THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD

DECEMBER 2008 / NO. 6

Growing poverty in wealthy Switzerland

An exhilarating museum for young and old

A common visa policy thanks to Schengen

EDITORIAL c o n te n t s 3

Your vote counts

ho would have thought a year ago that Christmas 2008 would be overshadowed by an impending economic crisis and job losses? A number of W Swiss companies are already planning to introduce short-time work, and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is anticipating a further 40,000 job losses in the next year. The global financial crisis has also hit Switzerland, although experts be- lieve that the Swiss economy will escape lightly and show a slight upturn in 2010 after a year without growth. It is difficult to forecast precisely how the major banks, Credit Suisse and, in particular, the badly hit UBS, will perform despite a CHF 68 billion aid package from federal government and the National Bank of Switzerland. The export Dent Blanche (Valais), from “Altitude 4000”, see P. 7. industry is complaining about the Swiss franc’s high exchange rate, and has announced a fall in orders, while the tourism sector fears a huge decline in visitor numbers. The gen­ 5 eral uncertainty is also clearly having an impact on Swiss consumer behaviour. Mailbag The international financial crisis has seen the boom of recent years turn into a reces- sion in no time at all, and nobody knows how hard it will hit the economy or for how 5 long. Books: Swiss cookies, Swiss kids As if the financial crisis and the related economic problems were not enough, the Swiss people will once again be faced with the issue of bilateral relations between Swit- 7 zerland and the European Union on 8 February. As the referendum, launched by the Images: Swiss peaks at 4,000 metres Young Swiss People’s Party (Junge SVP), the League of Ticino and the Swiss Democrats, against the continuation of the freedom of movement agreement and its extension to 8 Bulgaria and Romania will definitely take place, the Swiss electorate will have to decide Rich and poor in Switzerland on this issue again at the beginning of February. If they reject the continuation of the free movement of persons, all other bilateral agreements will cease to apply. That would be 11,18 catastrophic for the Swiss economy, which relies on foreign Politics workers in all sectors. 12 Employers, unions and all the major parties, except for the Notes from Parliament Swiss People’s Party (SVP), have voiced their clear support for the agreement. The SVP, which sees itself as the party of the economy, 14 changed its initial approval into a rejection of the agreement after Swiss Museum of Transport: pressure from the party base. an exhilarating museum None of the fears about the free movement of persons has ma- Heinz Eckert 16 terialised. Switzerland has not been overrun by immigrants, and OSA news there has been no salary dumping or welfare tourism. On the contrary, foreign workers have made a significant contribution to economic growth in Switzerland. 19 As the agreement on the freedom of movement is also of great significance to many The year 2008 in review Swiss people living abroad, we hope that as many Swiss voters abroad as possible will vote “Yes” on 8 February 2009. Almost 400,000 Swiss citizens live in an EU country. In the event of the agreement being rejected, these Swiss people abroad would risk losing all their privileges in the European Union. This is why the Council of the Swiss Abroad unan­ imously supported the agreement on the freedom of movement for people in August. Every vote will count on 8 February and that includes yours. The editorial team of the “Swiss Review” wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Cover photo: A person in need eating Christmas dinner in a tent put up on “Place de la Rippone” New Year. Heinz Eckert, Editor-in-Chief in Lausanne. Photo: Keystone o. 6

IMPRint: “Swiss Review”, the magazine for the Swiss abroad, is in its 35th year of publication and is published in German, French, Italian, English and Spanish in 14 regional editions. It has a total circulation of 400 000. Regional news appears four times a year. n editors: Heinz Eckert (EC), Editor-in-Chief; Rolf Ribi (RR); René Lenzin (RL); Alain Wey (AW); Rahel Schweizer (RS), responsible for “Notes from Parliament”, Service for the

d ecember 2008 / N Swiss Abroad, DFA, CH-3003 Berne Translation: CLS Communication AG n Postal address: Publisher, editorial office, advertising: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, W

IE CH-3006 Berne, Tel.: +4131356 6110, Fax: +4131356 61 01, Postal account (Swiss National Giro): 30-6768-9. Internet: www.revue.ch n e-mail: [email protected] n print: Zollikofer AG, V

RE CH-9001 St.Gallen. n change of address: Please advise your local embassy or consulate. Do not write to Berne. n All Swiss abroad who are registered with a Swiss representation receive

SS 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 direct from Berne. I

SW Copy deadline for this edition: 28.10.2008 Protect your interests, vote in Switzerland! www.aso.ch MAILBAG BOOKS 5

Cutbacks now want to enjoy the bene- Christmas is a time for cookies. The Swiss love their cook- As a Swiss person who has fi ts. But why couldn’t they be ies, and not just in December at Christmas time, but all spent many years abroad, I satisfi ed with their millions year round. They love baking their own cookies, too. have always received “Swiss and show some solidarity by Basel’s Bergli publishing house, which specialises in books Review” and I would like to foregoing their AHV pen- in English on Swiss topics, has brought out a title called thank you for it. Over the sion? After all, you can’t take Swiss Cookies. This collection of confectionery delights years, I have known Swiss it with you to the grave. This provides an insight into the secret of Swiss Christmas cook- ies and shows the reader how to magic up traditional cook- people who, like me, were is what I would do if I were ies and new creations for Christmas, and indeed the glad to keep in touch with in their position. My politics whole year round, from the oven to the table in no time their homeland through are actually right-wing, but at all. “Swiss Review”. I have a socially-oriented This new publication from Bergli Books offers a culi- After reading “Swiss outlook. nary experience that will make your mouth water. It also Review” in October, which ANTON BÄTTIG, IBIZA, includes fascinating cultural background information discussed the possibility of SPAIN about the origins of the individual delicacies. The book reducing the number of edi- Kids and Swiss Cookies Swiss also contains lots of practical information, such as an in- tions of this publication or Similar problems gredients dictionary, conversion tables for units of measure- even withdrawing the paper Thank you for the very in- ment and tips on baking and packaging. ”Swiss Cookies“ is ideal version owing to cutbacks formative magazine for the for anyone abroad who craves the confectionery of their native and the current crisis, I be- Swiss Abroad. To a great Switzerland and wishes to enjoy real Swiss cookies. lieve that a large number of degree it confi rms that the The children’s title, ”Ticking along with Swiss Kids“, ano- Swiss people abroad would prob lems we encounter here be willing to make an annual are very similar to those in ther new book from the Bergli publishing house, is also highly fi nancial contribution to re- Switzerland and Europe in original and useful. Susy and Thomas, two English-speaking ceive “Swiss Review”. I for general. It is very interesting children, have moved to Switzerland where they have befrien- one certainly would. to read the different views and ded Angela. Angela shows her new friends how people here live I believe the best means of possible solutions suggested and what they eat, and also tells them about the languages they communication is the good for those problems. We can speak. Susy and Thomas also fi nd out what games Swiss child- old postal service. certainly all learn from each ren play, the songs they sing and what they enjoy reading, as YVONNE REY-BRASSEUR, EUPEN, other. well as how to get by in Switzerland. The book was originally in- BELGIUM CARMEN ROBINSON, RIVERSIDE, tended for readers wishing to discover more about Switzerland, TASMANIA its people and its culture. But it is also a very enjoyable intro- Forego the AHV pension duction to Switzerland for the children of Swiss people abroad to show solidarity Quo vadis Switzerland? who are not that familiar with their former homeland and would I read the article on AHV It seems easy to fi nd bil- like to learn more about it. in the October edition with lions in the budget for the ”Ticking along with Swiss Kids“ is great interest. army, but pensioners are left a book about Switzerland aimed at En- I have lived in Spain for to suffer and feel ashamed of glish-speaking children aged between more than 20 years during their AHV pension. I ask 6 and 12 who would like to fi nd out which time I have paid the myself where this is leading, more about Switzerland. Topics range minimum voluntary AHV and who or what deserves from landscapes, people and animals contribution. I am now 66 support. to language, customs and traditions. years of age and receive a What about abolishing the Humorous drawings complement the modest pension of CHF army and investing the bil- informative writing, making it a highly 1450. I live here with my wife lions saved in the AHV enjoyable and entertaining read. ”Tick- in our own home. We live system? ing along with Swiss Kids“ contains well and can even afford a CATHERINE MOSBERGER, photographs, song lyrics and notes, a week’s skiing holiday in Zer- SANTA PONSA, SPAIN theatrical play for children, maps of riv- matt. We are very content ers, lakes, mountains, streets and hik- with our situation. Swiss Review in paper form ing trails, a satellite image and a lan- I wonder how many mil- With regard to your edito- guage game with 32 removable cards. lionaires there are drawing rial in the October edition, EC an AHV pension which we wish to stress that we makes little difference to would like to continue receiv- them one way or the other. I ing this very interesting pub- 6 December 2008 / No. know that millionaires have lication in paper form. SWISS COOKIES, 112 PAGES, CHF 29.80 TICKING ALONG WITH SWISS KIDS, 128 PAGES, EDMUND HERRMANN, also paid a large amount into CHF 34.00

