THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD

APRIL 2009 / NO. 2

Does need nuclear power stations?

The Swiss economy is in good shape

Switzerland’s first metro system in

EDITORIAL CONTENTS 3

Does Switzerland need nuclear power stations and, if so, how many?

here are currently five nuclear power stations in operation in Switzerland: Beznau I and Beznau II in the Canton of Aargau, Mühleberg in the Canton of Berne Tand two larger plants at Gösgen in the Canton of Solothurn and Leibstadt in the Canton of Aargau. These nuclear power stations will have to be decommissioned between 2020 and 2045 in line with legislation. Plans for new nuclear power stations are therefore in full swing. Three planning applications have been submitted, and the heated debate between the advocates and opponents of nuclear power has begun in earnest. Let us not forget the set the course for energy policy years ago in two Press Photos of the Year 2008: Marcel Ospel’s final highly controversial referenda. On 23 September 1990, the people and the cantons re- UBS AGM jected the popular initiative “for the withdrawal from nuclear power” by a narrow mar- 5 gin with a No vote of 52.9%. At the same time, the referendum on the moratorium “stop Mailbag the construction of nuclear power stations” was approved with 54.4% of the people and 5 cantons voting in favour. On the same day, 71.1% of the people and cantons endorsed the Books: Strike in Bellinzona incorporation of the new energy article into the Federal Constitution. On 18 May 2003, two energy policy proposals were soundly rejected by the people 6 and the cantons: 58.4% voted against the popular initiative “Moratorium Plus – for an Images: Swiss Press Photo 2008 extension to the halt on construction of nuclear power stations and the limitation of nu- 7 clear risk”, and 66.3% said No to the popular initiative “electricity without nuclear en- Energy: Are the lights set to go out ergy – for a change in energy policy and gradual decommissioning of nuclear power sta- in Switzerland? tions”. The Swiss people kept open the option of nuclear power through these 10 decisions. Economic crisis: Interview with For the Federal Council and the energy industry the case is clear: they consider the economist Silvio Borner construction of new nuclear power stations absolutely necessary. However, environmen- 12/13 tal politicians are of the opposite opinion and have branded the Politics Federal Council’s proposals for energy efficiency and renewable sources as “feeble”. They are pinning all their hopes of a green fu- Regional news ture on state-subsidised renewable sources and the carbon dioxide tax on fossil fuels. 14 The potential of alternative energy is clearly far from being Notes from Parliament exhausted and there is still plenty of scope for saving electricity. 16 Whether future electricity requirements can and should be met Switzerland’s first metro system in Lausanne Heinz Eckert without nuclear power stations is a subjective issue. While the sup- 18 porters of nuclear power champion the “cleanest energy” and regard the issue of perma- Experiencing Switzerland nent storage for nuclear waste as resolved, opponents quite simply see highly radioactive 20 waste as a huge problem for mankind. OSA news The question of whether Switzerland needs nuclear power stations and how many will emotionally preoccupy and divide the people as long as it remains relevant to energy 23 supply. It is clear that electricity must be saved and alternative energy promoted inten- Echo sively in all areas. If energy consumption is excessive, politicians will have little choice but

to approve new nuclear power stations. Unfortunately, in the time since the moratorium Cover photo: The Cavagnoli dam holds back too little has been done in Switzerland to promote alternatives to nuclear energy on a Lago dei Cavagnöö near Fusio in the Canton of . Behind is the Lago di Robiei dam wide scale. HEINZ ECKERT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (photo: Keystone) . 2

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

April 2009 / Swiss Abroad, DFA, CH-3003 Berne Translation: CLS Communication AG ■ POSTAL ADDRESS: Publisher, editorial office, advertising: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 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 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 direct from Berne. ISS REVIEW Copy deadline for this edition: 9.2.2009 SW www.revue.ch We look forward to your online visit. MAILBAG BOOKS 5

It’s not just Swiss people arts and non-profit organiza- The one-month strike at the Bellinzona site of the Swiss

abroad who enjoy “Swiss tions. This is all money that bels Federal Railways (SBB) was one of the most significant

Review” would otherwise have to be re events in Swiss politics in 2008. On 7 March, around 400 I have been living on Easter found by the state or the workers at the “Officine” went on strike indefinitely to Island in Chile for 18 years. public. protest against what they saw as the SBB’s unfair and mis- I am an avid reader of “Swiss I do not believe any tax legis- guided restructuring proposals. Politicians from all sides Review”, which enables me lation could achieve equilib- and almost the entire population of the canton came out to keep in touch with my rium between the rich and in support of the strikers and their passionate class strug- homeland. poor, but more compassion gle in a remarkable show of solidarity. “Giù le mani dalle The Spanish version of could be shown towards the officine” –“Hands off our workshop” was the slogan that “Swiss Review” is on my table poor. E. HAUSKNOST, echoed thousands of times throughout southern Switzer- and all of my visitors, even chil- MONTREAL, CANADA land and in the rest of the country as well. On 19 March, dren, flick through and read thousands of people from Ticino travelled to Berne to take with great interest about what More than just a newsletter their protest to the federal capital. Exactly one month af-

is going on in our famous alpine “Swiss Review” is more than Strike in Bellinzona –ter a canton the beginning of the strike, the railwaymen ended nation. just a newsletter. It is a maga- their industrial action after the SBB withdrew its restructuring I bundle up the year’s edi- zine specifically produced for plans. The future of the site has since been discussed around a tions and pass them on to the the 700,000 Swiss people table. The aim is to maintain the “Officine” while, at the same Easter Island’s school library abroad. It is not just any daily time, significantly increasing its cost efficiency. where more than 1000 pupils or weekly newspaper. “Swiss Radio journalist and writer of radio plays Hanspeter can benefit from them. Review” is a newspaper espe- Gschwend has produced a chronicle of the eventful and emo- “Swiss Review” is not just cially for me with information tional days of the strike, which is highly recommended reading. read by the 10% of the Swiss that concerns me as a Swiss cit- As a reporter, Gschwend followed the events from the front line. population living abroad, it is izen abroad, an association This provided him with a rich pool of sound recordings and other also enjoyed by their friends president and a member of the material that he was able to use for his book. Gschwend also and acquaintances. By transfer- Council of the Swiss Abroad. conducted interviews with the key players after the strike and ring it to the Internet, all of I can use the magazine speci- trawled through reports from other media. this interesting information fically for exchange with other He has produced a book that sets out the facts and the back- loses its value, as it can no Swiss people abroad. I am ground to the action. Gschwend sheds light on the historical longer be read by the friends of disappointed that the various roots of the strike movement, the events leading up to the in- Swiss people abroad. Switzer- resolutions on this matter dustrial action and the complex relationships between the work- land’s profile will also be re- failed to have an impact. ers at the site, strike leaders, unions, politicians at all levels, duced as a result. It is ridicu- A. HAUENSTEIN, MERZENICH, the Church and the people. The book contains over 100 images, lous that parliamentarians want GERMANY five short profiles of strikers and a tabular chronology. It has to “save” CHF 500,000, been published in German and Italian. but agree to give billions to No electronic media Gschwend writes from the standpoint of the critical sym- companies that have left entire I am an avid reader of “Swiss pathiser. With great empathy, he explores the motives, anger countries facing ruin. Review”, which provides me and fears of the strikers and their families. But he also shows J. W. SCHMID, HANGA ROA, CHILE with quality information on how the strike leaders under Gianni Frizzo deliberately stirred various topics. The magazine is up the mood time and again when they believed this was nec- Rich and poor in Switzerland sent to me from the Ivory essary for the action to succeed. This is particularly true at the The article entitled “Rich Coast and is my only source of start of the strike. When Nicolas Perrin, head of SBB Cargo, tried and poor in Switzerland” in the information from Switzerland. to explain the restructuring plans to the workers, he was December edition was very in- In the north of Niger, where shouted down at Frizzo’s instigation and had to flee from the sightful, but this situation is in I work with semi-nomadic peo- building through a back entrance. Hanspeter Gschwend pro- fact nothing new. It is the na- ple, there are no electronic me- vides great descriptions of these anx- ture of capitalism that social dia. I travel to Maradi every 10 ious moments as well as of the many extremes are polarised over the weeks to pick up my post. The events, demonstrations and gestures of years at the cost of the middle. electronic version of the maga- solidarity that took place during the However, there is one aspect zine may be easier and quicker month-long strike. RENÉ LENZIN about the rich and superrich for many Swiss people abroad,

. 2 that was overlooked. The mid- but it is not an option for me. No dle classes generally complain I would therefore be extremely that the rich do not pay enough grateful if you could continue Hanspeter Gschwend, Streik in Bellinzona – ein April 2009 / Kanton revoltiert. Verlag Huber, Frauenfeld 2008, tax, but they do not consider providing me with the paper 190 Seiten, CHF 36.00, EUR 23.90. Hanspeter Gschwend, Sciopero a Bellinzona – the amounts of money the su- version in future. S. DÜRRENMATT, il Cantone si rivolta. Rezzonico Editore, Locarno ISS REVIEW perrich donate to charity, the MARADI, REPUBLIC OF NIGER 2008, 200 pagine. SW 6 IMAGES

Swiss Press Photo 2008 This year, the jury viewed and judged 1791 pictures from 135 photographers. They were assisted by two representatives from Germany and France who are responsible for the photography in the magazines “Stern” and “Geo”. The competition helps raise the profile of Swiss press photography. “Swiss Review” has decided to parade a small selection of the winning photographs.

