxation. There is a unique atmos- are also very welcome. to post you our information brochure phere within the group. People from all on request. over the world meet in Switzerland, form Easter camp in Fiesch (Valais) friendships and get to know their second 3.4. to 11.4.2010 Swiss Ski Association – Swiss Ski home. Yo ung Swiss abroad have access to Draw to attend a ski camp (JUSKILA) magnificent facilities at the sports centre in Lenk for young Swiss abroad aged 13 New Year ski camp in Sedrun (Grisons) in Fiesch with gyms, sports areas and and 14. 26.12.09 to 4.1.2010 an indoor swimming pool. And even in 280 Swiss children and 20 Swiss children 60 young people from more than 20 coun- April, the conditions for winter sports living abroad born in 1995 and 1996 will tries meet in the mountains of Grisons. are still ideal on the Fiescheralp. have the opportunity to attend Swiss Ski’s The ski resort of Sedrun offers guaran- Skiing in the spring sunshine is great fun. big ski camp in Lenk free of charge. This teed snow and diversity. The accommo- will take place between 2 and 9 January 2010. To take part in the Juskila trip, Swiss chil- CAMPS FOR CHILDREN OFFERS FOR YOUNG PEO- dren abroad must be able to communicate AGED 8 TO 14 PLE AGED 14 AND ABOVE in at least one of the three Swiss national languages (German, French or Italian). The camps for young Swiss people abroad aged 8 to The holiday and educational offers of the Organisa- 14 are organised by the Foundation for Young Swiss tion of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) are aimed at young The draw only covers the camp itself

3 Abroad (FYSA). Information on these camps can be Swiss people abroad aged 14 and over. Information .

No obtained from FYSA: on OSA’s offers for young people can be obtained

/ (winter sports coaching, food and accom- from the OSA Youth Service:

2009 modation). Parents will be responsible t Telephone: +41 31 356 61 16 gus for organising and financing travel to and [email protected], www.aso.ch Telephone: +41 31 356 61 00 Au [email protected], www.aso.ch from the camp. Applicants will be informed You can also register for offers for young people on

REVIEW of the outcome of the draw at the end of the website. You can also register for offers for young people ISS October. on the website. SW 25

Educational offers the national Yo uth Parliament from 13 to ing. This is why the signing of the hosting 15 November. agreement by the cantonal chancellors of for young people aged Geneva and Basel-City took place in 14 and above Appeal for host families Berne and was attended by Federal Chan- Yo ung people stay with Swiss host fami- cellor Corina Casanova. OSA Director, In addition to the traditional camps, lies during OSA’s educational trips. Fami- Rudolf Wyder, was also present at the OSA has been offering a wide range of lies interested in hosting a young person signing. This is a strong signal that the po- educational trips to Switzerland to for two weeks and enjoying a fascinating litical weight of the Swiss abroad and the young Swiss abroad for around ten years intercultural exchange should contact need for rapid introduction of e-voting now. The seminar on the forthcoming OSA. for citizens outside of Switzerland are be- young people’s session merits particular ing recognised. OSA is delighted and mention.. hopes other cantons will follow the exam- Another step towards ple set by Basel-City. Seminar on the Swiss young people’s e-voting session from 9. to 15.11.2009 OSA has developed a strong partner- On 15 June, the cantons of Geneva and Emigrants on ship over many years with the organisa- Basel-City signed a hosting agreement, Swiss television tional committee of the young people’s which will enable Basel’s Swiss citizens session. More than 200 young people gain abroad to vote via the Internet using How about giving up everything in a direct insight into what goes on in Swiss the Geneva system. OSA welcomes this Switzerland to start a new life abroad? politics each year thanks to the young agreement, which will send out a signal Around 30,000 Swiss people do precisely people’s session. This provides young peo- to the other cantons and represents an that each year. The fi ve-part documen- ple with an opportunity to find out about important step towards enabling Swiss tary series “Auf und davon” follows fami- political processes and involvement in citizens abroad to participate in federal lies and individuals on their adventure politics without any obligation. It also referenda via the Internet. of moving abroad. motivates young people to undertake fur- “Auf und davon” follows the emigrants ther political activity or to take part in OSA has campaigned for many years for through their preparations and the fi rst civil society affairs. the cantons to introduce electronic voting weeks and months of their foreign adven- Around 125,000 Swiss people abroad for their voters abroad as soon as possible. ture, showing their departure, the prob- are now registered on electoral rolls and The aim is to make it easier for the lems they encounter and the highlights. want to take part in referenda and elec- 125,000 Swiss people living abroad regis- The camera is always there to capture all tions in Switzerland. Swiss people abroad tered in the electoral rolls to exercise the key moments. Observation over a have therefore become key political play- their political rights via the Internet. long period provides an insight into for- ers. No fewer than 13 referenda have been eign countries and cultures and shows OSA’s seminar on the young people’s held this way since 2003 in the cantons of how Swiss people cope with them. session aims to make taking part in poli- Neuchâtel, Zurich and Geneva. Only “Auf und davon” starts on 4 September tics easier for future voters and young cit- the three pilot cantons currently possess 2009. The programme can also be down- izens already eligible to vote. OSA gives the technology required. The agreement loaded as a podcast at www.sf.tv/podcasts. them an introduction to the Swiss politi- between the cantons of Basel-City and cal system, discusses the issues on the Geneva is therefore symbolic and will agenda of the young people’s session with undoubtedly pave the way for other can- the participants and answers their ques- tons to sign a hosting agreement with Ge- ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD tions. neva, Zurich or Neuchâtel. Our services: This ensures that the Swiss abroad are Federal government welcomes and sup- ■ Legal Department ready and able to take an active part in ports the introduction of electronic vot- ■ Youth Service ■ Association for the Promotion of Education for Young Swiss Abroad (AJAS) ■ Committee for Swiss Schools Abroad (CSSA) SURVEY partner, Switzerland Tourism, think could be improved. ■ Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad ON “SWISS REVIEW” hope as many Swiss abroad as We would appreciate it if you (FYSA) 3 . No

