THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SWISS ABROAD
DECEMBER 2006 / NO. 6
The history of Swiss chocolate
Switzerland’s National Museum
Hugo the Donkey – A Christmas tale All-round insurance cover Rente oder Kapital
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Little big Switzerland 5 n February 2005, Swiss State Secretary for the Economy Jean-Daniel Gerber Mailbag uttered a gloomy prophecy to journalists: unless Switzerland pushed through far- reaching economic reforms immediately, it would fall further and further behind 5 I Books: All about Roger Federer other European nations and eventually end up at the bottom of the league in about 25 years. Gerber’s forecast provoked a media frenzy, and the tabloids declared that Switzer- 6 land was already on the road to becoming the poor man of Europe. Hugo the Donkey – A Christmas tale Yet as 2006 draws to a close, Switzerland does not look much like a poor man. On the contrary, the Swiss economy is booming even without reform, and good news is com- 7 Images: Alpine art ing in thick and fast. Thanks to a robust global economy, foreign trade is at a permanent high. As a result, by August exports had climbed 14.1 percent to CHF 13.186 billion. 8 The economic research unit of the Federal Institute of Technology (KOF) in Zurich The story of Swiss chocolate predicts growth of 2.6 percent for the year as a whole and 2.1 in 2007. According to the 11 experts at KOF, unemployment will fall from the expected level of 3.4 percent this year Voting to 3.0 next year. They even believe it will shrink to 2.8 percent in 2008. It is particularly encouraging that conditions on the Swiss labour market have also improved further. Last 12 September, the number of people out of work fell for the fi rst time in six years. Another Offi cial DFA information survey found that no fewer than six of Europe’s 100 biggest companies have their head- quarters in Switzerland: Glencore, Nestlé, Novartis, Roche, ABB and Adecco. That puts little Switzerland in fourth place. Only Germany, Britain and France host more major corporate HQs. But that’s not all: A study by the World Economic Forum has found that Switzerland is ranked fi rst on the list of the world’s most competitive countries. It’s un- likely that the economy will be a central topic in the 2007 elections. The parties have been noisily manoeuvring into the electioneering starting blocks since autumn, though so far no key topics whatsoever have emerged. At present they are still arguing amongst themselves, although here too the focus is on the SVP and the question of whether its federal councillor Chris- toph Blocher will be re-elected by the CVP and FDP for another The National Museum in Zurich four years at the end of 2007. The media are so obsessed by Blo- 14 cher that FDP President Fulvio Pelli had to ask journalists inter- Collect and preserve: Switzerland‘s National viewing him if he could for once be permitted to speak about other Museum issues. Political analyst Claude Longchamps believes that we will ex- 16 OSA news Heinz Eckert perience a new kind of election campaign in 2007; one that is waged primarily against the federal councillors rather than the party leaders. He believes that 19 because the federal government is packed with political heavyweights, attention will fo- Review of the year 2006 cus and political capital will be made on the performance of the federal councillors. As yet, however, no-one dares predict whether there will be a cabinet reshuffl e, whether Christoph Blocher will be permitted to govern for another four years, or whether Cover photo: Savoured the world over: the Greens will be able to steal a seat from the Liberal Democrats. Whatever the case, it Swiss chocolate Photo: Chocosuisse, Union of is safe to assume that little will change at the forthcoming elections, since our political Swiss Chocolate Manufacturers system leaves little scope for major upheavals. HEINZ ECKERT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF www.chocosuisse.ch o. 6 h ic
IMPRINT : “Swiss Review”, the magazine for the Swiss Abroad, is in its 33rd year of publication and is published in German, French, Italian, English and Spanish in 21 regional editions. December 2006 / N It has a total circulation of over 390 000. Regional news appears four times a year. ■ EDITORS: Heinz Eckert (EC), Editor-in-Chief; Rolf Ribi (RR), Alain Wey (AW), Gabriela Brodbeck (BDK), responsible for DFA information pages, Service for the Swiss Abroad DFA, ■ ational Museum, Zur CH-3003 Berne. René Lenzin (RL), reporting from parliament. Translation: CLS Communication AG POSTAL ADDRESS: Publisher, editorial offi ce, advertising: Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne, Tel.: +4131356 6110, Fax: +4131356 61 01, Postal account (Swiss National Giro): 30-6768-9. Internet: www.revue.ch ■ E-MAIL: [email protected] ISS REVIEW
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Election results permanently available. In Roger Federer is currently the most famous Swiss athlete in Just like Jeanny Karth wrote this, Basel is brave enough to the big, wide world of sport. In his home country, he has al- in the “Swiss Review” 5/06, I take on a pioneering role. ready been voted Sportsman of the Year and named Swiss Ci- too always read your publica- And if you mark all the ther- tizen of the Year. Last year, he received the Laureus Award as tion with interest and pleas- mal springs in Switzerland on World Sportsman of the Year. This year he picked up the “spor- ure. Thanks to you, I know a map, it’s surprising that this ting Oscar” for a second time. Twenty-fi ve-year-old Federer what is going on in Switzer- field has not been developed has been the world’s Number One tennis player since 2004 – land because the French further long before now. My fully 150 weeks. Earlier this year, the tennis pro from Basel won press is more than succinct question is: Why not? In- three of the four Grand Slam tournaments (the Australian, on the matter! Your editorial stead of spending millions French, British and US Open: the most important competiti- says as much too. more on nuclear power, it ons on the circuit). That takes his tally of Grand Slam titles to But one piece of information would make more sense to in- nine, just fi ve short of the all-time record held by America’s
is missing: election results. vest in geothermal energy. ess and tears Pete Sampras. c Couldn’t you at least publish Switzerland could play a Yet Roger Federer’s road to the pinnacle of world tennis was
federal results, if not neces- leading role in this field! Suc long and dotted with setbacks and bitter defeats. Sports wri- sarily the cantonal ones? As a ERNST KLAHRE-PARKER, ILKESTON, ter René Stauffer has been following Federer’s career since 1996. His former resident of La Chaux- DERBYSHIRE, UK Federer biography, entitled “Das Tennis Genie” (The Tennis Genius), de-Fonds, I subscribed to recounts the young but talented player’s often arduous path to ten- L’Impartial for a long time, Top-class nis stardom, describes his family background and sporting infl u- but that’s rather expensive. I have received the “Swiss ences, and paints a thoroughly readable picture of the athlete and FRANÇIS RUEFF, Review” for several years, as the man. AIX-EN-PROVENCE, FRANCE I am a Swiss citizen in South Roger Federer showed his talent at an early age, winning the Swiss Africa. Your publication is junior championships at 17 and the junior Wimbledon tournament Which energy will be best for top-class, the articles most at 18. That proved an ideal springboard to the professional circuit, Switzerland? interesting and the photogra- and it wasn’t long before he had won his fi rst title in a “major” tour- Energy is a very topical issue phy excellent. My compli- nament. In July 2001, he sensationally beat his idol, Pete Sampras, again at the moment because ments to you and your in the last 16 at Wimbledon (though he couldn’t clinch the