Alessandro Della Bella: Banking crisis. Marcel Ospel, head of UBS, stepped down Didier Ruef: Railway workers on strike. The restructuring plan of SBB Cargo after heavy criticism at the AGM in April. in Bellinzona involves 200 job cuts.

Michael Buholzer: Alexander Frei, captain of the Swiss football team, limps out Stefan Wermuth: Roland Nef, Swiss army chief, stepped down in summer amid of the opening game of Euro 2008 against the Czechs. media allegations of criminal prosecution for harassment. . 2 No April 2009 /

ISS REVIEW Charles Ellena: A counter-demonstration halts the SVP’s march through Berne, Peter Klaunzer: The political left in the Council applauds the news of Christoph SW Photos: Swiss Press Photo 08 giving Christoph and Silvia Blocher a closely guarded break. Blocher’s failure to get elected. ENERGY FOR SWITZERLAND 7

Are the lights set to go out in Switzerland? domestic production and domestic demand Words of warning from the electricity industry: the nation’s after 2020. There are two key factors at play – the gradual decommissioning of the oldest power supply could be in jeopardy without new large-scale nuclear power stations from 2020 and the power stations. Do we really need new nuclear or gas-fired increasing demand for electricity. The ex- power plants, or can “green” electricity secure future energy piry of long-term supply contracts with France from 2018 also has to be taken into supply? By Rolf Ribi account. According to the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (VSE), there will be a shortfall in electric- ity of 13 to 22 TWh (l tera- watt hour corresponds to 1 billion kilowatt hours) in 2022 and of 17 to 31 TWh in 2035. The Federal Office of Energy estimates shortfalls of 14 to 17 and 12 to 21 TWh respectively for the same years. Anxious Swiss citizens are wondering whether the lights in Swiss homes will one day go out. Heinz Karrer, head of the power giant Axpo, antic- ipates “interruptions to sup- ply in an extreme scenario” and greater dependence on other countries. Giovanni Leonardi, head of Switzer- land’s largest power company Alpiq, warns that “power cuts in individual regions would The Beznau project submitted be catastrophic for the entire country”. Avenir Suisse, a “The cheapest and most sustainable energy is of domestic electricity is generated by hy- pro-business institute, forecasts a “greater energy we don’t use”, in the words of Federal draulic power stations and reservoir power probability of power cuts if there are also Councillor Moritz Leuenberger, which have plants in the mountains, while 42% comes production capacity shortages in neighbour- been used hundreds of times in speeches by from the five nuclear power stations (the re- ing countries”. politicians and managers on the issue of en- mainder from recycling, small power sta- ergy. However, this sentiment has had no tions and renewable sources). At the socket, Controversy over power shortages lasting effect: total energy consumption in the reality is quite different: as Switzerland The “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” comments: Switzerland climbed by 3.5% between 2000 trades in electricity internationally, exports “The expression “electricity shortfall” is in- and 2006 (latest figures). The greatest rise clean hydraulic power and imports uneco- appropriate.” It argues that this “mechanis- was in electricity consumption, which in- logical nuclear and carbon-generated power, tic view” overlooks the fact that a power creased by a full 10%. The Swiss have used 1 only 34% of hydraulic energy is retained shortage will lead to higher prices and there- to 2% more electrical energy each year since compared to 60% of nuclear and carbon- fore a reduction in demand. It also says that 1990. The reasons for this are obvious - more based power. rising energy prices would have the “wel- people, greater economic growth and come side-effect that previously uneconom- prosperity and silly little things like coffee Shortfalls in power supply? ical sources of energy and technologies would machines with a keep-warm setting, power- Walter Steinmann, Director of the Swiss become marketable”. The article’s author guzzling electric heaters and the stand-by Federal Office of Energy, says: “Switzer- also reminds the reader of the market-econ-

. 2 mode of countless electrical products. land’s supply of fossil fuels, in other words omy maxim “scarcity is the mother of inven- No To tal energy supply in Switzerland in crude oil and natural gas, is assured until tion”. 2006 paints the following picture: four fifths 2020.” And the same timeframe applies to With the impending shortfall in the elec- April 2009 /

one is made up of fossil fuels for heating, indus- the supply of electrical energy. Looking to tricity industry, green critics are taking a yst trial process heat and transport, while elec- the future, pro-business circles and the hard line. The Swiss Energy Foundation ISS REVIEW tricity accounts for one fifth. Around 53% SFOE have identified a shortfall between (SES) believes the industry is scaremonger- SW Photo: Ke 8 ENERGY FOR SWITZERLAND

ing to keep the five existing nuclear power giant Atel wants to construct Gösgen II, and A core meltdown of the reactor with se- stations in operation as long as possible. Af- power companies Axpo and Bernische Kraft- rious consequences for the human popula- ter all, each extra year in operation beyond werke have plans for new nuclear reactors in tion and the environment would be the the authorised lifespan produces high addi- Beznau and Mühleberg. A new nuclear power worst-case scenario in the operation of a tional income. WWF Switzerland adds: station with an output of 1600 MW would nuclear power station. Swiss companies op- “The power companies are more concerned enable Beznau I, Beznau II and Gösgen to erating this kind of plant have to take out about the lucrative peak electricity business be replaced at the same time. liability insurance with cover up to CHF with countries abroad than about ensuring The three projects share similarities – 1 billion. Federal government acts as an in- power supply for Switzerland.” the European pressurised water reactor surer for further damages up to CHF 1 bil-

Electricity from nuclear power in Europe: reality and future Alternative energy production

Switzerland is in fact an important hub in EPR-3, relatively low cooling towers with- lion (an increase to CHF 1.8 billion is the European electricity trade. Axpo Group out great clouds of steam, a cost of CHF 6 planned). Any costs incurred by federal gov- member, the Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft to 7 billion, suitable locations and accept- ernment are ultimately borne by the gen- Laufenburg (EGL), alone traded a total of ance among local residents (except for eral public. “Operators are subsidised to 67 billion kWh of power in the 2007 finan- Mühleberg). But all nuclear projects in give priority to nuclear power over other cial year, which is more than Switzerland Switzerland – nuclear power stations forms of energy”, says nuclear-friendly Ave- uses in a year. Water is pumped to reservoirs and atomic repositories – are subject to a nir Suisse. high in the mountains using cheap energy lengthy legal procedure. from nuclear power stations and the peak en- Unresolved disposal issue ergy produced is sold at higher prices. Ac- Safety and liability The disposal of radioactive material is the cording to Heinz Karrer, head of Axpo, “trad- There are several issues concerning the main problem with nuclear energy. Since the ing in electricity is undoubtedly good planned nuclear power stations, mainly re- civil use of nuclear power began, 300,000 business”. lating to safety and the permanent disposal tonnes of highly radioactive material have of radioactive waste. been accumulated worldwide (including Controversial nuclear energy The opposing sides are very divided on the 2,000 tonnes of weapons-grade plutonium), Five nuclear power stations are in operation issue of the safety of nuclear power stations. to which more than 10,000 tonnes are added in Switzerland – the smaller stations of Bez- By law in Switzerland, the risk of damage to each year. There is no system for the disposal nau I and Beznau II in the Canton of Aargau, the reactor core must not exceed 1 in 100,000 of nuclear waste in deep geological strata in Mühleberg in the Canton of Berne, and two per year of operation. Anton Treier, of the operation yet anywhere in the world. Most larger stations in Gösgen (970 megawatt out- Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate, nuclear waste emits radioactivity in water put) in the Canton of Solothurn and Leib- explains that the new “third-generation” tanks at temporary sites close to the reactors.

. 2 stadt (1030 MW) in the Canton of Aargau. plants – like the ones planned in Switzerland The storage of high-level waste from nuclear No The legal lifespan of these stations will come – must even be able to cope with a core melt- power stations needs to be based on a time- to an end between 2020 and 2045. Energy down, the most serious potential accident. scale of a million years, and the disposal of low April 2009 /

one Minister Leuenberger has received no fewer But he adds: “The release of radioactivity to intermediate-level waste on one of 10,000 yst than three applications for new nuclear cannot be completely ruled out in the event years. “Finding a definitive solution for such s: Ke ge ISS REVIEW power stations in the past year. The power of a serious accident.” long periods of time is bordering on science SW Ima 9