/ At www.revue.ch, you will possible complete this survey could spare us a few minutes

2009 find the link to an electronic and take the opportunity to and answer the questions. Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, t gus survey on “Swiss Review” assess our work. We greatly You might even win a week- Alpenstrasse 26, CH–3006 Berne Au and your habits with regard value your opinion. This will end in Switzerland if you are Phone +41 31 356 6100

REVIEW to visiting Switzerland. The enable us to find out what you lucky. Fax +41 31 356 6101 ISS “Swiss Review” team and our enjoy reading and what you www.aso.ch SW 26 PROFILE

Hans Erni – an artist celebrates his 100th birthday 25 medals, and made sculptures and carpets. A painter, graphic artist and sculptor, Hans Erni is one Switching between commissioned and un- commissioned work is characteristic of Erni. of Switzerland’s most interesting and diverse artists of inter- His art is influenced by philosophical, social national standing. He has produced thousands of works over and political themes. For example, he has also a period of 80 years. Hans Erni celebrated his 100th birthday produced images for electoral campaigns, such as the introduction of old age and sur- in February this year. By Viviane Aerni vivors’ insurance and the right to vote for women. Ye t Erni has also found inspiration in fields such as technology, science, sport, learn about and appreciate contemporary nature and music, and incorporated them French art. He was particularly impressed into his works. These days, it is mainly social and inspired by Picasso and Braque. Hans and environmental topics that are reflected Erni was at the forefront in the emergence in his art. Erni’s favourite motifs include the of abstract art in Paris. The artist developed dove of peace and nudes. He also paints a self- his main motifs, style and dialectic method portrait every year, which he gives to his wife during this period. Hans Erni became a pub- Doris. lic figure in 1939. He displayed his 100-by-5- Even at the age of 100, Hans Erni is full metre mural entitled “Switzerland, the peo- of energy and inspiration. He still plans and ple’s holiday destination” at the Swiss carries out new projects with great gusto. national exhibition. This work represented He unveiled his latest work – a gigantic ce- a major turning point in his art. The mural ramic mural which represents the fight for is today owned by the National Museum in peace and now adorns the entrance to the Zurich. Palais des Nations – at the beginning of June However, the artist had to fight for rec- at the UN headquarters in Geneva. It is ognition for many years. He was shunned in 37 years since Erni’s works were last dis- many circles because he was rumoured to played in a public museum. The Museum of have communist Hans Erni was born in Lucerne on 21 Feb- beliefs. In 1951, he ruary 1909, the son of a ship’s engineer and was even prohib- amateur painter and a farmer’s daughter. He ited from taking grew up on the banks of Lake Lucerne with part in the Bien- seven brothers and sisters. Hans Erni en- nale in São Paolo tered working life as an apprentice land sur- by the then Fed- veyor. He immediately followed this with a eral Councillor second apprenticeship as a draughtsman. It Etter. was during this second period of training Erni’s artistic that he first discovered art literature, which work is remarka- inspired him to begin a course at art college bly diverse. He has produced many litho- Art in Lucerne is now paying tribute to in Lucerne in 1927. graphs, around 300 posters and various mu- the artist with a retrospective to mark his In the 1930s, the young Erni travelled rals. He has illustrated some 200 specialist 100th birthday. The exhibition will run un- back and forth between Paris and Lucerne, books, encyclopaedias and literary works. til 4 October 2009. and during this period of his life came to He has also designed around 90 stamps and Even though his work and political lean- ings are always the subject of controversy, Hans Erni is today one of Switzerland’s best known artists and public figures. This was recognised at the beginning of the year when he received the Swiss Lifetime Award. 3 . No / ne cer 2009 Lu t in t gus Ar Au Hans Erni’s portfolio is immense. The most well- of known are his posters (centre) and his giant mural for the 1939 national exhibition (section below). REVIEW Museum He’s paints a self-portrait every year for his wife ISS (top). SW Photos: Protect your interests, vote in Switzerland! www.aso.ch 28 DISCOVERING SWITZERLAND