champi- we have to meet the extra de- staff. onship). In 2003, he set himself the target of winning his fi rst Grand mands, and the apostles of J. V. SANDFORD, Slam title. After failing yet again in Paris, Federer fi nally got hold of nuclear power are sensing a MARGATE, SOUTH AFRICA his long sought-after trophy at Wimbledon when he beat Mark Phi- change of fortunes in the air. lippousis in the fi nal. He broke down in tears at the victory cere- Thank you for choosing to Federal Councillor Blocher mony. The year 2004 was bathed in glory: Federer won another three address this issue. What you Congratulations to Christo- Grand Slams and fi nally became the Number One in the world of ten- did not mention was power phe Darbellay on his election nis. His triumphal success continued in 2005, with seven of the last sources such as warm water as the new CVP president. eleven Grand Slam tournaments under his belt and only the French collectors and geothermal Let’s hope he can convince Open at Roland Garros still proving elusive. Now, at the end of 2006, energy. the Liberals to kick out Fed- the Swiss tennis star is the undisputed leader of the ATP professio- eral Councillor Blocher at nal rankings, having won three of the “big four” championships, 1. Heat energy helps replace the next general election and most recently after a memorable battle against some or all the electrical en- that he meets the same fate Andy Roddick in New York. ergy used by water boilers as Ruth Metzler. In my opin- “How do you beat a player who doesn’t have and heating systems. It is al- ion, he hasn’t the necessary any weaknesses?” Andy Roddick asked. “He’s the most absurd to use electricity stature to be in the regional most perfect player that ever lived,” says John to heat water. Oil- and elec- government. He wants to be McEnroe. “He’s the best I’ve ever played against,” tricity-powered water heat- in government and in opposi- says André Agassi. Talent, mental strength, hard ers can be found in nearly tion, and unfortunately that work and discipline have made Roger Federer every household. As far as I isn’t possible. However, I into a champion. And the media describe Fede- know, warm water collector hope that SVP President rer the man exclusively in glowing terms: decent, technology is relatively well- Ueli Maurer isn’t elected in modest and dependable. developed and could be used his place. Maurer and Blo- René Stauffer’s biography appears fair and genuine, though it
o. 6 immediately. It only has one cher think that only their vi- would have been nice to learn about Federer’s relationship to fellow weakness: It isn’t always sions are the right ones and Swiss tennis stars Martina Hingis and Patty Schnyder. And his hea- available. only they can make every- vily-stressed charity work with children in South Africa is somewhat
December 2006 / N 2. Geothermal energy has the thing better. Switzerland be- modest for a star who has so far netted 20 million dollars in prize advantage over other alterna- ware! money. ROLF RIBI ALOIS BRANDENBERG, tive energy sources like wind René Stauffer: Das Tennis-Genie. Eine Roger Federer-Biografi e. Published by WISS REVIEW
S and solar power in that it is DELTA BC, CANADA Pendo, Munich and Zurich 2006. 271 pages, CHF 36 / EUR 19.90. 6 CHRISTMAS TALE
Hugo the Donkey
A CHRISTMAS TALE FROM THE BOOK “ETWAS ANDERE WEIHNACHTSGESCHICHTEN” (CHRISTMAS STORIES WITH A DIFFERENCE) BY MINU, PUBLISHED BY OPINIO.
Of course the tree always was the prettiest part of Christ- at crocheting and painting coat hangers. But this time I just had to mas, but for us the crib was just as important. And most important do it – for your sake. So it was a case of knead and pray!” of all was Hugo, the crib donkey. The outcome was predictable. Hugo was a cross between a preg- Hugo is part of a very strange family story, and Christmas with- nant elephant and a squashed VW Golf. But that’s precisely what out Hugo would be like Christmas Eve without piles of presents: a we liked about him. We stood him alongside the Holy Family, and disaster. suddenly Rosie cried, “You won’t believe me, but I swear that foul- Hugo was mother’s creation. Aunt Martha had given us her Na- tempered rubber Joseph smiled for a second when he saw Hugo!” tivity scene, making a great deal of fuss about her generosity and is- After that, Hugo would arrive every year in a white package tied suing dire warnings to “Take care: it’s an heirloom from the Baroque with a red bow. Even after we had grown up, we’d always phone period.” To which my Great-Aunt Finni retorted: “Since when did Mother on Christmas Eve morning and ask, “Has Hugo arrived?” they have rubber in Baroque times?” “In white tissue paper with a red bow,” Mother would reply. And That was a recipe for a Yuletide row, but it’s only the preface to only when the donkey was standing beside Joseph was it truly Christ- my story. Our rubber Holy Family from Nazareth was missing one mas. essential item: the donkey. Because we’d heard so much at Sunday Then came the day when Mother departed and we didn’t feel school about the gentle donkey in the stable, we were deeply disap- like celebrating Christmas anymore. My father sold the house and pointed. “Where’s the donkey?” we cried when the crib we’d inher- sent me the box with all the Christmas baubles. It wasn’t until many ited from Aunt Martha made its fi rst appearance in front of the years later that he said, “I think we should decorate a tree again like Christmas tree. “Christmas isn’t Christmas without a crib donkey!” in Mother’s day. You’ve got everything, even the crib.” I blurted. Rosie only added insult to injury: “This Joseph looks odd So I decked out the whole house in tinsel and glitter. In the sit- too. He’s in a bad mood.” ting room we decorated a Christmas tree and set up the crib. Whereupon Aunt Martha called us an “ungrateful lot” and That was when I noticed that Hugo was missing! threatened to strike the entire family from her will. But Mother I quizzed the entire family, but no-one knew where he was. Hugo saved the day with a fervent, “Si-i-lent night!” When everyone had had been Mother’s business; her creation. The rest of us only ever saw joined in, she whispered to us, “I’m sure Father Christmas will bring him in the white package with the red bow or under the tree. you a donkey next year.” The moment came when the guests waited in the front room And so it was: Early on the morning of 24 December, the door- to be allowed to enter the Christmas room. Sadly lighting the can- bell rang. Rosie ran to the front door, but no-one was there: just a dles on the tree all by myself, I suddenly spied something: There package in white paper tied with a big, red bow. was Hugo in all his ugliness peeking out from under the branches. “Well, well. What could this be?” Mother asked in feigned sur- “Linda!” I cried excitedly towards the kitchen. She hurried over prise, clasping her hands together. grumpily because she had been busy “Let the children open it,” Father re- with the roast, and shouted at me, plied. And that’s when we unwrapped “What about that silly donkey? Of the tissue paper to reveal Hugo the course I put it there. The doorbell donkey. rang early this morning, I ran to the Many years later, Mother told us door, but there was no-one around, how she’d hunted all round town for only this white package with a red bow. a Nativity donkey. Alas, in vain. So I unpacked it, found this donkey There had been owls and Baby Jesu- inside, and put it by the tree.” ses, the Virgin Mary in all sorts of With that, she hurried ran back poses and Joseph with or without his to her cooking. staff, but no donkey. In desperation
o. 6 she had fi nally bought a lump of clay. I looked at the crib. Hugo stood She looked at us and grinned: “You next to ill-tempered Joseph, and I got know how hopelessly uncreative I am. the distinct impression that Joseph
December 2006 / N Even in kindergarten I was no good briefl y smiled.
