Society

The current Beznau plant will be redundant in 10 years ©Keystone

Aargau takes next step towards nuclear renewal

by Giles Broom

March 10, 2010 | 12:04

A cantonal official from Aargau tells Swisster the authorities want to know the consequences of replacing the Beznau power station, where the existing two pressurised water reactors are likely to be decommissioned by 2020. The government launches consultations, saying they are part of a routine planning exercise while playing down suggestions a decision has already been made, but environmental NGOs are kicking up a fuss.

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Society
	Government pumps up campaign to end fuel waste
	March 10, 2010 \| 11:23	by Malcolm Curtis

The Swiss federal energy department launches an awareness campaign to encourage motorists to properly pump up the tires of their vehicles. The government estimates that poorly inflated rubber on the road...Full story

Society
	Northeasterly 'bise' wind prolongs Swiss winter
	March 9, 2010 \| 10:03	by Malcolm Curtis

It seems like the winter that will never end in Switzerland, with a strong northeasterly wind compounding the subzero temperatures that have plunged much of the country into a deep chill. A weather expert...Full story

Society
	Cointrin cracks down on unlicensed ski minibuses
	March 8, 2010 \| 12:05	by Daniel Johnson

Skiers flying into Geneva for a quick get-away to the mountains may encounter added delays during the weekend rush as chalet bus operators without a 400-franc permit are turned away from the airport. Officials...Full story

Society
	Swiss voters reject plan to reduce pensions
	March 8, 2010 \| 10:46	by Malcolm Curtis

An overwhelming majority of Swiss citizens turn their thumbs down on a federal government plan to reduce pension benefits in coming years in a bid to bring spiralling costs under control. A coalition of...Full story

Society
	Libya escalates dispute with trade embargo
	March 4, 2010 \| 10:14	by Malcolm Curtis

The ongoing row between Switzerland and Libya takes yet another turn as the North African nation follows up on leader Muammar Gaddafi's call for a “jihad” against the alpine country by imposing a trade...Full story

Society
	Swiss parliament sends mixed immigration messages
	March 4, 2010 \| 08:14	by Malcolm Curtis

Parliament in Bern spends an extraordinary session debating legislation that could make life more difficult for many immigrants, with a requirement for learning one of Switzerland’s official languages...Full story

Geneva reponse sought to defuse Libyan crisis
A lawyer representing Max Göldi, the Swiss businessman jailed in Libya, says the ball is now in Geneva’s court with regard to his release, calling on the canton to take action to appease the North African...

Full storyMarch 2, 2010 | 10:51by Malcolm Curtis

Polanski films gain renewed Swiss attention
These should be days of glory for French-Polish auteur Roman Polanski with his latest critically acclaimed film, The Ghost Writer, set to open in cinemas across Switzerland this week. The Lausanne-based...

Full storyMarch 1, 2010 | 16:25by Malcolm Curtis

NGOs slam Swiss nuclear waste storage proposals
Federal agencies approve six sites for nuclear storage after nearly two years studying geological factors and safety issues. But environmental groups say the assessments are inadequate and the government’s...

Full storyMarch 1, 2010 | 11:07by Giles Broom

Switzerland escapes the worst of Xynthia cyclone
The devastating cyclone that causes an estimated 53 deaths in France sideswipes Switzerland, producing heavy wind storms that lead to power outages, rail disruptions and blocked roads – but no fatalities....

Full storyMarch 1, 2010 | 10:20by Malcolm Curtis

Bern outlines ambiguous financial strategy
In a bid to appease countries cracking down on tax evasion, the federal government outlines a strategy to discourage the deposit of “undeclared assets” in Switzerland, while maintaining banking privacy...

Full storyFebruary 26, 2010 | 10:09by Malcolm Curtis

Swiss parliament to decide UBS deal with US
Forced into a legal corner, the Swiss federal government is asking parliament to vote on a deal that would allow American authorities to seek information about UBS accounts held by 4,450 wealthy US citizens...

Full storyFebruary 25, 2010 | 10:45by Malcolm Curtis

Forty years ago: Terrorist attack downs Swissair flight
February 21, 1970 sees Palestinian bombers destroy a Swissair flight killing 47 people headed for Tel-Aviv. Holed by a device in the cargo, the plane plunges into a forest in canton Aargau. Investigators...

Full storyFebruary 22, 2010 | 10:49by Marcus Berry

Libya issues ultimatum over Swiss detainee
The Libyan government says it will take unspecified measures against Switzerland if its embassy in Tripoli does not hand over Max Göldi so that he can begin a four-month prison term for alleged residency...

Full storyFebruary 22, 2010 | 10:19by Malcolm Curtis

Diplomatic wheels whirl over Swiss-Libyan row
Diplomats are working overtime to settle a long-running dispute between Switzerland and Libya that now involves the European Union after Tripoli slapped visa restrictions on citizens from EU countries....

Full storyFebruary 19, 2010 | 11:45by Malcolm Curtis

Middle East water scarcity talks provide united front
Switzerland concludes the hosting of the Water Security in the Middle East workshop in Montreux this week. Some 60 international officials take part in an event aimed at finding solutions to the region’s...

Full storyFebruary 18, 2010 | 10:29by Marcus Berry

Bern monitors Google’s Buzz privacy problem
Technology giant Google faces ongoing criticism over its new Buzz social networking product launched last week. The company set up a ‘war room’ at its Mountain View headquarters in California to deal...

Full storyFebruary 17, 2010 | 14:46by Giles Broom

Geneva road rage incident sparks shooting spree
An enraged motorist embarks on a shooting spree in Geneva over an incident involving right of way, say local police. A series of shots are fired, damaging vehicles and buildings but, through sheer luck,...

Full storyFebruary 17, 2010 | 11:35by Marcus Berry

Swiss ban on Libyans 'backfires' onto Schengen
The EU plays a new role in the spat between Switzerland and Libya as the Maghreb country stops issuing visas to nationals from Schengen countries from the start of this week. EU Home Affairs Commissioner...

Full storyFebruary 16, 2010 | 15:59by Giles Broom