Pilatus (2120 m), scenic mountain in Rigi. Hiking on the Rigi (1800 m), a scenic Central Switzerland. Can be reached by mountain in Central Switzerland above cog railway from Alpnachstad (pictured) Lake Lucerne. A train belonging to the Arth- and by cable car from Kriens. Rigi Railway near Rigi Staffel, the Pilatus (2120 m) in the background.

Switzerland in autumn ally served as the highlight of the annual Bärteli Dinner of the Safran Guild on 2 January. This pastry filled with ragout of veal and Culinary trips and hikes on a range of mountain meat balls owes its name to the famous carnival figure, Fritschi. peaks in Central Switzerland. Further information can be found at www.MySwitzerland.com/aso.

Hiking and mountain trips in Central Switzerland Ta ke a culinary journey through Switzerland at www.MySwitzer Rigi. At the heart of Switzerland, amidst an imposing alpine land- land.com/aso and embark on a virtual discovery of the culinary scape surrounded by Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug and Lake Lauerz, the delights of the different regions. “queen of the mountains” ascends to a height of 1800 metres in a unique location with stunningly beautiful natural surroundings. One of the most diverse cuisines in the world The Rigi is a classical hikers’ paradise with more than 100 km of Fondue, raclette and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes – everyone is familiar hiking trails as well as 15 km of Nordic walking paths. During the with these iconic dishes from Swiss cuisine, which are almost as fa- holidays, there are supervised children’s activity days, family walks mous as the Matterhorn. Ye t Switzerland is home to many other at sunrise, and boccia and minigolf tournaments. The Rigi – the culinary delights. Swiss cuisine is one of the most diverse in the mountain of the four seasons – can be reached by train from Arth- world – Bernese Platte with rösti, sausage from French-speaking Goldau and Vitznau, and by cable car from Weggis. An exclusive Switzerland, capuns from Engadine and polenta with braised beef special offer is available to Swiss people abroad for CHF 222 per from Ticino are but a few of the delicacies. Each region has its own person (which includes two nights’ accommodation at the Rigi authentic specialities. Only the finest traditional cooking is found in Kulm half-board and a three-day pass on the Rigi railways) at Switzerland, the land of milk and honey. Switzerland also produces www.MySwitzerland.com/aso. fine wines and excellent distilled beverages. Even the water is a deli- cacy. And let’s not forget the artistic creations of leading Swiss Stanserhorn. Nature has always been treated with great respect on chefs. Nowhere has the Stanserhorn. In order to make trips to the mountain even more as many gourmet res- enjoyable, trained rangers are now circulating to give visitors a bet- taurants as the nation ter insight into nature there. One visitor had heard there were lots of four languages and of chamois on the Stanserhorn. He desperately looked for them cultures. with his binoculars but simply could not find them until the Stanserhorn ranger showed him exactly where to look. Rangers on Historical speciality the Stanserhorn provide this kind of assistance every day. They of the Lucerne guilds point out peaks, locate marmots, take photos and explain flora and Lozärner Chügeli- fauna. The departure point is Stans in the Canton of Nidwalden. pastete from the 18th century, one of Lu- Titlis. The high mountain valley of Engelberg in Central Switzer- cerne’s historical spe- land offers a summer and winter activity programme with plenty of Grotto in the Canton of Ticino cialities, is tradition- relaxation also available. The nearby Titlis mountain and its glacial 29