Hanspeter Hammel (alias Minu) is a columnist awing: HD WISS REVIEW
S Dr and author, and lives in Basel and Rome. IMAGES 7
In the Alps. This is the title of an exhibition at the Zurich Kunsthaus dedicated to how scientists, artists and laymen depicted the Alps during their transformation from a place of natural beauty to a cultural site. Some 300 works are on display from the 17th Century to the present, encompassing everything from votive tablets and cartographical models to advertising images, art and early tourist snapshots. www.kunsthaus.ch
Hiroyuki Masuyama: Matterhorn, 2004
Atlas der Schweiz 2004, interactive DVD Armin Linke: Model of the Alps Leo Fabrizio: Gütsch, p.9, 2002
John Ruskin: Mount Pilatus, Lucerne, 1854 Alexandre Calame: Rosenlaui Valley and the Wetterhorn, 1856 o. 6 h ic December 2006 / N haus Zur t es: Kuns WISS REVIEW S Imag Johann Heinrich Wüest: Viamala, 1784 Caspar Wolf: Panorama of the Grindelwald glacier and the Wetterhorn, Mettenberg and Eiger, around 1774 8 SWITZERLAND – LAND OF CHOCOLATE
How Swiss chocolate conquered the world Mention Switzerland abroad, and the person you‘re talking to may start dreaming of mouth-watering chocolate. As the symbol of a globally unique tradition, our country is inevitably associated with chocolate. We took a look at the unparalleled development of Swiss chocolatiers. By Alain Wey.
Chocolate: manna from heaven that and groundbreaking innovations, they who used it in their creations. In the 18th found ideal conditions on the banks of honed the manufacture of chocolate to Century, Italy became a centre of confec- Swiss rivers and lakes in which to unfold perfection. Today chocolate “made in tionary and chocolate-making, drawing its unique qualities. If there is one thing Switzerland” dominates foreign markets, practitioners from around Europe. Many that represents Switzerland in the eyes of and export volumes have risen sharply chocolatiers from the Ticino (Val Blenio) the world, it must be chocolate. Was it since 2003. We tell the memorable story and the Grisons who had learnt their fate or coincidence that the abbreviation of Swiss chocolatiers. trade in Turin, Milan and Venice left for Switzerland (CH) and the word The first cocoa bean was brought to home to work abroad in the 19th Century, “ chocolate” start with the same two let- Europe from South America in the 16th founding strongly family-oriented man- ters? Such mystical connections will prob- Century, but it took several hundred ufacturing businesses in Amsterdam, ably remain concealed forever. Yet at first years before the first chocolate bar was Stockholm, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stras- there was nothing to suggest that Swiss produced. The delicacy first conquered burg, Nice, Paris, London, St. Petersburg, chocolatiers were destined to tread a spe- Europe’s royal households in the form of Copenhagen and elsewhere. Their know- cial path. Thanks to the matchless qual- a drink mixed with honey and herbs. It how flowed back to Switzerland’s choco- ity of their products, inventive curiosity was then discovered by confectioners, late pioneers, who gradually began open- ing the first factories and eventually turned Switzerland into the Number One chocolate nation by the early 20th Cen- tury. One of these pioneers was François-Louis Cailler (1796- s er 1852) from Vevey. He learnt his actur craft in Turin. Upon his return to Switzerland, he opened a mechanised chocolate factory in o. 6 nion of Swiss Chocolate Manuf h December 2006 / N hocosuisse.c .c WISS REVIEW Photo: Chocosuisse – U www S
The cocoa from which Swiss chocolate is made comes from South America and Africa. 9
Corsier-sur-Vevey in 1819. Although com- to Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Thun. He chocolate, which he dubbed “Gala Peter”. mercial success was a long time in coming, was also interested in shipping along the The result was so successful that the en- the young Cailler created the basis for in- River Rhine, traded in silk and macaroni, tire industry switched to this production dustrial-scale production (the rotary and was even involved in iron-ore mining method from 1880 onwards. Daniel Peter grater for cocoa beans) and offered six- in the US. A look at the industry in 1883 therefore played a pivotal role in helping teen different sorts of chocolate with a va- shows that Suchard accounted for 50 per- Swiss chocolate reach the supremacy it riety of additional ingredients, including cent of the chocolate produced in Swit- enjoys today. Although chemist and phar- cinnamon and vanilla. Jacques Foulquier zerland. macist Henri Nestlé (1814-1890) did not (1799-1865) began manually producing In 1831, Charles Amédée Kohler (1790- produce chocolate himself, his company chocolate in Geneva in 1826. His son-in- 1874), a wholesale grocer who also sold was responsible for the global marketing law and successor, Jean-Samuel Favarger, cocoa, decided it made more sense to of Peter’s milk chocolate from 1904. gave the brand that is still famous today open his own chocolate factory than to The first chocolate factory in German- its name. Demand grew, and by 1832 the continue supplying confectioners with speaking Switzerland opened in 1845. In- canton of Vaud alone boasted some 32 the raw material. Just like Cailler and Su- spired by the experiments of Cailler and manual chocolate-making businesses. The chard, he constantly sought to refine the Suchard, Rudolf Sprüngli-Amman (1816- first steamships began operating, bring- existing range of chocolates. His most im- 1897) developed a manufacturing process ing yet more consumers. Tourism flour- portant creation was nut chocolate. The that enabled him to refine chocolate. Aq- ished. During the reign of Queen Victo- family-run firm trained several famous uilino Maestrani (1814-1880) was the most ria, the horror stories that Lord Byron, apprentices, including Rudolf Lindt (in important figure in chocolate-making in the poet Shelley and his wife Mary (the 1872-1875) and Robert Frey (1880-1883). eastern Switzerland. Like his father, a author of “Frankenstein”) wrote on Lake Daniel Peter (1836-1919), a son-in-law chocolatier from Lugano, Maestrani spent Geneva in 1816 attracted the first English of F.-L. Cailler and a close friend of Henri time in Lombardy (Milan) and later Nu- tourists. Nestlé, founded the Peter-Cailler com- remberg learning the fine art of chocolate Having trained as a confectioner under pany in 1867. In 1875, he succeeded in mix- manufacturing. In 1850, he opened a fac- his brother in Berne, Philippe Suchard ing cocoa paste with condensed milk, tory in Lucerne, which he then moved to (1797-1884) from Boudry in the canton of thereby creating the world’s first milk St. Gallen in 1859. Neuchâtel travelled to the United States in 1824, where he met many Swiss émigrés. In 1826, back in Neuchâtel, he opened a chocolate factory that became famous far beyond the country’s borders. But the pio- neering spirit that drove Philippe Suchard was not con- fined solely to chocolate. It was he who introduced steamships
Even today‘s industrial production follows the same traditional stages employed by craftsmen. 10 SWITZERLAND – LAND OF CHOCOLATE
