In 2011, the population of Switzerland was estimated to be around 8 million people. The economy of the country was largely dependent on exports such as machinery, chemicals and pharmaceutical products, as well as services such as banking and insurance. In terms of foreign relations, Switzerland had strong ties with other European countries, as well as with the United States and Canada. In terms of politics, Switzerland had a federal parliamentary republic which had been in power since 1848. The ruling party at the time was the Free Democratic Party (FDP), which was led by President Doris Leuthard. See mathgeneral for Switzerland in the year of 2017.
Yearbook 2011
Switzerland. An attempt to revoke the right to keep military weapons in the home was voted down in a referendum in February. The proposal was supported by groups such as pointed out that suicide with firearms is three times more common in Switzerland than in the rest of Europe. A key argument for the victorious downside was that the right of the Swiss to retain their weapons after military service means that not only criminals have access to weapons. Visit ABBREVIATIONFINDER for the acronym of SUI that stands for the country of Switzerland.
According to Countryaah official site, the nuclear disaster in Japan sparked new debate about the future of nuclear power. Plans to build three new reactors were halted, and in May the government presented plans to decommission the existing five reactors over a 20-year period. Nuclear power accounts for 40% of Switzerland’s energy needs.
In the canton of Zurich, residents in a referendum in May, by a wide margin, said no to stop the right to euthanasia.
Financial turmoil in the euro area became a threat to the economy as the Swiss franc was considered increasingly overvalued, which meant a risk of deflation and reduced growth. In September, the central bank announced that it would not allow the franc to fall below 1.20 against the euro. Both the economy and energy policy were central issues in the electoral movement before the parliamentary elections in October. The right-wing immigrant-right party once again focused on provocative election posters where mass immigration was presented as a serious threat to the country. But for the first time in a couple of decades, the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) backed the election, even though it remained the largest party in the National Council with just over 26% of the vote. Of the other parties in the standing coalition, the Social Democrats received just under 19% voter support, the Liberal Liberal Democratic Party (FDP) 15% and the Christian Democrats just over 12%. Two relatively newly formed middle parties did well: The Green Liberals and the Civil Democratic Party (BDP), formed by outbreaks from the SVP, received support from each of just over 5% of voters.
December
Parliament gives the green light for same-sex marriage
December 18
After more than seven years of debate, Parliament approves a law allowing same-sex couples to marry. However, the small ultra-conservative Federal Democratic Union party outside the government announces that it will try to get the law subject to a referendum. Switzerland is one of the few countries in Europe that has not allowed same-sex marriage. People of the same sex have been able to enter into a so-called registered partnership, but this does not entail the same rights as marriage, for example with regard to the adoption of children and the right to citizenship.
Increased spread of infection causes division
December 11th
Switzerland reaches one of the highest infection rates in Europe and the government decides to take tougher measures against the pandemic. All shops, bars and restaurants must now close at 7 pm. The increased spread of infection has led to irritation between the language groups, writes the news agency AFP. The infection gained momentum in the French-speaking and Italian-speaking parts, which were quick to take action. The German-speaking cantons were less in a hurry to impose restrictions when the infection reached them despite repeated calls from the federal government. Many in the French-speaking cantons, who had hoped in vain that the restrictions could be eased in the autumn, believe that they now have to pay the price for the actions of the German-speakers.
Sanctions are imposed on the upper echelons of Belarus
December 11th
The government announces that Switzerland is doing something in common with the EU and is imposing sanctions on Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko and other high-ranking Belarusians, a total of 15 people. These are prohibited from traveling into Switzerland and can no longer access money that they may have placed in the country’s banks.