Stanserhorn. A nostalgic journey up the Titlis. Holiday resort in the Canton 1898 m high Stanserhorn on a train from of Obwalden, Central Switzerland. 1893 belonging to the Stanserhorn Rail- The Titlis Rotair cabins rotate once way. on their own axis during the five- minute ride.

park can be reached via the Rotair cable car which rotates 360°. Exclusive special Visitors enjoy a magnificent view of the central Alps at an altitude offers available of 3020 metres. The landscape can be explored on foot along to Swiss abroad various topical trails (mountain flower trail, the “Tickle Path” and at www.MySwitzer the Kneipp cure trail, etc.). Halfway up to the Titlis is the walkers’ land.com/aso paradise of Trübsee, a popular starting point for hikes to a number Swissminiatur, a of mountain lakes. miniature model theme park in Pilatus. Yo u can Melide, celebrates reach Pilatus Kulm its 50th birthday in on the world’s 2009. Swiss people steepest cog rail- abroad can visit Lucerne. A steamboat from the Lake Lucerne fleet way from Alpnach- Swissminiatur up at the dock by the station. stad, or by cable to 14 November car from Kriens. At 2010 for half-price. the top, visitors can To celebrate the reopening of the Swiss National Museum in enjoy the breath- Zurich, Swiss people abroad can also visit the museum at special taking mountain- rates between 1 August 2009 and 31 January 2010 – a 2-for-1 offer Engelberg (1000 m) in the Canton of Obwalden in top panorama and is available. Central Switzerland. Benedictine monastery from the 12th century. the unique view of From September, Swiss Travel System is exclusively offering Lucerne, the Al- Swiss abroad a free upgrade to first class on all second-class Swiss pine Chain and the passes purchased. This offer is valid until 30 September 2010. lakes of Central Switzerland. There is also fun and action for fami- Switzerland To urism presents a variety of offers for short breaks lies and adventure seekers at the interim stations. The “golden and longer stays in Switzerland at www.MySwitzerland.com/aso. tour” is a wonderful excursion for lovers of railways and boats. It in- The top offers include discounts of cludes travel around the Pilatus by cog railway, cable car, boat, train up to 35% and are available regu- and on foot, passing through Lucerne, Kriens and Alpnachstad. larly. 3 . No / 009 t2 ism

ur Registration with Network Switzerland: If you register with Network Switzerland gus A collaboration between Switzerland Tourism and the Organisation To Au by 30 November 2009 at www.MySwitzerland.com/aso you will automatically be entered of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) land into the prize draw. The prize is a two-night stay for two persons at Hotel Schlüssel in Beckenried (Central Switzerland). The winners of the first and second quarterly draws REVIEW Switzer were: Mr Hans-Peter Amsler from Munich (Germany) and Ms Prisca Bitterli from San José