Rudolf Lindt (1855-1909) opened a Export fi gures fell during the Depres- SOME STATISTICS: chocolate factory in Berne in 1879. A born sion years of the 1920s and 1930s, and it tinkerer, Lindt constantly improved his was only after the end of the Second World ■ In 2005, sales by the 18 Swiss chocolate mixing and grating machines until he had War that the Swiss chocolate industry re- manufacturers rose by 8.2% to 160,000 developed a method for producing a soft- covered and took off again. In the 1950s, tonnes. Revenues rose by 7.5% over the melting chocolate, which he called “choc- sales were still at around 26,000 tonnes, previous year to CHF 1.466 billion.* olat surfin”. It was the first chocolate that compared with 160,000 tonnes today. In- ■ 57% of total Swiss production was ex- melted in the mouth, and signalled the ternational competition forced the Swiss ported in 2005.* birth of modern chocolate. Also in Berne, chocolate industry to streamline its pro- ■ The 18 companies that make up the Swiss Jean Tobler (1830-1905) ran a confection- duction while at the same time sticking to chocolate industry have a combined work- ery shop in which he sold his own special- and further improving the tried-and- force of 4400.* ities alongside chocolate made by produc- tested recipes on which Swiss chocolate ■ Only 1% of the worldwide cocoa bean har- ers like Lindt. In 1899, he founded the had built its excellent reputation. vest ends up in Switzerland.* Tobler chocolate factory. We have his son Given the recent uproar over the change ■ Switzerland has 333 confectionery/ Theodor to thank for inventing Toblerone, in packaging for Cailler and Frigor choc- cake shops. the most famous of all Swiss chocolates, olates and the subsequent slump in sales, (Source: Swiss Association of Pastry Chefs and Confec- in 1908. Nestlé eventually had to concede that tioners; SKCV: *ChocoSuisse, the Union of Swiss Choco- late Manufacturers The years 1890-1920 were the heyday chocolate consumers are a conservative of Switzerland’s chocolate industry, as it lot. Nestlé has now announced that Cailler earned a reputation far beyond our coun- chocolates will be sold in their conven- try’s borders. Tourism was booming, and tional packaging again from January 2007. But the story of Swiss chocolate doesn’t members of the international high society, Tradition remains a key sales factor in the end there. If, one day in the future, a space who spent their holidays in Switzerland, 21st Century. Innovation and new crea- explorer light years from Earth offers became the world’s ambassadors for Swiss tions are, of course, welcome, but restraint an extraterrestrial chocolate, what are chocolate. Rudolf Lindt, for ex ample, is advisable. After all, why change a win- the odds that it will be real Swiss choco- aimed his advertising at exclusive girls’ ning formula? late? finishing schools in western Switzerland, where Europe’s crème de la crème gath- ered. This was an era of phenomenal growth rates. From 1888 to 1910, the number of chocolate producers rose from 13 to 23, and the number of people em- ployed by the industry jumped from 528 to 5547. Whereas about 13 tonnes of choc- olate were produced in 1905, this had al- ready risen to 40,000 tonnes (three-quar- ters of which was exported) by 1918. Switzerland thus became something of a chocolate superpower, and by 1912 it had cornered 55 percent of the world’s choc- olate export market. o. 6 December 2006 / N es: Chocosuisse WISS REVIEW
S Imag The result is chocolate that melts in the mouth like no other. POLITICS/VOTING 11
Voters back Federal Council and parliament Comment: Yes and yes On 26 November, the Swiss electorate approved two moves It was an important referendum. Approval proposed by their government and parliament – overwhelmingly of the federal law on cooperation with the in the case of national minimums for child benefi t, and narrowly states of eastern Europe means Switzer- in support of controversial new legislation to pay CHF 1 billion land can continue pursuing its current to the new members of the European Union. European policies. Bilateral relations with the European Union are in the long-term interests of the Swiss people and backed “Yes” to aid for the east continue to build on its bilateral relations by the Swiss business sector. But once As expected, the referendum on cooperation with the EU. with Eastern European countries was a close again we have witnessed how precarious call: Only 53.4 percent of voters and 15 can- “Yes” to new family policy these bilateral relations can be. A 53 per- tons approved the new Federal Law on East- A clear 68 percent of voters approved the cent approval rate for a bill on Europe is ern Europe (BG Ost) in a poll initiated by Federal Child Benefi t Act. All cantons except a narrow margin, and could well be over- the SVP and two small right-wing parties. Appenzell-Innerrhoden endorsed it, most turned by future referenda. Yet Switzer- The cantons of western Switzerland and the overwhelmingly in the cantons of Jura (83.7 land depends on having good neighbourly urban regions of German-speaking Switzer- percent), Ticino and Fribourg (both 75.8), relations with Brussels, whether for land voted clearly in favour of the act, while Vaud (75.6) and Basel City (70.6). Turnout adapting or ratifying existing agreements the rural regions of central and eastern was 44.4 percent. The referendum was initi- or for new accords. As early as next year, Switzerland opposed it just as strongly. The ated by the Swiss Trade Association. The the Federal Council and Swiss parlia- largest proportion of “Yes” votes was re- outcome was also a blow to the Swiss Em- ment’s European policies will be under de- corded in Vaud (61.5 percent), Basel City ployers’ Association, the SVP and the FDP. bate again, this time over extending the (60.5), Geneva and Jura (both 60.1). The new The winners were the SP, the CVP, the free movement of people to include Roma- legislation was rejected most vehemently in Greens and the trade unions. The new fed- nia and Bulgaria. In addition, the people the cantons of Glarus (64.6), Ticino (62.9), eral act lays down national minimums for could still reach a more fundamental deci- Schwyz (61.3) and Thurgau (56.7). A can- child benefi t and support for adolescents in sion about the freedom of movement of tonal majority was not required, but would vocational training, and creates uniform people from European Union Member have been achieved. The approval rate was qualifi cation conditions. It will increase fam- States. It was therefore wise to provide slightly lower than that of the 2005 EU ref- ily allowances in a total of 22 cantons. One CHF 1 billion in targeted development aid erendum on the Schengen and Dublin Ac- million children and adolescents currently cords and the free movement of people. The receive family allowances. The private sec- to the ten youngest members of the EU. losers were the SVP, who had almost single- tor’s contribution towards these benefi t pay- Referenda for improvements to family handedly opposed the new act. Indeed, it is ments will increase by CHF 455 million from policies have an easy time in Switzerland. the third time in a row that the party has its present level of CHF 4 billion. So now More than two out of every three voters failed to win a poll on Europe. Endorsement there is even less scope for any new family- and nearly all the cantons endorsed the of the BG Ost means Switzerland can now related demands. RR federal bill on family allowances. Families will now receive monthly child benefi t of “Yes” votes by canton for aid for the at least CHF 200, and CHF 250 per year per East and on child benefi t: 45.8% adolescent in vocational training. All 60.5% 60.5% 70.6% 43.3% parents qualify, whether they work full- 58.4%
56.3% 50.2% 57.0% or part-time – even (under certain circum- 68.4% 63.9% 63.9% 48.5% 60.1% 58.8% stances) if they don’t work at all. The 83.7% 41.0% 46.6% 45.5% 51.4% 61.9% slight increase in allowances will be espe- 69.6% 55.4% 59.0% cially welcomed by lower-income families. 52.4% 58.8% 70.1% 38.7% Approximately CHF 5000 a year for a 75.3% 57.3% 35.4% 55.3% 43.8% 50.3% 73.1% 50.3% family of four is no pittance. But money 43.3% 43.5% 55.8% 60.5% 75.8% 68.6% for children and young people in training 52.9% 69.1% 61.5% is one thing; improving the lot of those 75.6% juggling families with work is quite o. 6 another. Left-wing parties and the CVP are 37.1% 75.8% now calling for nationwide family policies.