SWISS REVIEW this social institution and UNTERHACHING, GERMANY WWW.BERGLI.CH, +41 61 373 27 77

i m a g e s 

Majestic mountains. “Altitude 4000“ is the title of this splendid illustrated book that provides a portrait of the 35 most magnificent peaks above 4,000 metres in the Swiss Alps. The photographers Maurice Schobinger and Pierre Abramowski set themselves the task of uniformly photographing Switzerland’s highest mountains at 4,000 metres from a distance of three kilometres. And their quest has produced breathtaking results. This title is available in German, French and English, and is priced at CHF 59.

Piz Bernina, 4049 m Allalinhorn, 4027 m

Dent d’Hérens, 4171 m Finsteraarhorn, 4274 m

December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No.

SWISS REVIEW Abramowski 4000“ / M. Schobinger & P. Photos: From ”Altitude 79 355 40 86 +41 www.altitude4000.net, Weisshorn, 4506 m  SOCIAL REPORT

Rich and poor in Switzerland Household income Income and wealth are not distributed equally in prosperous The distribution of household income is ex­ tremely unequal in Switzerland. The poorest Switzerland. Who are Switzerland’s poor and what support is 10% of households have to survive on an aver­ provided for them? Who are the nation’s rich and superrich? age income of CHF 25,000 a year (figures for And what about the middle classes, the most significant demo- 2005). The wealthiest 10% of households have ten times that amount at their disposal. The graphic group? A social report on Switzerland’s rich and poor. top 2% of all households have an average By Rolf Ribi income of over CHF 420,000. If taxation and social security contributions are taken into account, the difference between rich and poor The biblical prophet Ezekiel addressed the tion Caritas Switzerland for 17 years. He remains practically the same. leaders of Israel with profound words. He says that the majority of the population The academic Hanspeter Stamm believes said: “Listen to the words of God the father: have less available income today than at the the disparity in income has remained rela­ “you are the shepherds of my people, but beginning of the 1990s. Krummenacher tively steady over the past 20 to 30 years. The instead of looking after the flock, you have adds that Switzerland is “one of the coun­ difference in income has “only increased only thought about yourselves. You must tries with the greatest inequality in terms of slightly” since 1999. This is also the view of atone for this.”” The prophet Isaiah called distribution of wealth, almost making it Serge Gaillard, head of the Department of the ruling class of the time a “band of comparable with a banana republic”. Seeing Employment at the State Secretariat for thieves”, who were only interested in “gifts” middle class people in danger of becoming Economic Affairs. He says: “Despite long pe­ (taxes). The prophet Amos bemoaned the poor “is something that we deal with every riods of economic difficulty, the distribution fact that “the rich day at Caritas”. of income in Switzerland has remained rea­ have splendid homes “Rich man and his poorer brother “The distribution sonably constant over the past 20 years.” which they fill with Stood and looked at one another of wealth in Switzer­ But, though statistics show that income treasures”. Till the poor man softly swore: land has reached a distribution has not changed significantly The prophets’ ‘You’d not be rich if I weren’t poor.’” point where it can over the past two decades, the public per­ words of wrath in the (Bertolt Brecht, “Alphabet”, 1934) only be described as ceives the situation differently. People be­ Old Testament reso­ feudal”, says Hans lieve that things have worsened for the poor nate in public opinion today. The general Kissling, who was head of the statistical of­ and improved for the rich. According to the public and the media in Switzerland comp­ fice in the Canton of Zurich for 14 years un­ Federal Statistical Office, no fewer than lain that the gap between the incomes of the til 2006. All the social and fiscal measures 380,000 people aged between 20 and 59 were rich and poor is growing all the time. Eco­ introduced have not prevented the “con­ considered poor in 2006, which corresponds nomic sociologist Hanspeter Stamm says: centration of wealth in the hands of the to 9.1% of the population. Many employees “There is currently a high degree of inequal­ few”. In his book entitled “Reichtum ohne have received only minor if any real salary in­ ity in Swiss society, which is condemned by Leistung” (Effortless Wealth), Kissling creases in recent years, which have been most of the population.” looks at an “increasingly feudal Switzer­ largely offset by increased health insurance “The gulf between rich and poor has be­ land” and the inheritance of great wealth by contributions. On the other side of the fence come greater”, explains Jürg Krum­ people who have done nothing to earn it are the high management salaries and bonus menacher, head of the leading aid organisa­ themselves. payments for some top earners. December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No.

SWISS REVIEW Photos: Keystone Christmas party for the needy in Lausanne. Beggars in Berne’s Marktgasse. 