fiction”, suggests Jürg Buri of the Swiss En- Are gas-fired power stations the answer? mal heat and biomass? Eco-electricity from ergy Foundation. Could a major gas-fired power station using all these sources represents 56% of total elec- Under Swiss legislation on nuclear power, gas and steam turbines to produce electric- tricity production, principally thanks to hy- radioactive waste must be disposed of in ity provide an alternative to nuclear power draulic power. In terms of electricity con- Switzerland “in principle”. The search for stations? This modern technology offers var- sumption, the contribution of the new suitable repositories has been going on in ious benefits – a high level of technical effi- renewable sources is again very modest at Switzerland for 30 years. The National ciency of around 55%, a plant size of around 5.7% – 3.7% from wood and biogas, 0.8% Cooperative for the Disposal of Radio- 400 MW,the production of base load energy from geothermal heat, just 0.13% from solar active Waste (Nagra) believes the con- around the clock, a short realisation time of power and a mere 0.004% from wind struction of a final repository for radioac- just three years and moderate construction power. tive waste 600 metres below the ground in costs of around CHF 380 million. However, “Green energy” is now set to be promoted Opalinus Clay is feasible. According to the there are two major disadvantages – fuel in Switzerland too. Swiss energy policy has government, this would satisfy the legally costs and environmental pollution. set a target of 10% of current electricity con- required “demonstration of feasibility” for Fuel costs represent 72% of the production sumption to be provided by solar (photo- the disposal of spent fuels and high-level costs, which means high dependency on the voltaic) and wind power, small hydraulic waste. The government’s aim is to find a price of natural gas. “The greater the insta- power stations, geothermal heat and biomass final repository for low and intermediate- bility of gas prices, the greater the instability by 2030. As in other countries, relatively level waste by 2030 and for high-level of electricity prices” (Avenir Suisse). And expensive eco-electricity is subsidised. Ever waste by 2040. what about Switzerland’s supply of natural since the start of the year, all consumers pay gas, which covers 12% of total energy con- 0.45 cents per kilowatt hour into a fund Nagra caught in the crossfire sumption? “Our supply is secure thanks to a which will reduce the price of green energy When Nagra named six possible locations geographically broad purchasing base”, ex- fed into the electricity grid for 20 to 25 years. for the disposal of nuclear waste last au- plains Ruedi Rohrbach, CEO of Swissgas. New eco-friendly projects and technologies tumn, there was outrage in all the cantons Three quarters of the natural gas used in only have a chance on the market with this and regions concerned. There was strong Switzerland comes from Western Europe, state support. However, Parliament with its opposition from ’s Weinland and mainly Norway and the Netherlands. There powerful lobby from the electricity and nu- Bözberg in Aargau to Südfuss in Jura. There are no supply contracts with Russian produc- clear power industries has set a low upper was also a negative reaction in southern ers but Russian natural gas still makes up 21% limit for this subsidy. The CHF 250 million Germany and Vorarlberg. The Swiss Par- of our gas imports. available has been quickly exhausted by pro- liament would be responsible for granting Gas-fired power stations pollute the envi- posed projects. Increasing the levy to 0.6 outline permission for a final nuclear repos- ronment with the greenhouse gas carbon di- cents per kilowatt hour is now on the politi- itory. In the event of a referendum, the oxide. Parliament demands full compensa- cal agenda. Swiss people would have the final say,but tion for these emissions through the purchase “It will be possible to supply the whole of that is unlikely to happen before 2019. of emissions certificates. The revenues from Switzerland using renewable sources within Even though there is opposition to Na- these certificates are used to fund carbon di- the next decade”, explains SP National gra’s plans, their experts have received some oxide-reducing technologies in Switzerland Councillor Rudolf Rechsteiner. However, recognition: whenever researchers abroad and abroad. The costs for the purchase of with its current system for promoting these

are looking for permanent repositories for CO2 certificates are lower abroad than in sources, Switzerland risks falling behind. nuclear waste, they visit two Nagra rock Switzerland. The electricity company EOS This politician from Basel is calling for the caverns in Grimselpass and close to the Jura says the planned gas-fired power station in unrestricted feeding of subsidised eco-elec- town of Saint-Ursanne, which dates back Chavalon in Valais could be constructed with tricity into the grid, if necessary through a to the Middle Ages. Whether granite or a foreign share of 50%. federal popular initiative. clay, Nagra experts believe both rock strata There is also opposition to gas-fired power make ideal deep repositories several hun- stations. Left-wing and green parties priori- DOCUMENTATION dred metres into the mountain: “Geology tise renewable sources and will only consider Urs Meister: Strategien für die Schweizer Elektrizitäts- versorgung im europäischen Kontext. Zurich 2008, gives us safety for thousands of years.” gas-fired stations if nuclear power is aban- Avenir Suisse (www.avenir-suisse.ch) Assessing the chances for new nuclear doned. Conservative parties are mainly op- Die Zukunft der Elektrizitätsversorgung in der Schweiz. Zurich 2009, The Energy Consulting Group power stations in Switzerland, Energy Min- posed to fossil-fuel power stations because (www.the-ecgroup.com/publ.htm) ister Moritz Leuenberger says: “New they want to promote nuclear power. WWF Swiss Energy Foundation: Magazin Energie und Umwelt, Zurich 2007/08. Various topics relating nuclear power stations will only win the Switzerland says that gas-fired power sta- to renewable sources and nuclear energy support of the people if everything conceiv- tions have “no place in our climate policy”. (www.energiestiftung.ch) Documentation centre doku-zug.ch . 2 able in relation to energy efficiency and re- No (www.doku-zug.ch) newable sources has genuinely been done.” Renewable sources He adds: “It will be difficult to win a refer- What contribution is made by renewable April 2009 / endum unless the issue of the permanent sources in Switzerland, such as hydraulic storage of radioactive waste has been re- power and the so-called new renewable ISS REVIEW solved.” sources like solar and wind power, geother- SW 10 ECONOMIC CRISIS

“The Swiss economy is in good shape” The bursting of the American property bubble caused a financial crisis which has resulted in a global economic crisis. How bad is this crisis? And how will it affect Switzerland? We asked Silvio Borner, Professor of Economics from Basel. Interview by Heinz Eckert.

“SWISS REVIEW”: Were extent. Everything was you surprised by the crisis? very different back then. SILVIO BORNER: Ye s, The central banks now I was actually. Even though have new, efficient tools at as economists we were their disposal that didn’t aware that there were spec- exist then and currencies ulative bubbles, we did not are no longer tied to the predict that they would gold standard. The gene- burst. The scale of the cri- ral setting was also very sis was surprising, too. Had different to today. The I known, I would have sold economy had not yet be- my modest share portfolio come globalised and it is at the right time. unclear how that crisis was overcome. Was it really Which bubbles were you Roosevelt’s new deal or aware of? was it perhaps the Se- The property bubble, for cond World War with the one. Though the fact that need for new weapons it managed to trigger a glo- manufacture? bal crisis when it burst came as a huge surprise. Is the current situation People had been aware of being blown out of propor- the bubbles in the USA, SILVIO BORNER tion? Lots of major Swiss UK and Spain for some Silvio Borner, born in 1941, is a Professor of Economics at the University companies seem to be in time. But I constantly have of Basel and Head of the Economics and Politics Department at the Center great shape. to remind people that in for Economic Sciences (WWZ) in Basel. He has been lecturing in econom- That is certainly true. Switzerland too we had to ics and politics in Basel for more than 30 years and describes himself as The Swiss economy is in write off CHF 100 billion one of the last all-rounders in the field. He is also a member of the Steer- very good shape and will in the property sector at ing Committee of Avenir Suisse, Zurich, Chairman of the Board of Direc- come through the crisis the beginning of the 1990s. tors of Patria Genossenschaft, Basel, and Chairman of the Board of Trus- okay. While the EU is The size of the property tees at Patria Jeunesse. forecasting a 1.9% fall in crisis in the USA is actually gross domestic product not so big in comparison. The speed at came a banking crisis and that is the big- (GDP) for 2009, we shouldn’t forget which the crisis spread and the depth of it gest problem now. If it had just been a mat- that we have consistently achieved was surprising. ter of a lack of liquidity, the central banks growth rates of 1 to 2% over recent years. could have solved the problem. But the We are currently at a very high level. Is anyone to blame for the crisis? banks took a hit to their assets. They had I sometimes think the government has Economists are not moralists.I don’t no money left and had to be recapitalised. almost done too much and panicked. want to point the finger at excessive greed In this case, there is also a shortage of pri- We shouldn’t over-exaggerate the prob- or swindlers or claim that the regulators vate investors. This is why some banks lem. failed. That doesn’t tell the whole story. went under and others had to be rescued

. 2 There have been and always will be finan- by the government. Even the President of the Swiss National No cial crises. The entire financial market had Bank has said that the Swiss economy will simply become so big and complicated How relevant are comparisons with the cri- withstand the crisis well. April 2009 /

one with different investment products that sis of 1929? Overlooking the fact that it would not yst those responsible could no longer see the Comparisons with the first global eco- be right for the President of the National ISS REVIEW bigger picture. The financial crisis then be- nomic crisis can only be made to a limited Bank to fan the flames of the crisis with SW Photo: Ke 11