51.5%
man Having pushed through national regula- December 2006 / N 64.7% 60.1% tions on maternity leave, the wish list om Ger 68.3% includes more all-day schools and crèches. anslated fr WISS REVIEW r
S T Will it then be Christmas all year? ROLF RIBI 12 OFFICIAL DFA INFORMATION
Help avoid 390,000. It appears six times a nationals living abroad. They 2004: 623,057). The circula- year in German, French, Eng- also provide data on federal tion of “Swiss Review” has multiple lish and Spanish. Our compa- referenda and elections. now grown to more than deliveries! triotes in Italy receive the “Swiss Review” is produced 390,000 copies. While this “Gazzetta Svizzera” in the by the Swiss Abroad Secretar- may be an encouraging statis- “Swiss Review” is sent free of form of a newspaper. iat of the Organisation of the tic, it also entails higher costs. charge to all adults who regis- “Swiss Review” provides in- Swiss Abroad, a part of the We therefore ask you to re- ter with a Swiss representation formation on important politi- Service for the Swiss Abroad of nounce personal copies if abroad. As a result, house- cal events and developments in the Federal Department for other people in your house- holds with several adults Switzerland. Two pages of each Foreign Affairs. The Swiss hold already receive the “Swiss receive several copies of the copy are devoted to offi cial Confederation funds most of Review”. This will help cut magazine, which has a signifi - DFA information. These pages the cost of editing, printing and down on postage costs. cant effect on our costs. contain important explanations postage. A suggestion for keen readers: about legislation as well as The Swiss expatriate com- This magazine has been online “Swiss Review” currently has a rights and obligations that di- munity is growing steadily since 2003 and can be viewed at circulation of more than rectly concern and affect Swiss year by year (2005: 634,216; www.revue.ch. All regional ar- ticles will also be available elec- tronically from January 2007. Help us prevent multiple de- liveries to the same address by completing and signing the slip below and sending it to your responsible Swiss representa- tion (embassy or consulate). Addresses of Swiss represen- tations on the Internet: www.eda.admin.ch/eda/e/ home/emb/addch.html
Pensions to rise
At the end of September 2006, the Federal Council decided to increase old-age, survivor’s and disability (AHV/IV) pen- sions from 1 January 2007 to take account of economic developments. The thresholds for occupational pension schemes will also be adapted. SLIP I have access to the ”Swiss Review” received by a member of my family and would therefore like to cancel The AHV and IV pensions are my personal subscription. adapted to changes in the wage and price indices – the so- Surname/First name: called “mixed index” – every two years. The last pensions in- Date of birth: crease came into effect on 1 January 2005. The price index
o. 6 Address: and wage index both rose by 1.0 percent in 2005, and forecasters predict the price index will go
December 2006 / N up by 1.3 percent and the wage Signature: index by 1.7 percent by Decem- ber 2006. It is this development WISS REVIEW
S Please send the signed slip to your responsible Swiss representation (embassy or consulate). that has prompted a 2.8 percent 13
increase in the AHV and IV and anyone who is interested in PEOPLE‘S INITIATIVES pensions. the UN and would like to learn No new initiatives have been launched since the last issue. The minimum monthly pen- more about the organisation. A ■ Signature forms for current initiatives can be downloaded from sion will rise by CHF 30 from variety of Internet links helps www.admin.ch/ch/d/pore/vi/vis_1_3_1_1.html. CHF 1075 to CHF 1105. The interested parties access infor- maximum monthly pension mation and fi nd out more VOTING will rise by CHF 60 from about the subject. Date of next referendum in 2007: CHF 2150 to CHF 2210. These The Web site shows users 11 March 2007 adjustments will result in addi- how they can get involved tional expenditure of around insurance premiums. It wants CHF 1094 million. the Swiss health insurance The AHV and IV pensions UN4YOUTH scheme to be funded both by are not the only things that Dein Ticket zur UNO insurance contributions and will rise. Economic develop- from federal sources. The fed- ments have also prompted a eral part would be covered by change to the thresholds for net revenues from tobacco and occupational pension schemes. alcohol tax and the tax on ca- The coordination deduction sino operators. for occupational schemes will The Swiss health insurance rise to CHF 23,205 from its scheme is currently fi nanced by present level of CHF 22,575, a combination of per-capita while the entry level for obliga- premiums with individual re- tory occupational pension con- ductions and contributions tributions (minimum annual from public-sector budgets. wage) will be increased to Special taxes are not envisaged CHF 19,890. These changes themselves. It also provides ities in schools and for young for funding purposes. will also come into force on 1 links to teaching materials, people. However, the initiative wants January 2007. case studies, workshops and The online manual can be to change the system in pre- For more information, visit training courses, documenta- found at the following address: cisely this direction. It calls for www.bsv.admin.ch tion centres and sources, net- www.un4youth.educa.ch federal contributions to the works and offi cial sources. Swiss health insurance scheme Topics covered include the to be covered according to the structure and organisation of For sensible causation principle, by drawing UN4YOUth: Promot- the UN and the many areas in on revenues from tobacco and ing interest in the which it operates: human funding of health- alcohol tax and the tax on casi- UN among young rights, peace and security, de- care policy nos. This would mean that velopment, the environment, these revenues would no longer people and health. Young people who In 2005, an inter-party fl ow into the old-age and survi- access the site can learn more initiative committee vor’s pension scheme, as is cur- The DFA has produced an about the UN and how to take launched a federal people’s rently the case. online manual entitled action themselves. initiative entitled “For sensi- The initiative can be signed “UN4YOUth” together with a The online UN4YOUth ble funding of healthcare until 24 July 2007. variety of partners. Targeted manual was initiated by the policy” (see Issue 2/06). primarily at young people, DFA in association with the teachers and youth organisa- Swiss National Youth Council The initiative calls for an RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OFFICIAL DFA tions, the aim of the manual (SAJV), the Swiss education amendment to Article 117 of INFORMATION PAGES: is to get youngsters interested server (educa.ch), the United the Swiss Federal Constitution GABRIELA BRODBECK, SERVICE FOR in all aspects of the United Nations Association Switzer- with the aim of lowering health THE SWISS ABROAD/DFA Nations. land and the World Federation of United Nations Associa- Advertisement
o. 6 UN4YOUth is an online tool tions. Ever since Switzerland that provides a wide range of joined the UN, the Federal ideas and activities to get Council has sought to involve
December 2006 / N young people interested in the the population in actively shap- UN. The online handbook is ing the country’s UN policies. A designed for teaching staff, With this in mind, the DFA e: DF WISS REVIEW
S Imag youth workers, associations, supports UN-related activ- 14 THE SWISS NATIONAL MUSEUM
Relating and explaining the construct of Switzerland The Swiss National Museum hit the headlines last spring when its long-standing director, Andres Furger, was forced out of his job following disagreement with the Federal Offi ce for Culture over the Musée Suisse group. Andreas Spillmann, who has been appointed as Furger’s interim replacement, talks to “Swiss Review” about the work of the National Museum.
Absolutely. Since the Swiss and private museums even better than be- National Museum was fore. founded, most cities have entrusted their cultural his- What with? tory exhibits to us. Inciden- With our preservation research, with pre- tally, few cities can afford a ventative preservation techniques and by large historical museum. lending out our exhibits.
In what way are the cantonal The National Museum already has more museums in Geneva, Berne than a million different objects. Where do and Basel different to a na- they come from, and how many are added tional museum? every year? As early as the 19th Cen- We get about a thousand new objects a tury, cross-border trading in year, either as gifts or purchased by us. art prompted the justifi ed concern that Switzerland What role does coincidence play in collecting? was in danger of losing the And what criteria are used to decide what fu- most valuable items of its ture generations will be interested in seeing? cultural history. This led to Of course we collect systematically and the foundation of the Na- defi ne so-called “threshold” objects that are tional Museum, which was based on a new technology or design, for ex- ANDREAS SPILLMANN the city of Basel’s cultural commissioned to collect, ample. But coincidence always plays a big Forty-six-year-old Andreas representative. In 2002, he preserve and exhibit Swiss part. It is both friend and foe. Spillmann fi rst trained as an became fi rst the commercial cultural assets. Of course the actor at Otto Falckenberg and later also the artistic di- municipal museums have a How old are the youngest objects that the Na- Schule in Munich before rector of the Zurich Schau- similar remit, albeit re- tional Museum collects? studying and graduating in spielhaus theatre. He has stricted to their city’s his- Not very old. Indeed very contemporary. economics in Zurich. After a been the interim director of tory. For instance new textiles, household equip- spell as a freelance consult- the Musée Suisse group since ment and securities or bank notes that are ant, Spillmann was appointed the summer of 2006. Does the National Museum still in circulation. Numismatists don’t only collaborate with the cantonal collect pretty coins. Swiss Review: The National Museum in history museums? Are attempts made to avoid Zurich is bursting at the seams. How far ad- duplication? Should everyday items like household or vanced are the expansion plans? Yes to both questions. We work together sports goods fi nd their way into a national Andreas Spillmann: Basel-based archi- by discussing our collection policies and museum? tects Christ & Gantenbein will be ready to lending each other exhibits. On the other Of course. Our visitors would love to see present the fi nal construction project in- hand, this isn’t always successful, which “everyday” things from the Reformation, the cluding the building costs to the construc- sometimes leads to duplication. Renaissance and the Middle Ages too. Un- tion commission in the spring. We’re mak- fortunately, we can’t offer that anymore.