Household wealth adults and one in six pensioners all live in pov­ There are various approaches to tackling The distribution of wealth in Switzerland is erty. These statistics for 2003 from the Ca­ poverty: significantly more unequal than income. The ritas publication “Poverty in Switzerland” sociologist Hanspeter Stamm points to “ex­ still cause a furore today. So much poverty in n Social assistance: A quarter of a million treme inequality in the distribution of affluent Switzerland? “The poverty issue has people live completely or partly on state so­ wealth”, which is “rather high by internation­ never really been taken on board by the pol­ cial support. This means CHF 3 to 4 billion al standards”. Some facts and figures: iticians”, says former head of Caritas, Jürg is spent on ensuring people have enough to around 30% of taxpayers have no assets, and Krummenacher. He adds that these days, survive. Almost half of all recipients of social an almost identical percentage have assets however, “there is no longer any doubt that assistance are foreigners. If a social welfare worth no more than CHF 50,000. Two thirds poverty exists in Switzerland”. office arranges a job, benefits are reduced if of the population own just 5.6% of all wealth. Since poverty in Switzerland is not calcu­ the offer is not accepted. Social welfare assis­ At the other end of the spectrum, 3.7% of the lated officially, the publication’s authors, tance is primarily the responsibility of the population pay tax on assets of more than Christin Kehrli and Carlo Knöpfel, rely on cantons. Walter Schmid, President of the CHF 1 million. These millionaires possess data available for child poverty, poverty Swiss Conference on Social Welfare, is call­ half of all private wealth. among people of employment age and pov­ ing for federal legislation to secure a basic In terms of the distribution of wealth and erty among the elderly. They estimate that standard of living and “clear political respon­ income, the Canton of Zurich is more or less poverty affects 250,000 children, 604,000 sibility for social welfare in Switzerland”. representative of the average for all the can­ people of employment age and around n Supplementary benefits: If the AHV pen­ tons. The former head of statistics, Hans 200,000 pensioners. More than 14% of the sion or disability insurance is not sufficient Kissling, provides the following figures on population are unable to meet their living ex­ to meet living costs, state supplementary ben­ wealth for Switzerland’s largest canton. penses themselves and are reliant on state as­ efits make up the difference. There is a legal Three wealthy taxpayers have assets equal to sistance. But even though state support helps, entitlement to these need-based benefits. those of half of all other taxpayers. Ten aff­ around half a million people still live in pov­ However, only around half of all those en­ luent taxpayers have as much wealth as two erty, which means 6.4% of people in this pros­ titled to them actually take advantage of this thirds of all other taxpayers. Kissling says: perous country are considered poor. right. Jürg Krummenacher, the former head “Such ratios are in fact feudal.” But what is the “official” poverty threshold? of Caritas, says: “The supplementary bene­ According to Hanspeter Stamm, “dispar­ In Switzerland, the poverty values of the fits have made a significant contribution to ity in terms of income is significant in Swit­ Swiss Conference on Social Welfare are the reducing poverty amongst the elderly and the zerland, and it is very high in terms of wealth”. most commonly used. These values factor in disabled.” While inequality in income has remained rel­ decent living conditions and social integra­ n Working poor: There are also people in atively constant over the course of time, tion. The poverty threshold for single people Switzerland who live in poverty despite being there are hardly any reliable figures for the is CHF 2,200 a month, CHF 3,800 a month in employment. In 2006, there were 146,000 changes in wealth. The assets of the rich also for single parents with two children and CHF people, or 4.5% of the workforce, whose fluctuate with ups and downs on the stock 4,650 a month for a couple with two children. household income was below the poverty line market. These figures take account of the cost of rent, despite being in employment. Over half of all basic health insurance contributions, basic re­ the working poor are Swiss. Single parents, Poverty in a wealthy land quirements for food, clothing, healthcare, en­ families with several children, people with There are over a million poor people in Swit­ ergy, cleaning and travel, and CHF 100 for low levels of education and immigrants are zerland. One in six children, one in eight each member of the household. among those particularly affected. December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No.

SWISS REVIEW Photos: Keystone Michael Schumacher’s home on Lake Geneva. Schloss Rhäzüns, the Blocher family’s weekend retreat. 10 SOCIAL REPORT

n Families and children: Politicians of the CHF 2 to 3 billion (foreign exchange trad­ all the more so in view of the current finan­ left have been calling for tax relief for fami­ ing), Hans Vontobel, CHF 2 to 3 billion cial crisis and economic recession. Globali­ lies for years. Walter Schmid of the Swiss (banker), and Marc Rich, CHF 1 to 1.5 bil­ sation is seen as a threat, and the free move­ Conference on Social Welfare warns: “What lion (commodities trader). ment of persons with the European Union is we need in Switzerland is supplementary ben­ It is true that the rich make a dispropor­ perceived as a danger. They also have reser­ efits for low-income families and affordable tionately high contribution to total fiscal in­ vations about higher salaries and the offset­ crèche places. Social welfare is no substitute come thanks to progressive direct federal tax. ting of inflation. All these things add to for family policy.” Almost 45% of the recip­ However, the maximum tax rate has re­ middle class fears about the economic down­ ients of social assistance are children and mained unchanged at just 11.5% since 1975. turn. The “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” declares: young people. Often, their parents are un­ Even the extremely high earner Daniel “Society’s middle classes merit more promi­ employed, they live with a single parent or Vasella, of the pharmaceutical group Novar­ nent attention again in public life, academia they are the children of immigrants. Most of tis, does not pay tax above this rate on an and politics.” these young people living in poverty have not annual income of CHF 30 million. And the obtained professional qualifications. rich pay exactly the same health insurance Inconsistent public opinion contributions as the poor. The huge salaries of top earners and the The rich and the superrich “swindlers” heading up companies are receiv­ In 2004, there were 6,700 people in Swit­ What about the middle classes? ing extensive coverage right now. The public zerland with wealth of more than CHF 10 Social philosopher Wilhelm Röpke sees are outraged at bonus payments being made million (those with even greater wealth are society’s middle class as a manifestation of to financial managers. Even some Federal not categorised in official statistics). Accor­ stability, equilibrium, cohesion and prosper­ Councillors have attacked the enormous ding to the business magazine “Bilanz”, ity. He believes it is important to have a salaries paid in the world of business. there are 120 billionaires in Switzerland, of strong middle class. His outlook is fairly But while there is outrage at high mana­ whom two thirds are foreigners. “Bilanz” conservative and supportive of the state, and gerial salaries, little is said about the wealth has been calculating and estimating the he recognises values such as efficiency, integ­ of the rich. The Swiss people almost always wealth of the 300 richest people in Switzer­ rity and endeavour. The middle class also rep­ decide in favour of the wealthy when it land for many years. This group possesses resents solidarity and a strong commitment comes to a vote. Such decisions include tax no less than CHF 529 billion or around half to public affairs. Many a political party or relief for shareholders, wealth tax, flat-rate the total net assets. According to “Bilanz”, group claims to represent the middle class tax for superrich foreigners, the rejection of Switzerland’s superrich include Maja Oeri, these days. a capital gains tax, the closure of the tax reg­ CHF 18 to 19 billion in assets (inheritance, According to official statistics, the middle ister, which was previously open for public pharmaceutical group Roche), Nicolas Ha­ class’ share of available income has increased inspection, and the defence of banking con­ yek, CHF 4 to 5 billion (watch manufac­ slightly in recent years. But subjective per­ fidentiality. turer), Christoph Blocher, CHF 3 to 4 bil­ ceptions reveal a different story to the statis­ The biggest contradiction, however, con­ lion (Ems Chemie), Urs E. Schwarzenbach, tics. The fear of unemployment is growing, cerns inheritance tax. Inheritance tax has been abolished in many cantons for spouses and direct descendants. At national level, there is little hope of a federal inheritance tax being adopted. The introduction of an inheritance tax might even reduce federal taxes for everyone. But the majority of Swiss people do not want tax on inheritance. The unequal distribution of wealth in Switzer­ land therefore looks set to continue. Even Jean-Daniel Gerber, State Secretary at the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, poses the question: “Is Switzerland replac­ ing the privileges of being born into nobil­ ity with the privileges of being born into wealth?”

