Americans in Switzerland call for a boycott of Tesla
US citizens will protest the political influence of Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and a key part of Trump’s administration, by demonstrating near Tesla dealerships in Geneva and Lausanne on Saturday from 12 to 2 pm.
“Together, Musk and Donald Trump are committed to destroying the US federal government and US democracy,” said Dr. Tory Mallett, Chairperson of Democrats Abroad Switzerland in a press release.
They are also intervening in foreign countries, including Switzerland, by cutting funding for UN organisations and NGOs in Geneva.
READ ALSO: UN employees in Geneva asked to complete Trump’s 'patriotic' questionnaire
In related news…
Geneva approves financial aid for international organisations
The municipal council voted on Wednesday evening to grant an extraordinary 2 million francs to help NGOs weakened by US budget cuts.
“There is an urgent need to act to preserve the expertise of NGOs in Geneva and enable them to better cope with the current financial uncertainties, particularly by helping to support jobs directly and indirectly related to it,” the municipality said, especially as this sector carries “considerable weight in Geneva.”
The city’s help will supplement the canton’s, which will donate 10 million francs to enable UN and NGO employees to receive wages for three months.
SBB wants to buy high-speed trains for foreign destinations
Making good on its promise to expand its cross-border service, the national railway company is looking to purchase up to 40 multi-voltage trains that can operate with the electrical systems of different countries.
The new trains are intended to run from Swiss cities to Italy, France, and Barcelona, as well as its most ambitious destination — London.
READ ALSO: Switzerland commits to creating direct rail link with London
Ahead this weekend…
A sad anniversary on Sunday
March 16th will mark the fifth anniversary of the date when the emerging Covid pandemic brought life in Switzerland to a standstill.
The Federal Council declared a state of emergency on March 16th, 2020, closing all shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment and leisure facilities — with the exception of grocery stores and pharmacies.
This is what The Local reported at the time:
“Switzerland will also tighten its border controls with Germany, France and Austria , having already ramped up restrictions at the southern border with hard-hit northern Italy.
The government also approved the use of up to 8,000 troops to support the regional cantons in their hospitals, logistics and security.
Infections in Switzerland jumped on Sunday by nearly 1,000 cases in 24 hours to 2,200 and 14 deaths were recorded from the virus across the country.
"Given the accelerating spread of the coronavirus, the Federal Council is further strengthening measures to protect the population," the government said a statement.”
READ ALSO: Switzerland declares state of emergency over coronavirus
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
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