o. 6 ing good headway. The construction bill will Back then, “everyday” items weren’t yet h Does the National Museum also need to act ic be tabled in parliament in 2008, as as a centre of excellence for other museums; a seen as being of cultural historical value. planned. benchmark for collecting, preserving and ex-
December 2006 / N hibiting national treasures? The Federal Offi ce for Culture promotes a
ational Museum, Zur Every canton has its own historical museum, Yes. Thanks to the National Museum’s national museum policy for its historic collec- so do many local authorities. Do we really new collection centre in Affoltern, we tions. What are the guidelines for this, and WISS REVIEW
S Photo: Swiss N need a national museum? will be able to support cantonal, municipal what objectives are they designed to meet? 15
It’s less a case of guidelines than a joint THE SWISS NATIONAL MUSEUM search for coherent solutions to the coun- try’s aforementioned collection policy, as The Swiss National Museum The eight museums of the ■ Forum of Swiss History, well as about the question of whether there in Zurich brings together Musée Suisse group are a na- Schwyz is any point in maintaining a 19th-Century eight Swiss cultural history tional and international win- ■ Museum of Musical organisational form, and what tasks the museums spread right across dow on the culture and his- Automatons, Seewen state should assign its federal museums. the country. tory of life in Switzerland. As ■ Bärengasse Museum, Rather than generating offi cial guidelines The Musée Suisse group museums for cultural history, Zurich per se, such deliberations are intended has the largest and most im- their permanent and tempo- ■ Zur Meisen Guild House, wherever possible to formulate coherent portant collection of items of rary exhibitions and special Zurich federal cultural policies for the future. cultural history in Switzer- events address trends and ■ Swiss Customs Museum, land. It comprises about a developments in what is now Cantine di Gandria (TI) Some people expect the National Museum to million objects of national Switzerland, from ancient The Swiss Confederation promote our national identity. How can a signifi cance from various pe- and early history to the not only supports the eight museum meet this demand? riods, from ancient and early present day. In so doing, they institutions that make up the “Promoting” the identity of Switzerland history to the 21st Century. are bound by a broad under- Musée Suisse group, but is, I think, a very challenging demand, per- In addition to collecting, pre- standing of culture that owns a total of 15 museums haps too great a task. serving and exhibiting im- blends history, applied and itself. The state also sup- portant objects, the National fi ne arts as well as historical ports another 70 museums, I mean, the National Museum is supposed to Museum’s cultural remit in- lifestyles into an overview of for which no fewer than fi ve tell the nation’s story. But which story should cludes conducting general cultural history. departments and eleven fed- it tell? research and providing infor- The following eight insti- eral offi ces are responsible. Among other things, stories that describe mation about Swiss art and tutions belong to the Musée Because there is strictly and explain the “construct of Switzerland” cultural history. With its Suisse group: speaking no museum policy, rather than rushing into deconstruction: storage facility and specialist ■ Swiss National Museum, parliament has commissioned stories about the high-quality production and photographic libraries, Zurich the Federal Council to draw of luxury goods, stories about immigrants the Swiss National Museum ■ Musée National Suisse, up a binding strategy by like Nietzsche and Wagner, stories about has positioned itself as a spe- Chateau de Prangins 2007. civil liberty and direct democracy in a mo- cialist institution. ■ Schlossdomäne Wildegg AG narchic environment, stories about thrift and armed neutrality during the Thirty Years’ War.
Many people consider the National Museum archaic. Is this a fair impression? How have visitor numbers developed in recent years? Historical museums – even those with high visitor numbers – can quickly develop Wildegg Castle Bärengasse Museum, Zurich a certain antiquated air. The Swiss Na- tional Museum is no exception. That means we have to work even harder to constantly breathe new life into our permanent exhi- bition and ensure we choose topical issues and approaches for our special exhibi- tions.
How interested are young people in the Na- tional Museum? Does this extend beyond the Swiss National Museum, Zurich Customs Museum, Gandria Forum of Swiss History, Schwyz obligatory? We probably have a somewhat easier task h o. 6 than art museums, for example, as regards ic young people. In their eyes, history is about telling stories. We therefore want to refur-
December 2006 / N bish the west tower this winter, putting in ational Museum, Zur the National Museum’s weapons and ar-
mour collection, which younger audiences Château de Prangins Museum of Musical Automatons, “Zur Meisen” Guild House, Zurich WISS REVIEW
S Photos: Swiss N sorely miss. INTERVIEW BY HEINZ ECKERT Seewen 16 OSA INFORMATION
My strongest memo- sneaking suspicion that I was all alone in the house. I distinctly ries of Switzerland remember how relieved and are culinary happy I was to see my sister. The poor thing had had to stay Ladina Berta and Chatrina at the house and look after me Bützer recall their childhood while all the others went off for experiences at holiday camps a walk. organised by the Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad. What are your strongest memo- ries of Switzerland? Ladina and Chatrina were typi- Chatrina: My strongest cal Swiss expatriate children. memories of Switzerland are Because their father worked culinary. I loved potato salad for the offi ce of the UN High because we never had that at Commissioner for Refugees, home. Once we went on an they spent much of their youth outing by coach from Salvan to travelling around the world. Martigny, where we went into a From the ages of 5 and 9 re- Migros store. That’s typically spectively, they travelled from Swiss. I also remember the Italy (where they were born) to skirt we had to wear on Sun- attend four Foundation for days, together with smart shoes Young Swiss Abroad holiday and socks. camps. Today they both live in Ladina: All the children’s Berne. Ladina works for the Ladina Berta and Chatrina Bützer: The sisters have happy memories of their holi- wallets were kept in a drawer in Youth Service of the Organisa- day camps in Switzerland. the common room. We each tion for Swiss Abroad. The two had about CHF 3 to buy sweets sisters vividly remember life at Chatrina: We went to the even in bad weather. We often in the village shop. The money camp. camps when we were living in played in the garden. The camp had to last us for the entire Italy. We went twice to Salvan also had two rabbits that were month. When you stood in Why and where did your family (VS) and twice to Vercorin kept in a hutch in the garden. front of the shelf containing all live abroad? (VS). The summer holidays But these cute bunnies were the coloured jars of delicious Ladina: The whole family were four months long in Italy, eventually killed and served at sweets in the village shop, it felt travelled a lot because of our and we were supposed to spend dinner time. Not surprisingly, like being in paradise. father’s job. We were born in a whole month in Switzerland. we didn’t want to eat them. Chatrina: I used my money Italy, spent the early 1960s in We fi rst went to camp in 1955, to buy a huge pile of Sugus Algeria, and later lived in cen- when we were 5 and 9 respec- What languages were spoken at sweets, which I distributed tral Africa, Austria and Bu- tively and living in Trieste. camp? among everyone at camp. You rundi. That was followed by a Throughout our adventurous Chatrina: Lots. Our father couldn’t get chocolate, Sugus short spell in Germany. Each journey to Switzerland, we sent us to camp to learn or Ovomaltine