Christoph Blocher

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Swiss in Turmoil as Power Sharing Collapses

Rift after 50 years of consensus rule

(Newser) - After 49 years, Switzerland’s cozy form of consensus government collapsed today, when the right-wing People’s Party went into opposition, angered by the ejection of one of its members from the cabinet. “You have forced us to go into opposition, destroyed our treasured system of government and sacrificed...

Swiss MPs Eject Populist Leader
Swiss MPs Eject Populist Leader

Swiss MPs Eject Populist Leader

Surprise move blocks Blocher from cabinet post

(Newser) - Cristoph Blocher, the controversial head of Switzerland's People's Party, has been ejected from cabinet in an unexpected move that could end 50 years of consensus politics. The populist leader was slated for reelection as justice minister, Bloomberg reports, but a surprise deal by the three other parties voted in another...

New Swiss Ad: Come Here and Suffer
New Swiss Ad: Come Here
and Suffer

New Swiss Ad: Come Here and Suffer

Xenophobic TV spots airing in Africa portray destitute immigrants

(Newser) - While most countries promote tourism or business opportunities, new Swiss TV spots airing in Nigeria and Cameroon make the nation look blatantly unfriendly, writes the Independent. The ads roll up the red carpet by depicting a destitute African immigrant begging, being chased by police, living under a bridge, and calling...

Far-Right Wins in Swiss Election Create Tension

First black MP elected amid sweeping anti-immigrant victory

(Newser) - Swiss voters delivered a new parliament on Sunday, giving the right-wing Swiss People's Party a consolidated grip on power. But they also gave a seat to the country's first black MP, who told the Times of London that he is fearful of the xenophobia that characterized the recent election, despite...

Swiss Rioters Blitz Rightist Rally
Swiss Rioters Blitz Rightist Rally

Swiss Rioters Blitz Rightist Rally

Anti-foreigner stance incites violence

(Newser) - Bern was beset by rioters aiming to thwart a pre-election rally by the rightist Swiss People’s Party, expected to dominate this month's elections with its xenophobic platform. Masked protesters threw bricks and gas bombs and outwitted police by operating in small groups and destroying the party stage. The mayor...

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