negative statements at the moment any- people want to buy shares in a state-owned State intervention primarily aims to save way, I would have to agree. Not only do we company. jobs. Isn’t that a strong argument for it? have a strong economy, we do not have a No, otherwise we should have saved property crisis. The problem in Switzer- What do you think of government the stagecoach as well. The American land is only actually centred on the finan- programmes to stimulate the economy? stock exchange was founded in 1896. cial sector. I doubt whether they help much. By the Of the founding companies, only General time they have been finalised, it’s often too Electric still exists. Big companies will How do you mean? late. Unfortunately. And what they are ac- always disappear, like the airlines Pan We are all wiser with the benefit of hind- tually used for is a key point. If they are in- American and Transworld Airlines. And sight, but the Swiss banks should have con- vested in long-term infrastructure, that’s not just in the USA. The Austrian econo- centrated on their core business of asset okay. However, economic programmes are mist Joseph Schumpeter saw “creative management. They are good at it and it is a dream come true for powerful interest destruction” as an opportunity. And part of the Swissness that has been lost at groups. They can finally get their pet Basel’s modern-day chemical multination- the major banks in recent years. Switzer- projects, which have previously been re- als emerged from the city’s silk-ribbon land as a financial centre cannot sustain jected as uneconomical, financed or at industry. two investment banks that are among the least subsidised by the state. I don’t believe biggest in the world. That’s having delu- in investing in social or ecological roman- Why then does the financial sector deserve sions of grandeur. I don’t want to down- ticism. special treatment? play the crisis, but let’s not dramatise it ei- The collapse of the financial sector poses ther. If the large Swiss banks shrink, that What do you mean? a threat to the system, which means the can only be good for Switzerland as a fi- For example, trying to convert Basel entire economy runs the risk of collapsing. nancial centre. into a solar city. But structural development mistakes are also made in the financial sector, as As a neo-liberal, you must be horrified by The USA has also saved the car industry the UBS example shows. There is much the state intervention in recent times. from bankruptcy. Do you believe this inter- to suggest that there should be a scaling- Even a neo-liberal doesn’t want to see vention was justified? down process across the board. Care management of the economy without the This is an anathema to me. State inter- must be taken to ensure government state, especially not in the banking sector. vention in the financial sector has whetted fire-fighting measures do not hold back Nothing is as heavily regulated as the fi- the appetite of other sectors in trouble. necessary restructuring in the medium nancial sector. This means the state has However, it is important not to get in the term. With the benefit of hindsight, failed too in the financial crisis. We don’t way of structural change. The US car in- you have to ask whether UBS should have need more regulation, but better and more dustry has been struggling for some time. been scaled down immediately and efficient supervision of the banks. Those Its products are no longer contemporary whether it would have been better to calling for more regulation should not for- and there is no trace of innovation. It’s sell off the investment business. But in get that the banks are so creative they al- doubtful that it has now turned the corner the middle of the crisis that was no longer ways find a way around new legal provi- long-term. possible. sions and barriers. It’s like with doping – the tests always lag behind medical ad- vances. THE THREE CRISES which are also huge by histor- financially and run up huge So, was it the wrong response for the state to Prof. Dr. Silvio Borner: “The ical comparison, lead us to mountains of debt which will give UBS CHF 68 billion? financial crisis aside, the eco- hope that we will come make things difficult in the We really have to ask ourselves whether nomic cycle had peaked in through the lowest point in future and in extreme cases Switzerland needs two large banks. 2007/2008 anyway. This situ- the economic cycle in the sec- could lead to new financial The nation is no more dependent on UBS ation coinciding with the ond half of 2009 or in 2010 at crises, this time state ones. for its survival than it was on . greatest disaster on the finan- the latest. Both estimations The state has also taken large “What we need is an international air- cial markets is threatening a are optimistic but not unreal- holdings in previously private port. Everything else will take care of into a bad recession. istic. Will the problem be over financial companies, making itself”, is what we said at the time of Some people believe we could then? Unfortunately not, as investment management po- the Swissair crisis and we were proven even face a depression like in the growth crisis might only litically motivated. National- right. the 1930s. I believe the finan- then really start to take hold. ised banks have caused lots of

. 2 I wouldn’t like to have made the decision cial crisis is slowly stabilising This risk exists precisely problems in the past. Finan- No on the CHF 68 billion. What concerns me thanks to the huge state fi- because of, and not despite, cial aid and economic injec- is not the fact that the state bought dis- nancial injections from cen- the historically unprece- tions obstruct or even prevent April 2009 / tressed assets from UBS, but that it ac- tral banks and finance minis- dented state intervention. urgently needed restructur- quired CHF 6 billion in share capital. This tries. The state programmes The reason is the state may ing within and outside the ISS REVIEW pushes private investors away. Very few to stimulate the economy, have overstretched itself financial sector.” SW 12 POLITICS

A definitive Yes to the free movement of persons Comment The electorate gave their approval to the continuation of the Trustworthy Switzerland free movement of persons with the European Union by a much If the Swiss people harbour doubts before a clearer margin than expected. They also agreed to extend the referendum, they generally vote No at the agreement to Bulgaria and Rumania. With a 51% turnout, 60% ballot box. After the referendum on 8 Febru- ary, we can therefore safely say there is no voted Yes at the ballot box. By René Lenzin longer any doubt whatsoever about the bilat- eral approach to policy on Europe. Six out of The issue of Europe continues to mobilise agreement on the free movement of persons every ten voters backed the continuation of voters. On 8 February, the turnout for a fed- for an initial seven years. When Parliament the free movement of persons and its exten- eral referendum exceeded the 50% mark for linked the continuation of the agreement to sion to Bulgaria and Rumania – in other the first time since September 2005. Both the extension to Bulgaria and Rumania, var- words, considerably more people than sup- these referenda were on the free movement ious right-wing parties successfully cam- ported the extension of the agreement to of persons. In the first, the electorate ap- paigned for a referendum. Approval by the the then ten new EU states a good three proved the extension of the agreement to the people definitively enshrines into law not just years ago. ten eastern and southern European coun- the free movement of persons but also the Such a resounding result was not a fore- tries that had just joined the EU. This time six associated agreements from the first gone conclusion. The gloomy economic situ- around, they agreed to the continuation of round of bilateral negotiations. These gov- ation with the prospect of a lengthy reces- the agreement and its extension to Bulgaria ern issues such as land and air traffic, the rec- sion pointed to a closer contest. and Rumania. The gradual introduction of ognition of qualifications and the removal of Nevertheless, the people endorsed, for the the free movement of persons with the two trade barriers. fifth time, the path that they had marked latest EU members is set to begin on 1 April out back in 1992 when they voted not to en- at the earliest with a seven-year transitional The fifth Yes to bilateralism ter the European Economic Area (EEA). period. The Federal Council believes the outcome The losers of this Referendum Sunday are The endorsement was more resounding is a victory for Switzerland as a business the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and their than polls had suggested beforehand. 59.6% centre and an affirmation of the bilateral prime mover Christoph Blocher. After a con- of the electorate voted Ye s and only the four approach. This is actually the fifth time fusing series of shifts in position, the party cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Glarus, the people have given their approval to decided to back the No campaign, probably Schwyz and Ticino rejected the proposals. agreements concluded between Switzerland not least as a concession to a party base The proportion of Ye s votes in French-speak- and Brussels. In May 2000, 67.2% backed sceptical of a policy of openness. But the ing Switzerland and in the urban areas of the first bilateral negotiations package. In subsequent campaign based on fears of a col- German-speaking Switzerland was high, in June 2005, 54.6% agreed to accession to the lapse of the welfare state did not have the keeping with tradition. This time, however, Schengen and Dublin agreements. In the desired effect. Back in their day, Blocher and most of the rural cantons of central and east- autumn of the same year, 56% said Ye s to his supporters just managed to prevent Swit- ern Switzerland were also more supportive extending the free movement of persons zerland joining the EEA and forced accession of a policy of openness than before (see to the ten new EU countries. And finally, in to the EU off the political agenda for many map). November 2006, 53.4% approved cohesion years. However, majority support now eludes The referendum was necessary because funding of CHF 1 billion for those same them in their efforts to prevent Switzerland Switzerland and the EU had only signed the countries. gradually drawing closer to the European Union through agreements on individual issues. Share of votes in favour The bilateral negotiation process may be of the free movement a long and sometimes rocky road. But it of persons = 59.6% remains the only approach to policy on Only the cantons of Schwyz, Europe that has the backing of the people. Glarus, Appenzell IR and Ticino If the Federal Council enters into reasonable rejected the proposal agreements, it knows it can count on popular support. Some EU governments would be delighted if their own integration policy were as well accepted by the people.

. 2 This continuity based on direct democracy No makes Switzerland a reliable and credible partner for the EU. It also gives the Federal April 2009 / Council the strength to conduct future nego- tiations with the necessary self-belief. ISS REVIEW RENÉ LENZIN SW POLITICS 13

Berne and Brussels row over corporate . The differing cantonal tax Following the renewed approval of the free movement of persons, rates and, in some cases, low levels of tax for offshore companies – companies with an ad- Switzerland and the European Union are now in negotiations dress in Switzerland, but no employees – on electricity transit and free trade in agricultural goods. The EU have long angered many EU countries. The is also looking to attack cantonal tax privileges for foreign EU is also critical of the unequal treatment of Swiss and foreign holding companies in companies. By René Lenzin Switzerland. The former cannot carry out their own business activities, whereas the On 8 February,the Swiss people definitively Discussions are also being held on less latter can. This enables them to generate endorsed the agreement with the EU on the weighty issues, mostly concerning develop- revenues in the EU, but pay tax in Switzer- free movement of persons and extended it ments in EU law. Ta lks have been ongoing land’s fiscal paradise. to the new EU members, Bulgaria and Ru- for some time on a framework agreement for Brussels has given Switzerland an ultima- mania (see page 12). A major hurdle in the bilateral negotiations that will make the tum to abolish these tax privileges because bilateral relations process has therefore been process of adjusting Swiss legislation in line they contravene the Free Trade Agreement cleared, but there is still a long way to go. with such new provisions more efficient. of 1972. Unless Switzerland makes conces- Berne and Brussels are currently holding ne- These talks involve institutionalised dia- sions on this issue, the EU has indicated gotiations on further agreements in two logue that extends beyond the expert groups there will be no progress in other areas. Swit- main areas: already set up in certain specialist areas. zerland disputes any connection with the ■ Given its location at the heart of Europe Micheline Calmy-Rey, Minister of Foreign 1972 agreement and does not want to nego- and its role as an important producer of elec- Affairs, broached the issue of an agreement tiate on its tax system or cantonal autonomy. tricity, Switzerland has a key part to play in of this nature again after the referendum on However, the Federal Council is prepared to the liberalised European electricity market. 8 February, but the response from the par- accommodate the EU by carrying out inde- Both parties are therefore attempting to ties was muted. Many politicians fear the pendent reforms. It launched proposals in reach an agreement on electricity transit. EU’s intention is the automatic implemen- December for the abolition of offshore com- ■ More free trade in agricultural goods and tation of its law in Switzerland, effectively panies and a ban on business activities by food products is also on the agenda. Nego- making Switzerland a second-class member foreign holding companies. What impact tiations concern a reduction in protective of the EU. these measures will have on Switzerland as duties and quotas as well as the harmonisa- a business location and whether they will tion of production regulations. The issue has Negotiations without negotiation pour oil on troubled waters in the EU re- sparked controversy in Swiss political circles. The most complex issue in the relationship mains to be seen. Those in favour anticipate lower consumer between Berne and Brussels is one about prices, while opponents fear for the survival which negotiations are not officially taking of many farmers. place: the taxation of European companies