in Italy. Even posting lasted two to four both had to wear a label round French. tinned peas were only available years. Our father’s last postings our neck with our name, ad- later. were to Thailand, Peru and Ar- dress and our destination: just Did you feel homesick? Ladina: My favourite mem- gentina, but my sister and I like parcels in the post. An un- Ladina: I didn’t want to go ory of the camps was the fi rst were already married by then, cle met us at Milan station and to camp, and cried my eyes out of August celebrations. I loved with Chatrina living in Berne helped us change trains. During at the station. But two days the lanterns, bonfi res and espe- and I in New York. the trip, I was responsible for later, I didn’t feel homesick any- cially the sparklers. my sister, because she was four more. At the Swiss consulate in Tri- From where did you travel to the years younger than me I. The este, all they ever did on the camps, and how was your journey ticket inspectors always kept a What was your worst experience? Swiss national holiday was grill Chatrina: o. 6 organised? watchful eye over us and told They served por- sausages in the garden. us when to get off. ridge for breakfast, and we had * Ladina and Chatrina‘s mother comes to eat it. That was the worst Can these camps help create a from Trieste, while their father‘s family
December 2006 / N is from Grisons. Their great-grandfather, What were the camp activities experience. more peaceful world? a leather import-exporter, emigrated to back then? Ladina: We all had a rest af- Ladina: Camps are a good A Italy. That‘s how their parents met at Ladina: school. The family often visited Scuol or We went on a lot of ter lunch. One day, I woke up personal experience. There is WISS REVIEW
S Photo: OS spent their holidays there. walks and were always outside, from a deep sleep with the probably less focus on the 17
“peace-building” aspect at Young Swiss Abroad inhibitions about speaking a the Lauberhorn downhill ski camps for younger children, and enjoy holidays in foreign language are quickly race and the Jungfraujoch train. more emphasis on it at the forgotten, because interper- You can even test your skills on youth camps (15 years and up). Switzerland sonal contact is what counts. the World Cup piste. The at- You learn in a playful manner Trained OSA skiing and snow- mosphere is always excellent at how to get along with everyone, The Swiss Alps are world- boarding instructors ensure this camp. regardless of their language or famous for their beauty and the experience is safe, lively Price: CHF 800.- culture. The camps are special the many opportunities to and packed with new achieve- because they create fond mem- engage in sports, relax or ments, while a varied leisure Easter camp in Fiesch (VS) ories of your homeland, and simply soak up the scenery. programme makes for enter- (7.4.-14.4.2007) therefore form bonds between Book through the Youth tainment and a great atmos- Fancy a week in the snow in the children and their fellow Service now if you’d like your phere, be it alternative sports, spring, when the days start get- countrymen. You learn to be children to visit this winter. a bit of relaxation or creative ting longer? The Aletsch region fl exible and open-minded. Go- activities. is just what you’re looking for. ing to the camps can be a life- Youth Service winter sport The following camps still With its indoor halls and out- enhancing experience. They of- camps are extremely popular. have a few places available: door sports grounds, the mod- fer a framework for nurturing After all, group holidays are ern holiday village offers independence, personal devel- always lots of fun, especially if Winter sports week in Wengen countless sporting opportuni- opment, raising awareness and it means spending ten days (BE) (3.3.-10.3.2007) ties. Plus you can enjoy the learning how to cope with new, with young people from A skiing and snowboarding spectacular views surrounding unfamiliar and unexpected situ- around the globe. It’s a great camp for young adults aged this well-known ski resort and ations. It really helped us, at any way to exchange experiences 18 and up in the majestic alpine hopefully lots of mountain sun- rate. I’d recommend all children with other Swiss abroad, learn surroundings of the Eiger, shine. This camp is run in two to attend camp. about other kids’ home coun- Mönch and Jungfrau moun- age-groups in association with
INTERVIEW: ARIANE ROULET tries, and discover the country tains. Wengen is a renowned the FYSA. Ages: 12 and up. & SIMONE RINER of your forefathers. And any winter sports resort famous for Price: CHF 690.- o. 6 December 2006 / N A WISS REVIEW
S Photo: OS Young Swiss Abroad enjoying the snow in Sedrun. 18 OSA INFORMATION
University taster Foundation for Young Swiss 2007) and Fiesch (7–14 April sociated with it, and Swiss Soli- If you’d like to do something Abroad holiday camps offer a 2007). Please register soon! darity has become the aid and for your education while on chance to mix with young peo- For more information, con- charity appeal platform for all holiday, the Youth Service has ple from different linguistic tact our staff in Berne, who will Swiss media. To date Swiss plenty of offers and accommo- and cultural regions around the be happy to help you: Solidarity has raised some dation. You’ll live with one of world. CHF 900 million from 115 se- our easy-going host families Foundation for Young Swiss parate appeals. All the money is and gain an authentic insight Cost Abroad used to fund aid projects. Swiss into life in Switzerland. We’ll The camps cost between Alpenstrasse 26 Solidarity covers its own costs put together a daytime pro- CHF 800 and 900 per child. CH-3006 Berne through interest earned on as gramme tailored to your indi- The Foundation for Young Tel. +41 (0)31 356 61 16 yet unallocated donations. vidual wishes. Swiss Abroad aims to offer as Fax +41 (0)31 356 61 01 Projects assessed and approved But that’s only a taster of many young Swiss abroad as E-mail: [email protected] by Swiss Solidarity are cur- what the Youth Service has on possible the opportunity to www.aso.ch, FYSA rently managed by 42 accred- offer. Contact the OSA di- have a holiday in Switzerland ited and affi liated aid agencies, rectly for more information. at least once. Parents can which are permitted to deduct As usual, information and therefore apply for a reduction 60 years of charity: no more than 10 percent of the details on youth arrangements in the price of the camp. Appli- Swiss Solidarity allocated project funds. This are available from: cation forms can be requested makes Swiss Solidarity Swit- Organisation of the Swiss Abroad with the registration form. celebrates its anni- zerland’s largest and most effi - Youth Service versary cient aid and charity appeal Alpenstrasse 26, CH-3006 Berne Rendezvous platform. In 1999, the founda- Tel.: +41 (0)31 356 61 00 The groups always meet at Zu- Swiss Solidarity recently cele- tion received the International Fax.: +41 (0)31 356 61 01 rich Airport at around lunch- brated its 60th anniversary. Human Rights Award for its [email protected] time. On 26 September 1946, Radio work. Swiss Solidarity cur- www.aso.ch Parents are responsible for Sottens (now Radio Suisse rently fi nances some 300 the organisation and cost of the Romande) broadcast its very projects in 46 countries to the outward journey to Zurich Air- fi rst “Chaine du Bonheur” pro- tune of CHF 245 million. Foundation for port on the fi rst day and the re- gramme to raise money for About 70 percent of the money Young Swiss Abroad turn journey from Zurich Air- children orphaned during the raised is used to fund long- summer camp 2007 port on the last day. Second World War. term, sustainable reconstruc- tion projects, while emergency Are you aged 8 to 14? Would Staff Swiss Solidarity was the brain- aid on the one hand and reha- you like to spend 14 days in Experienced teams of multilin- child of radio journalist Roger bilitation and temporary relief Switzerland and fi nd out more gual camp leaders ensure that Nordmann, entertainer Jack on the other account