Swiss government under attack for Covid policy
Interior Minister Berset has again been facing criticism about the government s alleged authoritarian rule in handling the Covid crisis. Keystone/Peter Klaunzer
Parliament has criticised the Swiss government’s Covid-19 policy, notably the restrictions for businesses and citizens.
This content was published on March 17, 2021 - 15:20
March 17, 2021 - 15:20
swissinfo.ch/urs
The main political groups in the House of Representatives aired their grievances during a special debate on Wednesday.
The right-wing Swiss People’s Party slammed the government measures as disproportionate, undermining the responsibility of the 26 cantons, limiting personal freedoms and running up huge debts.
Petition handed in to boost funding of animal-free testing
The campaigners handed in their petition on Monday, calling for animal-free testing in Switzerland. Keystone / Peter Schneider
An alliance of animal rights and environment groups has called for more public funds to promote animal-free alternative experiments.
This content was published on February 22, 2021 - 11:56
February 22, 2021 - 11:56
swissinfo.ch/urs
A petition signed by 27 organisations and 13,000 individuals was handed in to parliament on Monday according to the Animalfree Research foundationExternal link.
They complain that nearly a third of the funds from the National Research Foundation - totalling CHF400 million ($446 million) annually - is used to finance projects that rely on animal testing without proof that the results are valid for humans.
Swiss Covid restrictions to be lifted cautiously and gradually
Swiss museums are set to re-open on March 1 Keystone/Urs Flüeler
The government plans to re-open shops, museums and sports facilities in Switzerland from March 1 as part of its exit strategy for the Covid-19 restrictions.
This content was published on February 17, 2021 - 17:26
February 17, 2021 - 17:26
swissinfo.ch/urs
A ban on outside gatherings of more than five people will also be eased, but the number will remain limited to 15.
Libraries and exterior areas of zoos and botanical gardens will also be made accessible to the public again, following a six-week lockdown introduced in an effort to halt the spread of the virus.