ISS (Costa Rica). SW Photos: 30 PROFILE

In the shadow of the master. Stanislas Wawrinka, the Swiss of seven at the TC Stade-Lausanne and number 2, still has significant potential. Having won Olympic took part in tournaments on the interna- gold in doubles alongside Roger Federer and risen to 9th tional junior circuit from the age of 14. His parents run an organic farm which wel- position in the ATP rankings in 2008, the tennis star from the comes disabled visitors in the small village Canton of Vaud regularly reaches the fourth round of Grand of Saint-Barthélémy. He left school to turn Slam tournaments. By Alain Wey professional at the age of 15. In 2003, he won the junior title at Roland Garros. He then broke into the top 100 of the ATP rankings in April 2005, rising to 54th posi- tion at the beginning of 2006 and to 30th position a year later. Thanks to his per- formances in Barcelona (semi-final) and Rome (final), he forced his way into the top ten in 2008. In the same year, he won a gold medal in doubles at the Olympic Games in Beijing with his partner Roger Federer. While clay is his favourite surface, it is on grass, at Wimbledon, and hard court, at the US Open, where Stanislas Wa wrinka has reached the fourth round in Gram Slam tournaments. Coached by Frenchman Dimitri Zavialoff, Wawrinka also works with Roger Federer’s physical trainer, Pierre Paganini. Paganini says: “Stanislas has de- Wawrinka came very close to winning a five-set thriller against crowd favourite Murray at Wimbledon. fied the odds. When he was a junior, nobody believed in him. What he has achieved since Game, set and match. With the exception away from beating one of them.” Stan is remarkable.” While having slipped down of Roger Federer, Stanislas Wa wrinka is Wawrinka continues to make progress and the ATP rankings slightly, Stanislas Wawrin- the only Swiss men’s tennis player capable is in fact ranked third among current play- ka’s career is still on the up. During the Ro- of competing with the best in the world. ers for matches won over five sets (12/16). land Garros tournament, he declared: “I Currently ranked 18 by ATP, the right- This is a profile of this studious, hard-work- feel more competitive than I did a year ago. hander from Saint-Barthélémy (Vaud) was ing young man who has established himself I have become a more complete and phys- defeated by Rafael Nadal in Miami in on the world tennis stage. ically stronger player”*. He added: “At the March after a contest lasting 2 hours 43 2008 was the best season so far for start of the season, I set myself the goal of minutes which went to two tie-breaks. He Stanislas Wawrinka (aged 24) as he rose being in the top ten, and, if possible, play- even beat Roger Federer in the fourth to 9th in the ATP rankings in June and ing in the Masters.”* Whatever happens, round of the Monte Carlo Open in April. remained in the top ten for 22 weeks. How- the tennis sensation from Saint-Barthélémy He told the press: “I’ve lost 7-6, 7-6 twice ever, he finished the year in 13th position. will surely continue to spring a few sur- against Djokovic and Nadal. I’m not far Wawrinka started playing tennis at the age prises.

TOTAL DEDICATION TO TENNIS Achievements. Currently 18th in ments: Lugano (2009), Geneva and the snow in just an hour by Profile. Stanislas Wawrinka was the ATP rankings. He has won 128 (2003 and 2004), Barcelona car. As I’m always travelling, born on 28 March 1985 in matches and lost 106 in his career. (2004) and San Benedetto (2003). I appreciate the tranquillity of Lausanne. He says: “My mother Gold medal, alongside Roger Fed- Earnings. He has earned $ 2.86 Switzerland.”* is Swiss and my father is German. erer, in doubles at the Olympic million since the start of his Favourite cities. Barcelona, My paternal grandparents Games in Beijing in 2008. He won career. Melbourne and Paris. are Czech and German which his only ATP ranked tournament, Davis Cup. He has taken part Cinema lover. He loves (French) explains my name, but I don’t the International Series in Umag since 2005. Owing to the repeat comedies. “I loved The Dinner have any relations in the Czech in Croatia in 2006. He was a final- absence of Roger Federer, he is Game, by Francis Veber, and I am Republic.”* He is 1m 83cm tall ist in Gstaad in 2005, Vienna and the Swiss team’s strongest player. a big fan of Louis de Funès.”* 3 . No

/ and weighs 78 kg. He has two Stuttgart in 2007, and Rome and Switzerland. “I love living here. Favourite group. U2.

2009 sisters, Djanaée and Naëlla, Doha in 2008. In Grand Slam tour- It is the perfect country and my www.stanwawrinka.com t gus and a brother, Jonathan. He naments, he reached the fourth idea of paradise. I live near Au

one is dating Ilham Vuilloud, a round of the US Open in 2007 and Lausanne, close to the lake. It’s * Quotations from “Le Matin” – 17 April 2009, yst

REVIEW TSR – 25 May 2009, “Coopération” – 18 June Ke former model and TV presenter 2008 and Wimbledon in 2008. He very peaceful, extremely beautiful

o: 2003 and 8 July 2008, “SonntagsZeitung” – ISS ot for TSR. has won five Challenger tourna- and I can reach the mountains SW Ph 24 May 2009 and Swissinfo – 19 January 2009. ECHO 31

