Switzerland has developed into one of the greatest tourist countries in the European Union. From the scenic views around the lakes to the ski resorts that line the Alps, the central European country is the perfect getaway for many people from around the world. While Switzerland remains an ideal travel destination, the number of immigrants […]
This post was originally published on Etienne Kiss-Borlase’s Political blog. For more info about Etienne, please visit his homepage.
In a recent study and survey, it is noted that teens born in 1997, who are now 17 are taking a heavy interest in politics and bettering the democracy in Switzerland. After the government advisory Commission for Child and Youth Affairs conducted a survey with a sample of 3,000 students. A resounding, and fairly surprised researchers got back the results around 66%. 66% of teens are interested or looking to make a change and are interested in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Professor at Bern University, Michelle Beyeler, who conducted the survey explained, “We were afraid it would be difficult to get these young people to respond to the survey, but this was not the case at all – this surprised me in a positive way.” Many young teens around the world are hesitant to work or find a deep interest in politics due to the corrupt nature that could be in play. But teens in Switzerland are looking to stop this trend by creating an environment where the younger generation are interested.
Something that does not come as much as a surprise is the gender roles and differences when the teens were asked about gender roles with working and other political subjects. Men tended to learn towards men working while women stayed at home, while women voted opposite saying both men and women should work equally.
Even though these teens are fairly young, they have a great sense of what is going on with their government and political party. 77% of them are opposed to Switzerland joining the European Union, while 62% believe the free movement of people is a positive for the country. With some time before the elections, many of these teens will be eligible to vote before the October election. The future is looking to make a change in their country, and are taking an interest in the outcome.
This post was originally published on Etienne Kiss-Borlase’s Political blog. For more info about Etienne, please visit his homepage.
Over the past decade or so, the business and economic industry has been taking a hit due to the ruptured economy in Switzerland. Foreign firms are are drawing away from setting up business in the country, it has dropped 8% to only 274 in 2014 and an astonishing down 21% since 2013. Even though Switzerland has one of the most competitive economies in the world, the politically instability of the government has been drawing organizations away and to other European nations which is beginning to hurt the economy greatly.
Rudolf Minsch, the chief economist of business lobby Economiesuisse explained to Bloomberg, “It’s like a world championship, placing at the top doesn’t mean you’ll win again next time. You have to train. It’s the same with the business environment. We have a spot on our record with the mass immigration initiative and the say on pay.”
Not only has the political state driven business away, but the citizens have been pushing for a more strict immigration law which limits the amount of business’s which can be started in the country. Not having these companies and business’s started in Switzerland has really hurt the unemployment rate of the country as whole. With it now nearing 5%, highest it has been in quite a while.
Another downfall which is causing potential business away is the tax increases. Switzerland was known in the past for its great tax rates which has began to take a hit, “Competitive advantages have shrunk and we aren’t best in class everywhere anymore. We are only competitive overall if have a very attractive tax system.”
Switzerland is hoping to get back to where they once were, but the current state is not trending in the right direction.
This post was originally published on Etienne Kiss-Borlase’s Political blog. For more info about Etienne, please visit his homepage.
Etienne Kiss-Borlase 