Fingerprint in passport? The Swiss people will vote on “A s part of their responsibilities, federal gov- ernment and the cantons will ensure that biometric passports and complementary medicine on 17 May. complementary medicine is considered” – a By René Lenzin parliamentary majority wants this principle to be enshrined in the constitution against All passports are set to contain biometric opments of it. As the European Union has the will of the Federal Council. Their aim is data from the end of this year. What this es- made biometric passports mandatory, Swit- to assign greater importance to alternative sentially means is that the facial image and zerland is also taking this step. However, this therapies, such as anthroposophical medi- fingerprints of the passport holder are to be development was initiated by the USA and cine, homeopathy, neural therapy, herbal stored on a chip. The Federal Council and not Europe. Immigration regulations were medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Parliament have decided to stop producing tightened there in the wake of the attacks of Mainstream and complementary medicine the old passports and just to issue biometric 11 September 2001. Now, the only way you should work more closely together. The new travel documents from now on. The old can enter America without a visa is with a provision is a counter-proposal to a more far- passports will however remain valid until biometric passport. reaching popular initiative which has now their expiry date.A referendum has been The decision was virtually unchallenged in been withdrawn. The bill was approved by

. 2 called against this decision and it is now up the Council of States, where it was approved 152 votes to 6 in the National Council and No to the people to decide. by 36 votes to 2. There was greater resistance by 41 votes to 0 in the Council of States. Te chnically, the decision has to do with in the National Council, which voted 94 to April 2009 / implementing European law. By acceding to 81 in favour. Opponents of the scheme argue the Schengen Agreement, Switzerland has that data protection is not rigorous enough ISS REVIEW also undertaken to accept any further devel- with the central storage of biometric data. SW 14 NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT

“Anyone who goes on a journey… note that in some countries a passport must contain at least two free facing pages when you apply for a visa. …will certainly have a story to tell”. Unfortunately, not If you require a new Swiss passport, apply for it in good time everyone’s experience of holiday or business travel is good. (at least six weeks before use) from the representation where Good travel preparation is time well spent and can often you are registered: www.eda.admin.ch (Representations). Provi- prevent little annoyances or even worst-case scenarios. sional passports can also be issued, but they are valid for a maxi- mum of 12 months, contain just 16 pages and cost CHF 100. The following tips should help you prepare for and enjoy your Provisional passports do not contain biometric data. best weeks of the year. Keep your passport safe when at home and out and about, and protect it against theft and loss. Make photocopies of your pass- Obtaining information port before travelling. These may prove useful if you lose it. Obtain information on your holiday destination in good time They are not a replacement for the original passport, nor do from travel guide books, the Internet, the media and the FDFA they prevent checks and inquiries at Swiss representations, (see box), etc. The “Wenn einer eine Reise tut…” brochure pub- which may take some time, particularly at weekends. Request lished by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) a report from the police if you lose your passport. This is re- provides lots of sound advice: www.eda.admin.ch/reisehinweise, quired for issue of a provisional passport and for cancellation of “Tipps vor der Reise” section. This brochure can also be ordered your stolen passport. in German, French and Italian from the Federal Office for Build- ings and Logistics, Federal Publications, CH-3003 Berne. Insurance The cost of seeing a doctor and receiving hospital treatment is comparable with Switzerland or even higher in many countries. The FDFA’s travel advice, published on the Internet, contains the depart- ment’s assessment of the security situation in more than 150 countries. Even a short stay in hospital or repatriation can be very expen- The travel advice assesses security in terms of the political situation and sive. criminality. It highlights possible risks and recommends precautionary meas- ures to be taken when out and about. If the FDFA considers the dangers in Check the following with your insurance company before a country or region to be particularly great, it advises against travelling there. you depart: The travel advice therefore focuses on a very specific aspect of travel. For other areas, e.g. for information on entry regulations and the spread of dis- ■ What is your insurance cover abroad? eases, it provides the appropriate contact details. This travel advice is pub- ■ Do you have to pay bills abroad yourself, with reimbursement lished in the three official languages – German, French and Italian – and is constantly revised and updated if the assessment of the situation changes: from the insurance company following later? www.eda.admin.ch/reisehinweise ■ Are cancellations covered? ESTHER LEUPP, FDFA, TRAVEL ADVICE If necessary, additional health and/or travel insurance is recommended. Travel documents Find out in good time about entry regulations from the repre- Money sentation (embassy or consulate general) of your holiday desti- If your money runs out or is stolen, your family or friends can nation (the Swiss representations are unable to provide you transfer money to you quickly via agencies such as Western with this information): Union (www.westernunion.com). ■ Do you need a passport or is an identity card sufficient? (for the EU: http://europa.eu/abc/travel/doc/index_en.htm) For space reasons, this is merely an abridged version of the article. ■ Is a machine-readable passport OK or is a biometric passport Yo u can read the full article at www.revue.ch. We hope this advice required? Is a provisional passport sufficient (some countries, helps you enjoy an unforgettable holiday, and wish you a fabulous e.g. Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, require a visa for a provisional time and a smooth journey! passport)? (Information for the USA: http://bern.usembassy. gov/niv_waiver_program.html, www.schweizerpass.admin.ch), But if something should go wrong … ■ Do you require an entry, transit or exit visa? Contact your family if you hear of a disaster at your holiday ■ Do you have to obtain the visa prior to departure in your destination. They will undoubtedly be worried about you. country of residence or do you obtain it at the airport on arrival? If you are unable to cope alone, contact the appropriate Swiss ■ Are there other regulations to observe before arrival? (e.g. the representation: www.eda.admin.ch (Representations). The em- entry authorisation compulsory for the USA since 12.01.09: bassy or consulate general will primarily focus on helping you https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/) stand on your own two feet again. They can, for example, ar- ■ Do minors travelling alone or accompanied by just one parent range contact with doctors and hospitals, organise repatriation, require special travel authorisation from their parents or from arrange a lawyer without obligation or issue a travel document

. 2 the parent not travelling? in the event that you lose your passport. The representations No Please note that despite Schengen identification is mandatory charge fees for certain services. Further information can be in the EU. Yo u must be able to provide identification at all found at www.eda.admin.ch (Services – Assistance abroad). But April 2009 / times. please do not expect the impossible as representations are Does your passport still have enough pages and is it valid for at bound by legal provisions. They cannot act as a bank, carry out ISS REVIEW least 6 months after arrival at your holiday destination? Please their own police-style investigations, become involved in ongo- SW 15

ing court proceedings or free Swiss citizens without prosecution If your adult children still live at home, you will receive if they have broken the law. Representations cannot provide several copies of “Swiss Review”. This has a significant impact money for onward travel or hotel costs. Nor can they advance on costs. How can you prevent multiple deliveries and help money for costs in the event of a death, or for bail, fines or legal to save costs? Either register for electronic delivery at fees. A representation cannot issue a passport at the airport or www.swissabroad.ch or cancel your copy. Complete, sign and apply for an entry or exit visa on your behalf. return this form to the representation concerned or send an e-mail. Addresses: www.eda.admin.ch (Representations).

Ding! Your latest Statistics on Swiss abroad in 2008 “Swiss Review” is here! At the end of December 2008, the number of Swiss citizens living abroad was 676,176. This is 8,069 or 1.2% higher than in December 2007. The number holding dual nationality has reached 485,286 or 71.6%.

Where do most Swiss people abroad live? Top ten 1. France 6. UK (GB & Northern Ireland) 2. Germany 7. Spain 3. USA 8. Australia Distribution of “Swiss Review” 4.Italy 9. Argentina Would you like to receive “Swiss Review” electronically? 5. Canada 10. Brazil Do you receive several copies of “Swiss Review” to the same address? Statistics on Swiss abroad “Swiss Review” is now available in a new Internet format (e-paper). If in future you wish to receive the link to the latest 4% Oceania 6% Asia “Swiss Review” by e-mail and read it online, register at www.swissabroad.ch (please note that your e-mail program 25% Americas must be html-compatible). The electronic version of “Swiss Review” offers several benefits: 3% Africa 62% Europe ■ Quicker, more reliable delivery to many countries irrespective of location. Yo u receive “Swiss Review” immediately after pub- lication, which means the articles are more current. 57.6% of Swiss people abroad are female, and 22.5% are under ■ Free choice of language: you can now choose for yourself the age of 18. Of those entitled to vote, 124,399, i.e. 23.9%, are the language in which you would like to read “Swiss Review” enrolled on a Swiss electoral register. (not applicable to regional sections). The statistics in full and a detailed press release can be found at www.eda.admin.ch (Documentation – Publications – Swiss At www.swissabroad.ch you can also register to receive Abroad). information by e-mail from your representation (embassy or consulate general) on issues such as culture and the eco- nomy, etc. Simple, step-by-step instructions can be found NEW POPULAR INITIATIVES AND REFERENDA at www.swissabroad.ch or in the February edition of “Swiss No new popular initiatives had been launched since the last edition Review” (No. 1/09). at the time of going to press. At www.bk.admin.ch/aktuell/abstimmung you will find a list I have access to “Swiss Review” through a family member and of pending referenda and popular initiatives and the corresponding therefore wish to cancel my individual copy. signature forms if available. Please complete, sign and send the forms directly to the relevant committee which is responsible for Surname/first name: the authentication of your signature. . 2