for 15 about your home country? The everything runs smoothly Rollan and radio director-to-be percent each. Swiss Solidarity Foundation for Young Swiss throughout the fortnight, and Paul Valloton. The fi rst show’s currently has 16 employees Abroad runs summer holiday provide an interesting and var- special guest was Juliette sharing 12 full-time posts. Its camps in Switzerland in July ied range of activities. Hédiguer from Avenches, who headquarter are in Geneva, and and August. had temporarily taken in an or- it has regional offi ces in Berne Registration phan from England. The pro- and Lugano. Programme Details of these camps as well gramme, which was initially Under the terms of its stat- During the camps we go sight- as the registration form will be aired once a week and later utes, Swiss Solidarity is com- seeing, discover lakes, moun- available at www.aso.ch (under only for disaster appeals and at mitted to helping “victims of tains, rivers and landscapes, go “Youth”, “Holiday camps for irregular intervals, was fi rst disaster and people in need, no hiking and perhaps also visit 8-14-year-olds”, “Program broadcast in German-speaking matter what the causes”. In ad- local towns and cities. Some Summer”) from January 2007 Switzerland in October 1947 dition to providing disaster re- days we simply stay in camp onwards. On request, we can for the benefi t of the so-called lief, Swiss Solidarity has since its and organise games, sports and also send you our information “oil soldiers”, and later also in inception operated a permanent a variety of workshops. brochure by post. The dead- Italian-speaking Switzerland child support unit (for projects
o. 6 You’ll also have an opportu- line for registration is 15 and at times throughout Eu- in poor countries) and a welfare nity to discover some interest- March 2007. rope. In 1983, the SRG SSR unit for families and individuals ing aspects of Switzerland. For idée suisse changed the legal in Switzerland suffering tempo-
December 2006 / N instance, we’ll be taking a look at Winter camp 2007 form of Swiss Solidarity to a rary fi nancial diffi culties. the Swiss language, Swiss songs, NB: There are still a few places foundation. Today numerous Swiss recipes, typical Swiss available for the winter camps private radio stations, newspa- www.glueckskette.ch WISS REVIEW
S games and traditional sports. in Hasliberg (10-17 February pers and online services are as- Post Offi ce a/c no.: 10-15000-6 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2006 19
Olympic glory Tunnel accident Switzerland won no On 13 September, a fewer than 14 medals serious accident oc- at the Winter Olym- curred in the Viamala pics in Turin, just Tunnel on the A13 one short of its all- motorway in Grisons. time record set in Nine people were Calgary in 1988. Open (after winning it for the Crumbling Alps killed in a fi re that broke out Switzerland’s clutch of fi ve first time in 2004), success- On 23 June, a 40x50-metre after a collision between a golds, four silvers and fi ve fully defended his Wimbledon slab of unstable rock in Uri coach and a car. bronzes put it in eighth posi- and US Open titles, and canton was blasted away after tion overall in the medals ta- clinched his first Swiss indoor six huge boulders in the Gott- Next stop: Euro 2008 ble. Swiss Olympic, Switzer- title in Basel. hard Massif had dislodged and At the football World Cup land’s sports governing body, crashed down onto the A2 mo- Finals in Germany, Switzer- has therefore decided to Christoph Blocher slips torway. Meanwhile in the Ber- land fi nished top of its group change the formula by which it up repeatedly nese Oberland, a 250 metre- before being knocked out by distributes money to winter In his third year on the Federal long fi ssure opened up on the Ukraine in the second round. sports over the next four Council, Christoph Blocher eastern fl ank of the Eiger. Al- In October, Köbi Kuhn an- years. The main benefi ciaries has once again created waves. most 2 million cubic metres of nounced his intention to step of this will be the snowboard- His gaffes did not go unno- rock now threaten to fall off. down as the coach of the Swiss ers, who fared best in Turin, ticed back at home. During an An approximately 300,000 cu- national squad after the Euro- winning three gold medals. offi cial visit to Ankara in Oc- bic metre chunk of rock de- pean Championships in 2008, tober, Blocher criticised Swiss tached itself in mid-July. which will be held in Switzer- Second woman elected anti-racism legislation which land and Austria. to Federal Council criminalises genocide denial. Global warming Following the resignation of And at a session of the Na- In July, temperatures in Swit- Referenda in 2006 Joseph Deiss from the Federal tional Council’s Federal Com- zerland reached their highest The results: The federal deci- Council, Doris Leuthard mission, he made controversial levels in 140 years. According sion to amend the Constitu- (CVP) was elected to replace comments on Swiss develop- to MeteoSchweiz, tempera- tional articles governing him in June. She now heads ment aid in Africa, which be- tures were 4.5-5.5 degrees education (coordinating inter- the Federal Department of came public when they were Celsius above average. Heavy cantonal cooperation on edu- Economic Affairs. There is al- leaked to the press. thunderstorms caused numer- cation) was approved; the new ready much speculation about ous rivers to overfl ow and cre- Foreigners’ Act and amended who will get the “big seven” Air pollution at record high ated mudslides. In the Valais, Asylum Act were approved; cabinet posts after the general In the fi rst three months of fl oodwater from the Dranse the popular initiative on election in 2007. The “NZZ the year, the concentration of ripped up rail lines, derailing a “National Bank profi ts for the am Sonntag” newspaper pre- dust particles in the air over train on the St. Bernard Ex- AHV” was rejected; the fed- dicts that National Councillor Switzerland hit new record press. Fortunately, no-one was eral law on cooperation with Martine Brunschwig Graf levels. In the country’s cities injured. the states of eastern Europe (LPS/GE) could take over in particular, concentrations was approved; and the federal from Pascal Couchepin. sometimes reached up to Swiss return from law on family allowances was four times the maximum per- the Lebanon approved. King Roger mitted value. At the request More than 850 Swiss nationals The world’s Number One of Transport Minister Moritz were able to fl ee the war in Amazing comeback men’s tennis player outdid Leuenberger, 12 cantons Lebanon with the aid of the Martina Hingis celebrated her himself yet again in 2006. Af- subsequently introduced Swiss Federal Department of big comeback to the WTA ter winning the 43rd tourna- 80km/h speed limits on their Foreign Affairs. Micheline Tour in January, and is cur- ment of his professional ca- motorways, thereby cutting Calmy-Rey went to great rently eighth in the world rank- reer in Madrid, Roger Federer air pollution by up to 10%. lengths to ensure the Geneva ings. She is also now Switzer- led the ATP Champions Race In September, the cantons Convention was upheld. In land’s Number One tennis
o. 6 with an incredible 1374 agreed a joint concept to September, the Federal Coun- player again. In 2006, Hingis points, beating his own record comba t air pollution, and in cil agreed to increase its hu- won tournaments in Rome and of 1345 points from last year. October the Department of manitarian aid to Lebanon by Calcutta, reached the fi nal in
December 2006 / N In 2006, the man from Basel the Environment tabled a bill CHF 15 million. Switzerland Montreal and Tokyo, and made also reached the final of the on three of the 14 measures therefore donated a total of it through to the quarterfi nals French Open for the first proposed by Moritz Leuen- CHF 20 million in fi nancial as- at both the Australian Open WISS REVIEW
S Photos: HD time, won back the Australian berger. sistance. and French Open. ALAIN WEY Living abroad – with Swiss security
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