Documentation Christin Kehrli, Carlo Knoepfel: Handbuch Armut in der Schweiz. 2006 Caritas-Verlag, Lucerne CHF 42 Sozialalmanach 2008: Bedrängte Solidarität. 2007 Ca-

December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No. ritas-Verlag, Lucerne CHF 34 Hans Kissling: Reichtum ohne Leistung. 2008 Rüegger Verlag, Zurich/Chur CHF 26 EUR 16.60 Documentation centre doku-zug (www.doku-zug.ch)

SWISS REVIEW Photo: Keystone Demonstration against poverty in front of the Federal House. POLITICS/VOTING 11

One defeat and four victories for the Federal Council Comment: The Swiss people voted with the Federal Council and Parlia- Common sense prevails ment on four issues. They said “Yes” to the current policy on The offer was an appealing one. At a time narcotics, and “No” to a lower pension age, the legalisation of when the state is spending CHF 68 billion to cannabis and fewer rights for environmental associations. rescue the banking giant UBS, it could still However, they approved the non-applicability of statutory have found one to two billion Swiss francs to fund early retirement. But the Swiss people limitations for sexual offences against children. did not succumb to this enticement and re- By René Lenzin jected the unions’ initiative which aimed to reduce the pension age of most people to 62. People on average incomes with a good pen- sion scheme would have been the main bene- You simply cannot help noticing the parallels. n 58.6% of voters rejected the AHV initia- In February 2004, the Swiss people and states tive which would have allowed people with ficiaries of this proposal. However, people on voted in favour of an initiative calling for the incomes up to CHF 120,000 to take early re- low wages with a modest or even no pension unconditional detention of serious violent tirement from 62 without any reduction in scheme would not have been able to afford to and sexual offenders. 52% of the electorate pension. take early retirement even with no reduction have now backed a popular initiative which n 66% said “No” to a popular initiative on in AHV pension. enshrines the non-applicability of statutory the right of appeal. Environmental associa- There can be no doubting the clarity of the limitations for sexual offences against chil- tions would no longer have been able to ob- result. Eight years ago, the Swiss people re- dren in the constitution. Both initiatives were ject if a development proposal had been ap- jected an initiative by a tighter margin which launched by people affected by the issues. proved by a parliament or the people. aimed to establish a pension age of 62 for all Both were rejected by the Federal Council n 63.2% rejected a popular initiative aiming income categories. There seems to be a grow- and Parliament. And both involve sensitive le- to decriminalise the consumption, possession ing perception that the AHV system faces dif- gal issues in terms of implementation. But and cultivation of cannabis for personal ficult times ahead despite being on a sound politicians have to realise that a majority of use. financial footing at present. In view of our the people support the victims without reser- n 68% approved a revision of the Narcotics society’s aging population, a growing major- vation in these matters and are not concerned Act. This will enshrine the current drugs pol- ity do not want to experiment with a scheme by constitutional considerations. icy in law. It is based on the four pillars of pre- that would result in increased expenditure Aside from this, the electorate backed vention, therapy, damage limitation and re- on old-age pension provision. the recommendations of the government and pression. In future, the pension age will have to go the majority of parliamentarians on 30 No- up rather than down, as is already the case in vember: several European countries. However, the Federal Council and Parliament must seek so- lutions which provide individuals with greater flexibility in the transition from em- Final results issued by the Federal Chancellery ployment to retirement. The Swiss people’s clear rejection of the 11th AHV revision four 1. Initiative for non-applicability of statutory limitations years ago showed that an increase in the Yes: 1,206,222 = 51.9 % No: 1,119,152 = 48.1 % pension age alone has no chance of success. Models are required that meet individual 2. AHV initiative needs rather than a universal solution like Yes: 970,490 = 41.4 % No: 1,374,107 = 58.6 % the one offered by the initiative. Common sense also prevailed with regard 3. Associative right of appeal initiative to narcotics. The electorate backed the cur- Yes: 774,018 = 34.0 % No: 1,501,184 = 66.0 % rent policy even though, realistically, it does not focus exclusively on the noble objective of abstinence. The only surprise at the ballot 4. Cannabis initiative box was the approval of the non-applicability Yes: 848,470 = 36.8 % No: 1,456,336 = 63.2 % of statutory limitations for sexual offences against children. The government and Parlia- 5. Narcotics Act December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No.

ment now have no choice but to implement Yes: 1,541,227 = 68.0 % No: 723,741 = 32.0 % legislation that they did not favour and which raises complex legal issues.

SWISS REVIEW Electoral turnout: 46.1 % René Lenzin 12 NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT

Switzerland’s association with Schengen: What is a Schengen visa for? The Schengen visa only governs short-term stays of a maximum participation in common visa policy of three months within a six-month period. For longer stays in a The Swiss people voted in favour of the Schengen/Dublin Schengen member state, it is essential to apply for a visa applica- Association Agreements on 5 June 2005. Cooperation between ble in the respective member state under the national law of that Switzerland and the EU within the framework of the Schengen state. and Dublin agreements is set to begin in December 2008. Regulations on taking up employment also continue to be gov­ erned by national law. The corresponding Swiss authorisation procedures will therefore be retained in respect of Schengen. However, a Schengen visa will always be issued for visits of less than three months irrespective of the purpose of the trip and

Schengen member states the authorisation procedure concerned.

Schengen member states with special status How do you apply for a Schengen visa? Future member states The procedure at Swiss representations abroad will essentially Associated states remain the same for applicants following the introduction of the Schengen visa. The new application forms and guidelines will be Future associated states available from the Swiss representations and on their websites in due course: www.eda.admin.ch (Representations) However, it should be noted that the Schengen visa should al- ways be applied for from the member state that is the main travel destination. Furthermore, travel health insurance valid in all Schengen states is also required (minimum cover EUR What is Schengen all about? 30,000). Schengen visa charges are also regulated uniformly and The basic aim is to facilitate travel within the Schengen area amount to EUR 60 in normal cases. (see map) without reducing security. Identity checks between Further information on the introduction of Schengen in Swit- the Schengen states have therefore been withdrawn. The Swiss zerland can be found on the following websites: border represents an exceptional case as customs controls are www.bfm.admin.ch and www.europa.admin.ch. Reto Läderach, DFA, Consular Affairs still carried out (Switzerland is not a member of the EU Cus­ toms Union). However, people can still be checked at these cus­ toms controls for security reasons and in the event of police sus- Switzerland and the EU are more than picion. At the same time, security is being increased through a series of measures: controls at Schengen’s external borders are just neighbours being tightened and cross-border cooperation between police Switzerland and the EU have never had closer ties than at present. and judicial authorities is being stepped up. This is highlighted by the high level of trade between the two, totalling more than CHF 1 billion every day. It is also exemplified When will Switzerland start operational Schengen cooperation by the many personal relationships between the citizens of and introduce the Schengen visa? Switzerland and the EU. More than 400,000 Swiss people today Switzerland is aiming to begin operational Schengen cooperation live in the EU, while around 1 million EU citizens live in Switzer- before the end of 2008. However, the exact start date will depend land. The foundation for this close economic relationship is the on the result of an evaluation process currently being carried out; bilateral agreement on the free movement of persons. the Council of the European Union is expected to make a decision On 8 February 2009, the Swiss people will vote in a referendum on at the end of November. the continuation of the agreement and its extension to Bulgaria and Romania. What is a Schengen visa? The Schengen visa is a standard entry document which covers The number of Swiss citizens living abroad in the EU has in­ entry into the entire Schengen area (with the exception of the creased by around 70,000 over the past ten years. This under- United Kingdom and Ireland, see map). Anyone wanting to com- lines the growing importance for lots of Swiss people of spen- bine their visit to Switzerland with a trip to nearby EU countries ding a part of their lives in another European country. Various will, in future, only need to obtain one visa, as opposed to the cur- reasons explain this trend. Some accompany their spouses rent practice of acquiring both a Schengen visa and a Swiss visa. abroad following a change of job, while others leave to pursue their own career goals. Some want to spend time abroad to learn Will the Swiss visa be completely replaced by the a foreign language, while others wish to spend their retirement