No Date of birth: Address: April 2009 / Signature: RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OFFICIAL FDFA INFORMATION PAGES: RAHEL SCHWEIZER, SERVICE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD/FDFA, BUNDES- Please send this coupon to your representation. GASSE 32, CH-3003 BERNE, TEL. +41 31 324 23 98, FAX: +41 31 324 23 60 ISS REVIEW WWW.EDA.ADMIN.CH/ASD, [email protected] SW 16 LAUSANNE’S URBAN REVOLUTION

Switzerland’s first metro even before its official opening. The unbe- Since 27 October 2008, Lausanne has been the smallest city in lievable enthusiasm of the city’s citizens pro- vides the best evidence of this.” The sociol- the world to have an automatic metro system. This ambitious ogist believes the urban revolution is just project has changed the face of the capital of the Canton of Vaud beginning. There has been a great increase and some sociologists are already calling it an urban revolution. in the number of major projects in the region since work on the metro began. A regional Deep down in the M2. By Alain Wey. express railway, a system, athletics and football stadiums, an eco-district, museums of fine art and a giant aquarium are the visi- “The M2 is the jewel in our transport policy”, minutes at peak times in the morning and ble public face of a development boom. “We said Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger. evening. Everything is automated. There are are contributing to a complete overhaul of On 18 September 2008, the Minister of no drivers here, as the system is run by oper- the city”, says Olivier Français of the Transport officially opened Switzerland’s ators from a central control unit. The 5.9 km Lausanne department of public works whose first metro system together with the mayor line, 90% of which runs through tunnels, has services are under strain from requests from of Lausanne, Daniel Brélaz. Mr Leuenberger fourteen stations with a difference in level of private developers. The city has not seen a said: “The people of Vaud have realised a vi- 398 metres. After studies carried out in 1993, boom in construction and redevelopment sionary project. The M2 is an excellent ex- the story of the M2 really began in Novem- like this since the 1960s. The M2 is also al- ample of sustainable transport infrastruc- ber 2002 when the citizens of the Canton of ready having an impact on road traffic. ture. It helps achieve social cohesion by Vaud voted to finance its construction. Civil “There has been a noticeable fall in traffic in linking the city centre with the suburbs in engineering work began in March 2004 and Lausanne”, says Olivier Français, though this an environmentally friendly way. This metro the job of laying the tracks started in Novem- decrease has not yet been quantified. system will foster the city’s economic vital- ber 2005. The progress made led to the clo- Urbanisation in Lausanne is now develop- ity and improve quality of life for its people.” sure of the M2’s predecessor, “La ficelle” ing along the axis of the metro. A new dis- When the system opened for business on 27 (cog-wheel railway between Ouchy and le trict (des Fiches) will be built around Fourmi October 2008, Lausanne became the small- Flon), in July 2006, and the track was made station. Construction work is scheduled to est city in the world to have an automatic electric between January and August 2007. start in 2009 and last for five years. More metro system. It is sunk into the depths of From this point onwards, trials and tests on than 450 homes will be built there. At Vennes this city of 130,000 inhabitants, located in a the system were carried out on the entire line. station, an out-of-town car park with 1,200 conurbation of more than 300,000 people. In September 2008, the Federal Office of spaces will aim to meet the needs of com- Transport (FOT) gave the green light for its muters from the north and is scheduled to The ultimate symbol of urbanism launch. “This rubber-tyred metro with gra- open at the beginning of 2010. As for the A metro system changes a city. This urbanist dients of 12% is truly revolutionary for Swit- university hospital centre (CHUV), there prophecy has become reality in Lausanne. In zerland. The M2 is a showcase example for are plans to build an extension to its mater- 100 days of operation, the M2 has trans- transport in Switzerland”, says Max Friedli, nity unit just above the metro station. Flon ported 5 million passengers with an average director of the FOT. While the baptism of station will have a metropolitan look with a of 50,000 users a day and a record high of the metro was met with general euphoria, skyscraper, walkways and a bridge. More 78,200. This urban escalator connects Ouchy, this has not always been the case. In 1997, than 65,000 passengers pass through this key on the shores of Lake (373 m), with Christophe Jemelin and Vincent Kaufmann, junction every day via “place de l’Europe” to Croisettes, to the south of the commune of from the laboratory of urban sociology at the catch either the LEB (Lausanne-Echalens- Epalinges (711 m), in twenty minutes. Federal Institute of Te chnology in Lausanne Bercher) train, a trolleybus or the M1 (tram- Lausanne (TL) is already (EPFL), launched an attack on the first re- way for south-western Lausanne). A new faced with saturation of the line and is ready ports on the project. Now as members of the building and a link with the regional lines to order extra trains in addition to the fifteen metro’s regional development committee, have been built above the station terminus already in operation. The estimate of 18 mil- the two sociologists are fervent advocates of at Croisettes. The authorities still need to lion passengers expected in the first year al- the system. develop other parts of the metro network. ready needs to be revised after just four This involves deciding where the future M3, months. Experts are now forecasting 20 to The impact of the metro a tram linking the city centre (gare du Flon) 21 million people, pointing out that the use Sociologist Vincent Kaufmann says: “The with the north-western districts (Pontaise of the metro is almost two years ahead of M2 will change Lausanne profoundly. The 6 and Blécherette), will run and starting work schedule. km line has already caused a cultural revolu- on the future RER with the construction of

. 2 Travellers arriving at Lausanne station tion. Having a metro means joining the club a station at Prilly-Malley as part of the No take an underpass which leads directly to the of big cities. From the small capital of a rural Lausanne-Morges conurbation project.Af- metro on the other side of the street. Even canton which denied it urban status, ter just four months of operation of the April 2009 / at 11.00 a.m., the system is full of passengers. Lausanne has become the first metropolitan metro, the public transport company has de- Yo u might think you were in Paris. The trains area in Switzerland to have a metro system. cided to hire 85 bus drivers in 2009 to en- ISS REVIEW arrive every six minutes, and every three The M2 made a significant mark on Lausanne sure bus services for travellers. SW 17

FACTS AND FIGURES ■ The stations are an- Maximum speed: 60 km/h. The example of Rennes FOR THE M2 nounced by the voice of the ■ Ours station lies 23 Before Lausanne, Rennes (France) held the ■ Construction took four watchman of Lausanne metres beneath ground title of “smallest city with a metro system”. and a half years, from March cathedral accompanied by level. With a 9 km line in operation for 6 years, the 2004 to October 2008, and contemporary music or ■ A thousand men, 250 metro has changed the face of the Breton city cost CHF 736 million. soundtracks. sometimes working at the which shared its experience with the capital ■ The track has an average ■ With a frequency of every same time, and a hundred of Vaud. Car parks have disappeared from gradient of 6% reaching up three minutes, its hourly engineers and experts were the city centre and the medieval squares have to 12% in places. Its 5.9 km capacity is 4,400 passengers involved in the M2 develop- regained their charm. With out-of-town car have a difference in level in each direction. Eventu- ment. Between June 2004 parks at both ends of the line, motorists have of 338 metres. The M2 has a ally, the frequency will be and summer 2006, these become used to travelling by metro. Use of double track except for a increased to two minutes men from Portugal, Italy, the entire public transport network has dou- 200-metre section of single and the M2 will transport Switzerland and Croatia dug bled in six years. With 1,300 surveillance track to the south of the 25 million passengers a year. 2.8 km of tunnels. cameras, this metro system has also made Lausanne-Gare station. people feel safer. “People now take the metro Around 300 surveillance as they would an elevator. The people of cameras ensure security Rennes have become used to this system and on the system. it runs like clockwork”, says the system man- ■ The fifteen trains have ager. a nominal capacity of In Lausanne, 2009 will be a year spent 220 spaces with 60 seated. breaking in the metro with various incidents Made up of two railcars, and breakdowns. However, its reliability in-

. 2 they are 30.7 metres long creased to 98% in February with a target of No and 2.45 metres wide. In more than 99% by the end of the year. Aside order to climb the track’s from the teething problems, technical diffi- April 2009 /

one significant gradients, culties and world firsts, the metro is setting yst they travel on rubber about its most fundamental task: transform- ISS REVIEW tyres. ing a small city into a modern metropolis. SW Photos: Ke 18 EXPERIENCING SWITZERLAND

Ideas for summer in Switzerland

Summer in Switzerland offers magnificent, of a ship or a coach. Switzerland’s natural beauty will enthral diverse landscapes, majestic mountains and you. Travel on the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt and enjoy the stunning landscape from the new panoramic crystal-clear lakes which are great for water carriages. Or dis- sports and all kinds of leisure activities. cover the wonders of central Switzer- land, the Bernese Oberland and the Discover nature parks and UNESCO world heritage sites region around Lake Switzerland’s national park high up in the Engadine is world-fa- Geneva on a journey mous. But did you know that there is at least one nature park in al- on the Golden Pass most every region? Fauna and flora can flourish in these areas with- line. Further infor- out human interference. And every one of these parks has mation can be found something special to offer with traces of life from millions of years at www.MySwitzer ago, rare plants or incredible, breathtaking views. land.com/aso. Visitors can enjoy culinary delights and activities suited to their personal tastes and requirements on these new nature trips. Outdoor activities The beauty of these trips lies in experiencing nature first-hand, vis- Switzerland is a natural paradise for all those who enjoy outdoor iting parks and UNESCO world heritage sites and finding out all activities, and SwitzerlandMobility is the ideal route planner for about nature. the most beautiful tours. SwitzerlandMobility shows you the best routes for mountain bikers, hikers, skaters, cyclists and canoeists. Switzerland’s It covers all parts of the country and caters to all tastes and abilities. most beautiful www.MySwitzerland.com/aso (SwitzerlandMobility section) panoramas contains every route with details of public transport, journey Enjoying the stages, places of wonderful, interest, accommo- world-famous dation and useful panoramas is services. the highlight of SwissTrails any journey makes Switzerland-

. 2 through Swit- Mobility’s route No zerland. Ta ke in network easy to use. urism

To the view from More than 500 places April 2009 / the panoramic offering accommo- window of a dation of different ISS REVIEW train, the deck categories can be SW Images: Switzerland 19

The accommodation’s uniqueness lies in its diversity. Ty pically Swiss hotels are found throughout the country. No two are the same, but they are all typically Swiss and as authentic as the region in which they are located. Our hotels are booked through SwissTrails. All this accommodation is linked always in the best together with daily, customised luggage transport. Bicycles can also locations and as be hired at any stage of the journey, even if there is no hire point diverse in character nearby. SwissTrails simply delivers the bikes to the required as the country destination. itself.