■ At the G-20 summit at the “This is the latest stage on the road to the longest wonder of the world. Geneva in April. Intended to start of April, the Organisa- And this wonder of the world is in Switzerland.” evaluate the progress since tion for Economic Coopera- Moritz Leuenberger, Federal Councillor and Minister of Transport, the Durban Conference in tion and Development at the breakthrough of the Gotthard base tunnel between Erstfeld and Amsteg. September 2001, the meet- (OECD) published a black “I handed my military rifle in to the arsenal. I’m not a very good shot. I ing at Lake Geneva was list of tax havens and a “grey can’t hit anything.” Ueli Maurer, Federal Councillor and Minister of Defence tainted by the explosive re- list” of 39 countries, which marks of the Iranian Presi- included Switzerland. This “The fact is that Switzerland is not part of any major alliance, neither dent, Mahmoud Ahmadine- “grey list” features countries the G-7 or G-20, nor the EU or NATO.” jad, about Israel. Outraged that have announced a relaxa- Doris Leuthard, Federal Councillor and Minister of Economic Affairs by the comments, the dele- tion of their fiscal informa- gates of the 23 EU countries tion policy, but have not yet “My opponents hoped I would leave politics after my de-selection, and that left the room. The silence of implemented it. Switzerland Blocher’s time would finally come to an end. It has not worked out that the Swiss ambassador was is required to sign twelve dou- way.” Christoph Blocher, former Federal Councillor of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) condemned by the Swiss po- ble taxation agreements based “Couchepin was the last politician left in the Federal Council after Blo- litical parties. on OECD criteria by Sep- cher’s de-selection. There will be no politicians left in the Federal Council ■ Switzerland hosted the tember in order to be taken after autumn.” World Ice Hockey Champion- off the “grey list”. The Swiss Peter Bodenmann, former President of the Social Democrats (SP) ships, but Ralph Krueger’s Confederation already signed protégés did not manage to seven in June. The disputes “In Switzerland we vote on extremely diverse specialist topics every three get through the qualification over tax may be drawing to a months at communal, cantonal and federal level. That is asking a lot of round. Russia, coached by close. people.” Werner Seitz, political scientist Fribourg’s Slava Bykov, beat ■ Didier Cuche won the crys- Canada to win the title. “It is not Switzerland’s fault that it has governed more wisely than the tal globe in the giant slalom, ■ The National Council is a trophy which he adds to rest of Europe over the past century.” tightening up on naturalisa- those won in downhill in 2007 Michael Stürmer, German historian and publicist tion. To combat abuse of the and 2008. He also finished 3rd system, it has extended the in the overall rankings for the period during which fraudu- third year running. Carlo lently obtained naturalisation Janka, from Grisons, won the can be annulled from five to crystal globe in the super- eight years. combined. ■ Swiss people are smoking ■ Switzerland’s Marc Forster less, according to a study by has made a short publicity the Federal Office of Public film for the airline Swiss. He Health. Between 2001 and appears in the film and invites 2008, the proportion of viewers to take a personal smokers fell from 33% to 27% journey of the mind. The film among people aged 14 to 65. title, “LX forty”, refers to the There was an even sharper number of the Swiss flight drop in the 14-19 age group from Zurich to Los Angeles. (from 33% to 23%). ■ Having celebrated the 10th In winning Wimbledon for the seventh time, Roger Federer has regained the ■ Boom in electric bicycles: anniversary of his circumnavi- No.1 position in world tennis and has become the world’s greatest tennis player more than 11,600 electric of all time. gation of the earth in a bal- bicycles were sold in 2008, loon in March, Bertrand Pic- tory for the purchase of 59 wine and 8 litres of kirsch. twice as many as in 2007. card presented the prototype new double-decker trains Around 4,000 guests enjoyed ■ A 3rd economic recovery of the Solar Impulse - his costing CHF 2.1 billion. With tasting it. plan of CHF 750 million has solar aeroplane which is to fly a 30% rise in passenger num- ■ A record: Swiss customs been launched by the Federal non-stop around the world bers since 2004, the SBB ur- officials seized 2,199 falsified Council. The measures focus without jet fuel - in Düben- gently needs to increase the documents last year, 40% on tackling unemployment dorf (Zurich) in June. The capacity of its rolling stock. more than in 2005. They and boosting purchasing 3 . No

/ first test flights will take place ■ The world’s biggest fon- included counterfeit pass- power by reducing health in-

2009 in Switzerland at the end of due? Weighing in at 1,441 kg ports, visas, identity cards, surance premiums. Ta king t gus the year. and 300 grams, it was made in residence permits and even into account the first two Au

one ■ The Swiss Federal Railways La Chaux-de-Fonds with a driving licences. economic recovery plans, to- yst REVIEW

Ke (SBB) has launched the big- tonne of bread, 20 kg of garlic ■ The UN’s anti-racism tal spending is now estimated o: ISS ot conference SW gest call to tender in its his- and shallots, 400 litres of was held in at CHF 1.7 billion. AW/RR Ph