December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No. Schengen visa? by the sea.

Yes, the Schengen visa (valid for a maximum of three months In all of these cases, Swiss citizens have the right to live and per six-month period from the date of initial entry) will replace work in the EU. The same, of course, applies to EU citizens in

SWISS REVIEW the Swiss visa for short-term visits. Switzerland. The basis for this is provided by the bilateral agree- 13

ment between Switzerland and the EU on the free movement of A “No” vote would jeopardise cooperation with the EU on persons. As well as equal access to the labour and housing mar- European policy, which has been developed and continually ex- kets, the agreement also covers practical issues of moving tended over decades. Switzerland’s approach to European pol­ abroad, such as the relocation of families, coordination between icy has proven successful to date. It combines competitiveness, social insurance schemes and recognition of professional qualifi- independence, openness and joint responsibility in Europe to cations. create a genuinely Swiss policy on Europe, the policy of the bi­ lateral approach. Transitional provisions for Swiss citizens in More information at www.personenfreizuegigkeit.admin.ch EU countries (German, French, Italian) Ambassador Urs Bucher, Head of the DFA/DEA Integration Office The free movement of persons is being introduced gradually. This means that certain restrictions currently apply for a transitional pe- riod with regard to the opening up of the employment markets. n There are essentially no longer any special provisions for Swiss citi- Information on popular initiatives zens in the EU (excluding Bulgaria and Romania). Some countries Until now we have listed newly submitted initiatives with the sig­ that joined the EU in 2004 (EU-10) are exceptions to this. These apply nature deadline, and then presented them in more detail at a transitional provisions for Swiss citizens with regard to the acquisi- later stage. Despite limited available space, we have endeav­ tion of property and second homes. Before moving to a country in the oured to provide you with objective information on all popular EU-10, we recommend that information be obtained on the relevant initiatives. However, the number of popular initiatives submit- provisions from the local Swiss embassy. ted each year varies considerably. And popular initiatives are n The free movement of persons does not yet apply to Bulgaria and also often submitted as soon as the required number of signa- Romania. tures has been reached, in some cases several months before the date announced. It has therefore not been possible in some cases Referendum on the free movement of persons for us to inform you about initiatives that are at the signing The free movement of persons was introduced for an initial pe- stage, which has led to complaints. To ensure equal treatment of riod of seven years. Switzerland must now notify the EU all initiatives, in future we will only list newly submitted popular whether it wants to continue with the free movement of persons initiatives with the name of the initiative committee, a link to after 2009 on a permanent basis. The agreement is also to be ex- the initiative committee’s website and the expiry of the signa- tended to the EU countries Bulgaria and Romania. The Swiss ture deadline. people will decide on the continuation and extension of the agreement at a referendum on 8 February 2009. The free move- ment of persons is part of the seven agreements of Bilaterals I. Increase the rights of the people in foreign These are legally interconnected. A rejection of the free move- ment of persons would result in the automatic loss of all Bilat­ policy erals I (so-called guillotine clause). The Movement for an Independent and Neutral Switzerland The free movement of persons has become a crucial factor for (AUNS) submitted the federal popular initiative “Increase the the Swiss economy because Switzerland is reliant on foreign rights of the people in foreign policy (state treaties before the workers. One in four employees is of foreign nationality. There people!)” in March 2008. is also a lack of highly skilled and specialist workers. Access to a More information can be found on the website of the initia- Europe-wide pool of labour currently helps to reduce gaps in tive committee www.auns.ch. This initiative can be signed until the labour market, while Switzerland remains an attractive loca- 4 September 2009. tion for business and the trend to relocate production processes abroad is slowed. This is helping to secure employment and pros­ perity in Switzerland. 150,000 new jobs were created in 2006 and 2007. The Bilaterals I are extremely important for Switzerland eco- nomically. They provide the Swiss export industry with exten- sive, equal access to the Single European Market. Any reduction Popular initiatives in access to this market would be extremely damaging to the A list of current initiatives and signature forms can be found competitiveness of companies in Switzerland. The EU is at www.admin.ch/ch/d/pore/vi/vis_1_3_1_1.html. Switzerland’s most important trading partner by some distance. Please complete, sign and return the forms directly to the initiative 60% of exports are destined for the EU. Likewise, Switzerland committee. This committee is also responsible for certifying your is the second most important sales market for the EU, even signature. ahead of giants like Russia and China. We earn one franc in

December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No. three from trade with the EU. Losing the Bilaterals I would

undermine Switzerland as a business location. Stable framework RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OFFICIAL FDFA INFORMATION PAGES: RAHEL SCHWEIZER, Service for the Swiss Abroad/FDFA, Bundes- conditions are particularly important in times of economic gasse 32, CH-3003 Berne, Tel. +41 31 324 23 98, fax: +41 31 324 23 60

SWISS REVIEW uncertainty. www.eda.admin.ch/asd, [email protected] 14 S w i ss M u s e u m o f T r a n s p o r t