Typically Swiss Regional delicacies hotels The cuisine is as The service is authentic as the accom- a little friendlier, modation. Everything the atmosphere is served is home-pro- authentic and the duced and, of course, cuisine is surpris- typical of the region, ingly local. Ty pi- from Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and Freiburger Va cherin to Meiringer cally Swiss is no Meringues. And the wine cellar is full of the best labels from empty promise, but the local area: the beguiling Petite-Arvine in Va lais, the mouth- rather an assurance tingling Saint Saphorin in Va ud and the intricate Pinot Noir of an exceptional in Grisons. Swiss hotel experience. Not only do guests stay in a traditional Swiss environment, they also get the best tips on where to visit Competition first-hand. Whether in a romantic alpine chalet, a charming guest- Experience authentic Switzerland and win a week’s holiday house or a luxury hotel, guests will feel as though they are in sev- in one of our Ty pically Swiss hotels. Want to find out more? enth heaven. Visit www.MySwitzerland.com/aso.

Tips from Switzerland Tourism: At www.MySwitzerland.com/aso you will find A collaboration between Switzerland Tourism and the Organisation of the Swiss the package offer of the month and the registration form for Network Switzerland. Abroad (OSA) Register by 31 July 2009 and you will automatically be entered in the prize draw for a weekend at a “Typically Swiss hotel”. Other interesting information and attractive offers from Switzerland Tourism can be found in our newsletter. Register at www.MySwitzerland.com/aso 20 ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD

Friendships around We organise exciting, energetic activities hold a Swiss passport. They are able to for the children by, for example, turning clearly distinguish between their Swiss the world a hike into a secret treasure hunt. identity and that of the country in which The most lasting experiences for the they live. Each year, the Foundation for Young children are the global friendships they Swiss Abroad gives around 350 Swiss form at the camps, which often stay strong Do you sense that the children have a special children abroad the opportunity to for many years and span great distances. relationship with one another because they all get to know their homeland better and have the same roots? to establish a strong bond with it. Lucas Is a particular image of Switzerland con- It does provide a common denominator Maissen has been running camps for veyed to the children taking part? To what and a natural foundation which creates a Swiss children from around the world extent do you shape their view of their connection and fosters openness. How- for ten years. Here he shares his vast original homeland? ever, I think it is the unforgettable experi- experience with us in an interview Much of this comes automatically from ences they share that contribute most to conducted by Viviane Aerni. everyday camp life. They see how hygienic the long-term friendships they form.

“SWISS REVIEW”: Yo u’ve been What influence do the different a camp leader for the Foundation for language backgrounds have on the Yo ung Swiss Abroad for ten years FYSA camps? now. How did this come about? Language is overestimated by LUCAS MAISSEN: I was in- adults as a means of communi- volved with the Scouts for many cation. Children develop their years where I gained a lot of lead- own language. They communi- ership experience. When a friend cate through gestures, facial told me about the FYSA camps expressions and drawings. Chil- ten years ago, they appealed to dren are open, they approach me straightaway. I saw the multi- one another and always find a cultural and multilingual environ- way to communicate even if ment of the camps as an interest- they don’t speak the same lan- ing challenge. guage.

What does this practically voluntary Play-fighting with the camp leader, Lucas Maissen. Have you noticed any effects from position mean to you? an increasingly globalised world Firstly, I really enjoy working with chil- Switzerland is in that, for example, we on Swiss children abroad? dren and young people. Bringing children happily drink water straight from the tap. It has become easier to maintain friend- from so many different backgrounds to- We convey values such as sustainability to ships around the world thanks to ad- gether in one place is a unique concept. the children by using local produce for vances in information technology. We I see it as a way of overcoming national meals and by separating our rubbish. have also noticed that the children are mentalities. We have a truly global com- Swiss children abroad often have an ide- better informed about Switzerland thanks munity at the camps. There is no distinc- alised perception of their homeland. They to the Internet, and fewer clichés exist as tion between rich and poor. Children are see it as a land of milk and honey. So, we a result. There are also disadvantages as- open-minded and without prejudice. aim to help them take a more critical and sociated with the new technology: chil- They could teach us adults a lesson or two. differentiated look at Switzerland as well. dren keep in contact with their lives back Folklore is important, but we want to home while at the camps by mobile What experiences do the camps offer the show them that Switzerland is about more phone, which can mean they become less children and what can they take away with than just chocolate and cheese. Values involved in the camp community. them? such as our culture of dialogue and com- The children have lots of fun. There is promise should also be part of their per- What has been your best camp experience? so much to do and experience. They get to sonal image of Switzerland. There have been so many. But it is the know their homeland better as well as small things that leave the biggest impres- other cultures. We give the children the How strong do you think the bond is sion on me, like when children are aston- chance to enjoy nature; we build fires and that Swiss children abroad have with ished because they can collect herbs in

. 2 sometimes camp out overnight in tents. Switzerland? the forest or gaze in amazement at the No We allow the children to escape the rou- That mainly depends on their parents. stars in the night sky for the first time. tine of everyday life. Here, the opportuni- Many children know a great deal about Yo u need so little to be happy. The world- April 2009 / ties for them are plentiful, while the de- Switzerland and regularly speak one of the wide friendships formed at every camp

SA mands on them are small. They often have national languages. Swiss children abroad also provide me with the motivation to ISS REVIEW a choice between different programmes. are proud of their heritage and proud to carry on. SW Photo: FY YOUNG PEOPLE 21

Offers for young Swiss abroad aged 15 and over

The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) offers expertise on matters con- cerning young Swiss people abroad. OSA brings young people together and aims to create a strong bond with Switzerland. OSA provides young people with informa- tion and advice, represents their interests and provides them with attractive holiday and educational offers in Switzerland.

Swiss camps Yo ung Swiss people from all over the world enjoy OSA’s camps. Switzerland as a holiday destination offers lots of opportu- nities for sport. The team leaders of the Swiss camps are trained in teaching young people sport and provide high-quality coaching. Participants also learn about Happy participants of “Action 72 hours” topical and important aspects of culture, geography, history, politics and society in achievement and encourage more in-depth land to the world. The young visitors will Switzerland at OSA’s camps. A highly en- learning of the foreign language. Partici- also, of course, get to see and cen- joyable fringe programme ensures there is pants attend lessons in the mornings. Two tral Switzerland, receive information on a relaxed atmosphere at the camp accom- or three afternoons a week, OSA organises the Swiss education system and actively modation. Cross-border friendships are joint excursions and activities. The dates take part in the congress. The seminar will formed at OSA’s youth camps. of the language courses are: take place in Lucerne from 2 to 9.8.2009. This summer, OSA will welcome around French course in Fribourg: 22.6. to 3.7.2009 120 young people to the two camps in German course in Zurich: 6.7. to 17.7.2009 OSA is pleased that young people will Leukerbad. The entire camp will visit the French course in Neuchâtel: 6.7. to 17.7.2009 have the opportunity to express their majestic mountains of Valais. The young German course in Lucerne: 3.8. to 14.8.2009 views at the Congress of the Swiss Abroad. people will participate in group sporting activities such as hiking, mountain biking, OSA looks forward to chatting with the Host families ball sports, climbing and water sports. young Swiss visitors in German or French. OSA has a large network of accommodat- Workshops, museum visits and a lively ing Swiss families who host young people camp party are also part of the pro- Prior to the Congress of the Swiss for two to four weeks. These host families gramme. The camp dates are: Abroad in Lucerne on the issue of “The enjoy meeting people from other parts of Summer camp Leukerbad I: 19 to 31.7.2009 Swiss abroad – a great asset for our coun- the world and provide food and accommo- Summer camp Leukerbad II: 2 to 14.8. 2009 try?”, OSA is offering young people the dation for young people. A stay with a host chance to take part in a seminar where family is usually combined with an educa- OSA looks forward to welcoming a few participants will take a close look at the is- tional offer. Though, there is still plenty new faces to the multi-sport summer sue of what Swiss people abroad can do to of time to get to know the host family and camps. help convey a positive image of Switzer- form new friendships.

