Sun, May 26th 2024
Swiss authorities face Russian spy threats, unconstitutional power plant projects, and rising forced marriage cases among asylum seekers.
Swiss authorities are intensifying efforts to counter Russian espionage, despite opposition from Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. The Federal Council supports a motion for stricter actions against Russian spies, which will be discussed by the Council of States on Monday. In a recent Foreign Affairs Committee meeting, a representative from the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) highlighted that Switzerland hosts the largest number of Russian agents in Europe, posing a significant threat. Currently, 217 Russian diplomats work in Switzerland, with at least a third engaged in intelligence activities.
The Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) has declared the construction of new fossil-fuel reserve power plants unconstitutional. According to the Federal Constitution, the federal government cannot operate or commission the construction of new electricity production plants. Despite objections, Energy Minister Albert Rösti and the Federal Council do not agree with the FOJ’s assessment, as revealed in confidential meeting minutes from April.
The proportion of forced marriages reported in the asylum sector has significantly increased. According to SonntagsBlick, over 40% of cases last year involved asylum seekers, a sharp rise from 25% in 2022. Many of the cases involve Afghan women over 30, seeking help from the Forced Marriage Unit. The overall number of forced marriage cases has remained constant, with 337 victims reaching out to the specialist center last year.
Russian intelligence allegedly leaked the draft of the final declaration from the Bürgenstock Conference. According to SonntagsZeitung, the leak intended to discredit the conference by suggesting predetermined outcomes.
The Greens are pushing for a referendum to extend parental leave beyond 14 weeks for both parents. Party president Lisa Mazzone emphasized that even 30 weeks per couple would be modest compared to international standards. The aim is to support a parity model that enables women to work more and challenge traditional roles.
Recent job cuts at Migros will not affect the regional cooperatives. However, adjustments may occur in specialist stores. Financially strained regional cooperatives might need more than just head office savings to achieve agility.
The Zurich public prosecutor has appealed against the acquittal of the former head of cardiac surgery at Zurich University Hospital. The High Court will re-examine the charge of forgery after the District Court dismissed all charges.
Former Swiss ambassador Jean-Daniel Ruch advocates examining Russia’s ceasefire offer with Ukraine, suggesting it could test Putin’s intentions. He reflected on Switzerland’s role in neutrality during initial peace negotiations, as detailed in his memoirs.
©Keystone/SDA
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