An exhilarating museum for young and old The first attempts to establish a Swiss The Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne will celebrate its Museum of Transport were made back in 1897 when the Swiss railway system cele­ 50th birthday next year. But there is no sign of a midlife crisis brated its 50th anniversary. Though the at Switzerland’s most popular museum. In fact, the museum is idea did not begin to properly take shape developing as dynamically as its main areas of interest – until the national exhibition of 1914 where various original exhibits were displayed on transport and communication. By Heinz Eckert the history of the railway. Four years later, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) opened the Swiss Railway Museum in Zurich with The Swiss Museum of Transport in its mag­ world enabling digital travel through the the assembled collection. Against the histor­ nificent setting on the banks of Lake Lu­ universe. It is almost as though the starlit ical and professional background of the na­ cerne continues to attract both young and sky has been brought down to earth, allow­ tional exhibition of 1939, the idea of a mu­ old and is still Switzerland’s most visited ing strolls through outer space from the seum covering all types of transport was museum. It is one of the best museums of comfort of an armchair. The Swissarena picked up again, resulting in the foundation its kind in the world and was visited by gives visitors to the museum a unique view of the Swiss Museum of Transport Associ­ around 900,000 people in 2007. This figure of Switzerland normally only seen by astro­ ation in 1942 which still runs the museum is expected to rise to a million in 2010. nauts. This almost 200 square metre aerial today, although it was based in Zurich back The museum presents the development photograph, the world’s first “walk-in” one then. of transport and mobility in general in the of an entire country, gives visitors the When no suitable site could be found in past, present and future using an interesting, chance to explore Switzerland for them­ Zurich for the proposed Museum of Trans­ hands-on and varied approach. It encom­ selves. port, the city of Lucerne offered the asso­ passes road, rail and water transport as well The finest classic cars and aircraft are on ciation the 40,000 square metre Lido as aviation and space travel, while also show­ display at the Swiss Museum of Transport grounds by Lake Lucerne. At the time, the ing how different communication technol­ in Lucerne as well as a remarkable collec­ Swiss Museum of Transport Association ogies work. More than 3,000 exhibits in tion of old racing cars. One particularly un­ counted among its members not just the some 20,000 square metres of exhibition forgettable experience for everyone is cer­ SBB and PTT (the former national post, space illustrate the eventful history of trans­ tain to be the trips in the Formula 1 and telephone and telegraph group), but also port and communication. flight simulators. There is also the oppor­ private railways, transport organisations It also contains attractions that are tunity for visitors to present their own and large companies from the trade, indus­ unique in Switzerland, such as the IMAX news programme in the television studio try and tourism sectors. The Museum of cinema, where films about nature and wild­ and experience what it is genuinely like to Transport’s themes therefore reflect the life as well as documentaries from foreign work as a radio presenter in a modern ra­ communications objectives of its founding countries and cultures can be enjoyed in a dio studio. The Swiss Museum of Trans­ partners. The project also received finan­ whole new dimension, and the planetarium, port has something extraordinary to offer cial support from the federal government which is one of the most modern in the everyone. and the city and canton of Lucerne. December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No.

SWISS REVIEW Photos: Photopress/Museum of Transport Switzerland – an overview. The history of aviation. 15

One of the objectives of the Swiss Mu­ Swiss abroad at the Museum seum of Transport is to explain the technol­ of Transport ogy and importance of all means of trans­ The 87th Congress of the Swiss Abroad will port, communication, tourism and space take place in the new congress hall at the travel in a modern and easily accessible way. Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne from Beyond this initial aim, the opening of the 7 to 9 August 2009. The large conference planetarium (1969), the aviation and space centre has state-of-the-art facilities, a con- travel hall (1972) attended by John Glenn, ference hall for up to 530 people, various the first American in space and Neil seminar rooms and a foyer with natural light Armstrong, the first man on the moon, the and a panoramic view. Hans Erni Museum (1979), the second rail­ A Mecca for railway enthusiasts. way hall (1982) and the hall of navigation, cableways and tourism with the Swisso­ One of the most famous Swiss, Alfred rama (1984) helped to further the ambi­ available. In 1989, objections from local res­ Waldis, “Mr. Museum of Transport”, was a tions Waldis had for the Museum of Trans­ idents prevented the construction of an key figure in the establishment of the mu­ port, which involved collecting and IMAX cinema. It was another seven years seum. In 1957, when working for the SBB, preserving valuable artefacts of cultural before the museum’s cinema could be un­ Waldis met Paul Kopp, the former president life, promoting education and fundamen­ veiled. of the city of Lucerne on a train journey to tal research and helping understand the his­ In 1979, Alfred Waldis retired at the age Berne. Kopp told him about a museum tory and development of technology and of 61. He has since remained honorary pres­ project for Lucerne, for which he was trav­ its impact on the environment. ident of the Swiss Museum of Transport, elling to Berne to attend a meeting. Waldis Alfred Waldis also described the opening which will remain forever linked with his asked for further details and said that he was of the IMAX cinema as a personal high­ name. extremely interested in the Swiss Museum light. While taking part in the opening of However, the Swiss Museum of Trans­ of Transport project. In the evening, on the the National Air and Space Museum in port is continuing to develop under its cur­ homeward journey, the 37-year-old Waldis Washington on 1 July 1976 on the 200th an­ rent director Daniel Suter. The new “Fu­ met Kopp again and was stunned when niversary of the United States of America, ture Com” entrance building, containing a Kopp offered him the chance to manage the he first saw the IMAX film “To Fly”. He state-of-the-art conference centre, restau­ proposed museum on the spot. was so impressed that he immediately de­ rant, interactive “Media Factory” commu­ Alfred Waldis accepted the offer imme­ cided that the Swiss Museum of Transport nications world and museum shop, opened diately and wholeheartedly threw himself also needed a similar cinema with a 500 on 3 November this year as the first phase into the project and the creation of the square metre screen. The possibility of of a redevelopment scheme. The new road Museum of Transport, which became building an IMAX cinema was first exam­ transport hall and a multipurpose open air Switzerland’s most popular museum shortly ined at the beginning of the 1980s in con­ arena for special exhibitions will open in after opening in 1959 and a model for simi­ nection with the hall of navigation, cable­ the museum by mid 2009. lar institutions around the world. ways and tourism, but the space was not www.verkehrshaus.ch

The starlit sky in the planetarium. 16 ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD

87th Congress of the Swiss Abroad From 7 to 9 August 2009 Summer camp 2009 Swiss Museum of Transport – Lucerne Are you aged between 8 and “The Swiss abroad – a great asset to our country” 14? Would you like to spend 14 days in Switzerland and Almost 700,000 of our fellow citizens live have the opportunity to get to abroad, and 120,000 of them are enrolled on know your homeland better? the electoral registers. While their political im­ Then why not register for a portance is only just starting to be recognised holiday camp organised by the by the political parties, it pales in comparison Foundation for Young Swiss to the contribution they make economically, so­ Abroad? We organise summer cially, culturally and in terms of enhancing our holiday camps in the finest country’s image. These Swiss people are not just regions of Switzerland during ambassadors of our values abroad, they also July and August. form an extraordinary network. In a globalised world where people and their economic activi­ Programme ties and political systems are increasingly inter­ At our camps we see the sights, dependent, aren’t the Swiss abroad a great as­ discover lakes, mountains, riv­ set to our country? Don’t we need to make ers and breathtaking scenery, better use of their skills and knowledge? Are the go on short hikes and some­ government, companies and the population in times also visit a city or two. general aware of them? There are also days when we This congress aims to explain how the Swiss Diaspora provides added value for Switzerland and why this stay at our base and organise resource should receive more recognition and be harnessed to greater effect by public authorities and games, sports activities and var­ companies. At this congress, experts will share their knowledge and personal experience on this subject. ious workshops. You also have the chance to find out lots of fascinating things about Switzerland. For example, we look at the lan­ guages of Switzerland, Swiss songs, Swiss recipes and typical Swiss games and sports. The exchange between par­ ticipants, despite differences in language, culture and national­ ity, ensures an unforgettable experience and the opportu­ More photos from this year‘s Congress of the Swiss Abroad in Fribourg can be found on our website: nity to make lots of new http://www.aso.ch/de/angebote/auslandschweizer-kongress/2008/fotos friends.