Educational offers ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD Switzerland is a small country, but there is Our services: plenty to discover for those eager to learn. ■ Legal Department OSA aims to encourage young Swiss citi- ■ Youth Service zens abroad to become better acquainted ■ Association for the Promotion of Education for Young Swiss Abroad (AJAS)

. 2 with the country of their forefathers. ■ Committee for Swiss Schools Abroad (CSSA) No OSA’s two-week language courses are ■ Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad (FYSA) aimed at young people with little or no April 2009 /

uth Service knowledge of a national language. The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, CH–3006 Berne Yo courses focus on conversational skills. Phone +41 31 356 6100, Fax +41 31 356 6101 ISS REVIEW They aim to produce an initial sense of www.aso.ch SW Photo: OSA 22 ORGANISATION OF THE SWISS ABROAD

87TH CONGRESS OF THE SWISS ABROAD – LUCERNE, FROM 7 TO 9 AUGUST 2009 Raise Switzerland’s profile where you are “The Swiss abroad – a great asset for our country?” The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad and Switzerland To urism have teamed Does having almost 10% of its population living abroad represent an asset for Switzer- up and are working together to ensure land? Do Swiss citizens abroad provide our nation with added value in terms of image, that Swiss people abroad maintain reputation and global networking opportunities? Do they see themselves as ambassadors strong links with their homeland. As for Switzerland and Swiss values? The 87th Congress of the Swiss Abroad will explore all part of this partnership, Switzerland these issues. With “The Swiss abroad – a great asset for our country?” as its theme, it To urism is looking for committed Swiss will take place between 7 and 9 August 2009 at the new congress centre of the Museum people abroad who enjoy talking about of Transport in Lucerne. their country and often have the oppor- tunity to do so. A “Switzerland Promo- In a globalised world where people, their The 87th Congress of the Swiss tion Kit” containing images, presenta- economic activities and political systems Abroad in the charming setting of tions, films, brochures and other are increasingly interdependent, the Lucerne will have plenty to offer the interesting information about Switzer- Swiss abroad are without question a heart, mind and taste buds. A visit land will be sent free of charge to the great asset for our country. to the Swiss Museum of Transport will members of “Network Switzerland”. Prominent speakers will look at the allow congress participants to discover These members will also receive regular myths and reality surrounding the con- various accomplishments achieved information and news on Switzerland as tribution of the Swiss abroad to the na- thanks to Swiss people spending time well as exclusive special offers. tion in short talks and a round table de- abroad. Finally, on the Sunday, there To become a member of “Network bate. Claude Beglé, who has worked for will be an opportunity to visit the city Switzerland”, visit the following CICR, Nestlé and Philip Morris and is of Lucerne and its surrounding area. website and complete the form in currently Chairman of the Board of Di- Participants can choose either to go the “Network Switzerland” section: rectors of the Swiss Post Office, spent 30 sight-seeing in the beautiful city www.MySwitzerland.com/aso years as a Swiss citizen abroad working of Lucerne or to take a boat trip on for Swiss companies. He will share his ex- Lake Lucerne followed by lunch periences of this with us at the opening on the Rigi. The 87th congress promises Re-election of the CSA presentation of the congress. We will to be an exceptional event. also welcome the Head of Switzerland Further information on the congress for the 2009–2013 term To urism, Jürg Schmid, and the Federal is available on our website at: www.aso.ch/ of office Chancellor of Switzerland, Corina en/offers Casanova, among others. The Council of the Swiss Abroad (CSA) is the representative body for Swiss peo- ple living abroad. It represents the inter- ests of all Swiss expatriates in political 87TH CONGRESS OF THE SWISS ABROAD FROM 7 TO 9 AUGUST 2009 AT THE circles in Switzerland. SWISS MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT IN LUCERNE The CSA therefore plays a key role in protecting the interests of the 700,000 ❏ I am interested in attending the next Congress of the Swiss Abroad. Please send me the Swiss citizens abroad. registration documents for the 87th Congress of the Swiss Abroad (7 to 9 August 2009 in The delegates of the CSA are to be Lucerne) to the following address: newly elected for the 2009 to 2013 term of office. An international appeal is First name / Surname: being made to any Swiss abroad who Address: would like to sit as a delegate on the CSA. Country / Postcode / Town: Further information is available at E-mail: www.aso.ch/en/politics Please write clearly in block capitals and send the completed form to: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA),

. 2 Communications Department, Congress Organisation, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne No To save time and postage, you can also contact us directly by e-mail: [email protected]

April 2009 / The Congress of the Swiss Abroad will be held in German and French only (with simultaneous interpretation) for organisational and financial reasons. The latest information on the forthcoming congress will also be updated regularly at www.aso.ch/en/offers. It is

ISS REVIEW well worth visiting our website from time to time! SW ECHO 23

■ Chocolate knows no crises. rate tax for wealthy foreign- In 2008, the 18 companies ers. This decision may give making up the Swiss chocolate other cantons the same idea, industry (ChocoSuisse) such as Vaud which has around set a fifth consecutive sales 1,200 rich foreigners within its record with revenues of CHF confines. 1.8 billion, representing an ■ According to the weekly increase of 9.3% in a year. German newspaper Some 185,000 tonnes were “Sonntag”, a survey has sold last year. revealed that the authorities ■ The alpine glaciers are in at least 20 cantons are shrinking in depth as well as planning, or have taken, meas- length. In Switzerland in 2007, ures to counter the economic the ice thinned by 1.3mon the crisis at a total cost of CHF Silvretta (Grisons) and by 1.16 billion. 1.7mon the Gries (Valais). ■ Moritz Leuenberger has re- ■ The Zurich Lions won ice The Swiss ski team has brought home a haul of 6 medals from the World Ski ceived the European Railway hockey’s Champions League, Championships in Val d’Isère: a Gold (Super-G) and Silver (Downhill) for Didier Award for his railway policy Cuche, a Gold (Giant Slalom) and Bronze (Downhill) for Carlo Janka, and two beating Russian team Metal- Silvers (Super Combined and Downhill) for 17-year-old Lara Gut. and, in particular, for the lurg Magnitogorsk. After transfer of freight traffic from performing well in the group the road to the railways. stages, Zurich knocked out top “Since the bilateral agreements, we have had more well-educated ■ A week after winning the Finnish side Espoo Blues in young people from Switzerland settling in France for career reasons. Wengen downhill, skier Didier the semi-final. In 1973, I had great difficulty obtaining work and residence permits Defago from Morgins was vic- While the debate rages on torious at the Streif de Kitz- ■ despite the support of my employer.” Jean-Paul Aeschlimann, Honorary Consul about bonus payments total- in Montpellier and Vice-President bühel in Austria. This double ling CHF 2 billion, UBS has of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad triumph makes him a skiing announced losses of CHF legend. With 22 podium fin- “It would be a disgrace if, instead of deploying our army, we had to pay 20 billion for 2008 with CHF ishes and 10 wins this season foreign soldiers to protect our ships at sea from pirates.” 8.1 billion coming in the fourth (1 February), Swiss skiing is quarter alone. Net capital Micheline Calmy-Rey, Federal Councillor and Foreign Affairs Minister in good shape. Both men and withdrawals were CHF 85.8 women are enjoying success, “If every Swiss citizen were to make one less visit to the doctor over the billion in the last three months with Carlo Janka, Lara next six months, the healthcare cost issue would be resolved. Whether of 2008 and amounted to Gut, Dominique Gisin and health insurance premiums increase depends on the people, not the Fed- CHF 226 billion for the full Fabienne Suter all doing well. eral Council.” Pascal Couchepin, Federal Councillor and Interior Minister year. Credit Suisse lost CHF ■ Albert Einstein is the most 8.2 billion in 2008. “The difference in salaries between the banking sector and the rest of the famous Swiss person of all ■ The Swiss Federation of business world has become too great. Banker salaries need to be lowered.” time according to a survey by Trade Unions (SFTU) says the “SonntagsZeitung”. The Doris Leuthard, Federal Councillor and Economic Affairs Minister the country should take ad- Nobel Prize-winning physi- vantage of the recession to “44% of Switzerland’s national income is earned abroad. If the markets cist, who became a naturalised develop public transport. in Germany, France and the USA collapse at the same time, there will be Swiss citizen in 1901, has been The capacity of rail and urban far-reaching consequences for our economy.” Jean-Daniel Gerber, the subject of a permanent transport has reached its limit, Director of the State Secretariat exhibition at Berne’s History as any commuter will agree. for Economic Affairs Museum since 2005. The solutions proposed by the ■ The number of people look- “The fact that younger workers fear they will not receive a sufficient SFTU involve public invest- ing for work in Switzerland AHV pension is understandable but unwarranted.” Bernd Schips, ment of at least CHF 5 billion. could reach 160,000 or 4.5% former Professor of Economics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich ■ Minister for Economic in 2009, according to Klaus Affairs Doris Leuthard has Wellershoff, chief economist “Our two countries share remarkable similarities. Or do you know met one of the SFTU’s other at UBS. The State Secretariat of another country where the staff apologise if a train is running late?” . 2 demands, increasing the dura- for Economic Affairs (SECO) No Ichiro Komatsu, Japanese Ambassador to Switzerland tion of short-time work from said the rate of unemploy- 12 to 18 months, effective ment rose to 3.3% in January April 2009 / “Switzerland has consistently proved itself capable of reform. But from 1 April. compared to 3% in December one we have reform deadlock in national government due to its quasi-geriat- yst 52% of Zurich voters en- 2008, taking the jobless total ■ ric make-up.” Rudolf Strahm, former National Councillor and Price Supervisor, ISS REVIEW dorsed the abolition of flat- on the ageing membership of the Federal Council to almost 130,000. ALAIN WEY SW Photo: Ke