87th Congress of the Swiss Abroad from 7 to 9 August 2009 at the Costs Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne These offers cost CHF 900 per child. The Foundation for ❏ I am interested in attending the next Congress of the Swiss Abroad. Please send me the registration Young Swiss Abroad would like documents for the 87th Congress of the Swiss Abroad (7 to 9 August 2009 in Lucerne) in spring 2009 to as many Swiss children abroad the following address: as possible to have the oppor­ First name/surname: tunity to enjoy a holiday in Switzerland at least once. This Address: is why reduced contribution Country / Postcode / Town: rates are available. An applica­ E-mail: tion form can be requested Please write clearly in block capitals and send the completed form to: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), with the registration form. Communications Department, Congress Organisation, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne To save time and postage, you can also contact us directly by e-mail: [email protected]

December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No. Travel/meeting point The Congress of the Swiss Abroad will be held in German and French only (with simultaneous interpretation) for organisational and financial reasons. We meet at around lunchtime The latest information on the forthcoming congress will also be updated regularly at www.aso.ch/de/angebote. It is well worth visiting our website from time to time! in Zurich airport.

SWISS REVIEW Photos: Lucerne Tourist Board/OSA Travel to Zurich airport and 17

also back home Winter sports week in Wengen again on the final (Berne): 28.02. to 07.03.2009 day of the camp is A ski and snowboard camp for organised and paid young adults aged 18 and above for by parents. in the majestic alpine landscape of the Eiger, Mönch and Jung­ Organisation frau. Wengen is a famous win­ Experienced, mul­ ter health resort renowned for tilingual teams of its Lauberhorn ski race and the organisers ensure north face of the Eiger. The an enjoyable and participants themselves set the richly diverse two- tone for this camp, creating a week stay at our great atmosphere every time. holiday camps. Easter camp in Langwies / Registration Arosa: 05.04. to 13.04.2009 Detailed informa­ At Easter, the Swiss abroad can tion on the indivi­ enjoy longer days on the slopes dual holiday camps Summer camp in Adelboden. of Arosa where snow is still as­ and the registra­ sured. A winter sports camp for tion form can be found, from 15.8.-29.8.09: S-chanf (Gri­ sports resort where they are young people aged between 14 Tuesday 6 January 2009, at sons) for 36 children aged 8 looked after by qualified skiing and 25 with lots of entertain­ www.aso.ch (rubric: Offers / to 14 and snowboarding instructors ment and fun on the slopes and Offers for Children and Young and their sports skills are nur­ inside the residence. We stay in People / Camps and offers / For further information, please tured. What is really exciting cosy yet spacious accommoda­ Holiday camps and travel). We contact our office in Berne: about the camps is the personal tion in Langwies. are also happy to send you our Foundation for Young Swiss contact with people who all information brochure by post, Abroad have one thing in common – Educational offers: on request. The registration Tel. +41 (0)31 356 61 16 their Swiss background. It is Our offers allow holidays and deadline is 15 March 2009. E-mail: [email protected] important to OSA that young learning to be combined. We people have a chance to expe­ provide individual advice for Winter camp 2009 Take advantage of rience what is going on and of young students and appren­ There are still a few places interest in the country of their tices, and introduce them to available for the winter camp in the offers for young parents. The lessons on the Switzerland’s educational insti­ Unterwasser (31 January to 7 people and register slopes are accompanied by a tutions. Participants gain an in­ February 2009). now! fun-filled fringe programme, sight into Switzerland’s top providing for a diverse enter­ universities or have the oppor­ REGISTER NOW! The Organisation of the Swiss tainment package. Register tunity to experience their Abroad (OSA) provides young now for an unforgettable win­ dream career. Summer camp 2009 Swiss abroad with various ter holiday in Switzerland. 4.7.-18.7.09: Wengen (Berne) opportunities to visit Switzer- Youth Service for 36 children aged 8 to 11 and land and get to know the There are still places available at Tel.: +41 31 356 61 00 Melchtal (Obwalden) for 48 country better. Accommoda- the following camps: [email protected], www.aso.ch children aged 11 to 14 tion has been arranged for the winter sports camps, 18.7.-1.8.09: Mont Dedos Swiss families are ready to Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (Jura) for 30 children aged 8 to give a warm welcome to Our services: 11 and Bergün (Grisons) for 36 young Swiss guests from n Legal Department children aged 11 to 14 abroad and those eager to n Youth Service learn can take advantage of n Association for the Promotion of Education for Young Swiss 1.8.-12.8.09: Swisstrip for 20 the educational offers. Abroad (AJAS) young people aged 12 to 16 n Committee for Swiss Schools Abroad (CSSA) Young people from all over the n Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad (FYSA)

December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No. 1.8.-15.8.09: Lauenen (Berne) world get to know each other

for 36 children aged 8 to 11 and at OSA’s winter sports camps. Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, CH–3006 Berne St. Cergue (Vaud) for 36 child­ They spend eight to ten action- Phone +41 31 356 6100, Fax +41 31 356 6101

SWISS REVIEW Photo: Ariane Roulet ren aged 11 to 14 packed days in a Swiss winter www.aso.ch 18 P o l i t i c s / V o t i n g

Federal Councillor Schmid resigns tion at the time of his appointment. Nef’s Minister of Defence Samuel Schmid, who has been under fire departure was not enough to put an end to this matter. Political and media pressure on politically and suffering ill health, will leave office at the end of Schmid has been growing since the summer. the year. By René Lenzin He has also had to deal with threats made against his family and also health problems. “I am stepping down for the sake of my by members of the SVP. The relationship He had his gall bladder removed just days health, my family, my country and the fractured once and for all following the de- before his resignation. army”, said Samuel Schmid as he announced selection of Christoph Blocher. Schmid Samuel Schmid succeeded Adolf Ogi on his resignation from the Federal Council. joined the newly-formed Civic Democratic 1 January 2001. He had taken the traditional The 61-year-old from Berne added that he Party. The departing Federal Councillor route to office, working his way up through was going with a “certain sadness” and that had always managed to steer bills on the the political ranks. He was President of the he would in fact have liked to have remained army through referenda, but his weak posi- Commune of Rüti near Büren, a member of in office. However, this had become unfeasi- tion in the SVP had made it increasingly dif- Berne’s Great Council, the National Coun- ble in view of personal and political circum- ficult for him to obtain majority support in cil and the Council of States. In the army, he stances. Parliament. rose to the rank of deputy commandant of Schmid was elected to national govern- Schmid’s ultimate downfall was probably the 3rd field division. Schmid is a lawyer, hus- ment in December 2000 against the will of the affair involving the army’s chief-of-staff band and father to three adult sons. His suc- the Swiss People’s Party (SVP). He was of- Roland Nef. He concealed from the Federal cessor had still to be appointed at the time of ten derided as “half a Federal Councillor” Council the fact that Nef was facing legal ac- going to press.

Free movement of persons under scrutiny ments from the first round of bilateral ne- gotiations would cease to apply if Switzer- The Swiss people will vote again in February on the free move- land rejected the free movement of ment of persons in the European Union. They will decide on the persons. continuation of the agreement and its extension to Bulgaria and The main bone of contention in the par- liamentary debate on the future of the free Romania. By René Lenzin movement of persons was the linking of the bills. A small majority of National Coun- cillors and members of the Council of After obtaining the resounding approval of with the EU on the free movement of per- States finally decided to package the con- the electorate, the first set of bilateral ne- sons. In the same way as the first enlarge- tinuation of the agreement and the exten- gotiations with the EU entered into force ment protocol, this one also provides for a sion to Bulgaria and Romania in one bill. in May 2002. The most controversial issue provisional period of seven years during They said the two issues were inseparable was the free movement of persons between which time Switzerland may restrict the as the EU would not accept unequal treat- Switzerland and the then 15 EU states. As access of Bulgaria and Romania to the la- ment of the new members and would see a well as transitional periods for the introduc- bour market (preference for Swiss workers, rejection of the expansion as an end to the tion of the full freedom of movement, Swit- controls on salary and working conditions, overall agreement. However, a minority zerland also pushed for an opt-out clause as rising annual quotas). If the number of im- wanted two separate bills with the option a safety net. Both parties concluded that migrants should increase disproportion­ of being able to renegotiate on the exten- the agreement could be terminated after ately after seven years, Switzerland can also sion to the new EU countries if necessary. seven years. In domestic political arrange- introduce maximum numbers for a further It was this decision to combine the bills ments, the Federal Council and Parliament three years. in particular that resulted in the Swiss Dem­ declared that the continuation of the agree- ocrats, the League of Ticino and the ment would be governed by a resolution Bone of contention – linking the bills Young Swiss People’s Party (Junge SVP) that could be taken to referendum. They The government and the majority of Mem- successfully calling a referendum. Voting aimed to ensure that the Swiss people would bers of Parliament believe the free move- will now take place on 8 February. In addi- have the final say on the matter. ment of persons has proven successful. tion to the three groups behind the referen- In addition to the continuation of the They argue that the agreement ensures a dum, the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) is also free movement of persons, there is also the supply of skilled immigrant workers and has supporting the No campaign. The Social issue of its extension to Bulgaria and Ro- made a significant contribution to economic Democrats, Free Democrats, Christian mania, which joined the EU at the begin- growth in recent years. They also empha- Democrats, Greens and the recently founded

December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No. ning of 2007. As with the previous enlarge- sise the benefits for Swiss citizens already Civic Democratic Party are campaigning for

ment of the Union to take in ten eastern living in EU countries or who are thinking a Yes vote. The bill was approved by the and southern European countries, Switzer- of emigrating there. Finally, they also National Council by 143 votes to 40 and by

SWISS REVIEW land has negotiated an additional protocol highlight the fact that the other six agree- the Council of States by 35 votes to 2. THE YEAR 2008 IN REVIEW 19

n The global financial crisis black hole that would engulf the tons of Grisons, Berne and went on strike to protest threatened the very existence planet. Glarus. This party also has against 400 job cuts at sites in of UBS. Switzerland’s biggest n In September, Federal Federal Councillor Samuel Bellinzona, Basel, Fribourg and bank had already been badly hit Councillor Hans-Rudolf Merz Schmid in its ranks. Biel. After a month of strike by the mortgage-lending crisis suffered a heart attack. After n Jean Ziegler’s mandate at action in Bellinzona, CFF in the USA, which resulted in convalescing for just six weeks, the UN came to an end in withdrew its restructuring an annual loss of CHF 4 billion he returned to government in April. The sociologist had measures. in 2007 and CHF 12 billion November. His colleague from worked as a UN Special n The President of Switzer- from January to March 2008. the Federal Department of Jus­ Rapporteur on the Right to land, Pascal Couchepin, had to With the impact of the stock- tice and Police, Eveline Wid- Food for eight years. But the explain why, in 2007, the Fed­ market crisis, the company’s mer-Schlumpf took over the indefatigable polemist has not eral Council secretly destroyed share price lost more than 60% helm at the Federal Depart- retired. Several months later highly sensitive documents of its value in a year, and the ment of Finance during his he published a new book en- concerning suspected traffick­ banking giant announced 6,000 absence. titled “La haine de l’occident”. ing of nuclear material. This job cuts. Despite a successful n Switzerland officially entered n The Swiss hotel industry information should not have into the Schengen European achieved the best results in its been allowed to fall into the security area. After Switzerland history in 2008. Demand grew wrong hands, but doubts re- met the structural and legal re- by 4.5%, reaching an historical main about the legality of the quirements, the EU gave the record with almost 37 million procedure. go-ahead at the end of the year. overnight stays. According to n The knife issued to all Swiss n Switzerland picked up six forecasts by BAK Basel Eco- soldiers will continue to be medals at the Olympic Games nomics, a decline is anticipated made in Switzerland. Victo- CHF 13 billion recapitalisation in Beijing. Roger Federer and for the winter season, while an rinox was chosen ahead of six in February, UBS remained in Stanislav Wawrinka won the upturn in demand for tourism competitors, including foreign financial difficulties. The gold at doubles in tennis, while is not expected until 2010. companies, to produce the Chairman of the Board of Di- Fabian Cancellara took gold in n The workers of the freight new version of this national rectors, Marcel Ospel retired cycling’s time-trial event. transport company CFF Cargo emblem. with a golden handshake. More n Football’s European Cham- than CHF 49 billion in capital pionship 2008 was a tremend- was withdrawn from the bank ous success with unprecedented in the third quarter of 2008. crowds visiting the host cities of With its back against the wall, it Zurich, Basel, Berne and Ge- approached the government for neva. Michel Platini, President assistance. The Swiss govern- of UEFA, said: “It was an ex- ment put together a rescue pack­ ceptionally high quality compe- age which took CHF 68 billion tition with a great atmosphere.” in illiquid assets off UBS’s ba- The Swiss team’s aspirations of lance sheet with CHF 6 billion reaching the quarter finals on injected by the government, home soil evaporated after just and a loan of CHF 62 billion two matches. The Köbi Kuhn from the National Bank of era came to an end to make way Switzerland. for the German coach Ottmar n In Geneva, scientists at the Hitzfeld, who will attempt to European Organization for Nu- qualify for the World Cup in clear Research (CERN) put South Africa in 2010. their giant particles accelerator, n The election of Eveline Wid- the LHC, into operation in mer-Schlumpf from the Can- front of 9,000 physicists from ton of Grisons to the Federal all over the world. They hope Council caused a great stir. Af- to discover traces of the invisi- ter the Swiss People’s Party ble dark matter believed to (SVP) failed in its attempts to make up more than 96% of the force her to resign, it expelled universe. The project, costing the Grisons branch party which

December 2008 / No. 6 December 2008 / No. an estimated CHF 11 billion, had backed its representative.

was vigorously opposed by This split within the SVP resul- The oceanographer Jacques Piccard, father of the adventurer Bertrand Piccard, passed away at the age of 86. In 1960, he beat the diving record, taking his sub- some scientists who feared the ted in the creation of the Civic marine to 10,916 metres below sea level in the Mariana Trench. This record has

SWISS REVIEW Photos: Keystone experiment would create a Democratic Party in the can- never been equalled.