Swiss Review 4/2019

Swiss Review / July 2019 / No.4 31 Insurance for the older unemployed is in the pipeline The Federal Council is planning a newbridging pension for the older unemployed. Anyone who loses their job at 58 should no longer automatically have to live offwelfare ben- efits. At present, bridging benefits are only an option for those who find themselves unemployed after their 60 th birthday. This planned social welfare expansion is also in- tended as a response by the Federal Council to the freedom of movement of persons with the European Union. This is causing increased competition in certain industries on the Swiss employment market. (MUL) Donald Trump and Ueli Maurer in discussion In the middle of May, an American president officially re- ceived a President of the Swiss Confederation in theWhite House for the first time. The discussion between Donald Trump and Federal President Ueli Maurer (SVP) included topics such as Switzerland’s role during political crises. It represents the diplomatic interests of the USA in different countries, such as in Iran, where the USA does not have an embassy. In the future, Switzerland is to take on the same role in Venezuela. The Swiss in turn hope that the dialogue with Trump has a positive impact on the trade discussions between Switzerland and the USA. (MUL) The heavens are full of fighter jets In the last fewmonths, an above-average number of fighter jets have crossed Swiss airspace. There is an explanation: the Swiss army is planning to purchase new jets, so it has been conducting more in-depth tests of five different mod- els, namely the Eurofighter (Airbus, Germany), the F/A-18 Super Hornet (Boeing, USA), the Rafale (Dassault, France), the F-35A (Lockheed-Martin, USA) and the Gripen E (Saab, Sweden). The focus of the testing included the operational capability of the jets in Switzerland’s topographically small- scale, mountainous territory. (MUL) A football club in disarray faces relegation It is a watershed for the Swiss football world: the Grasshop- per Club Zurich (GC), founded in 1886, has been relegated from the top league, the Super League. The 27-time Swiss champions hopelessly crashed out of the top division in the 2018/2019 season, but they did not go quietly. Rowdy GC fans caused games to be abandoned and forfeited, and fur- ther damaged the image of the former flagship of Swiss foot- ball. Bern’s Young Boys finished the season as record win- ners at the top of the table. Never before has a teamclinched the title so early. (MUL) Sven Epiney On a Saturday evening in March, the final of the dance show “Darf ich bitten” is showing on Swiss German-speaking television. Excite- ment levels remain within reasonable limits. Then the live pro- gramme takes a surprising turn. The well-known TV and radio pre- senter, Sven Epiney, who is a contestant in the show, goes down on one knee and proposes to his dance/life partner. Michael says yes, they hug and then cry tears of joy. Someone brings them a bunch of red roses. “What an exciting moment,” cheer the media, “Epiney writes television and gender equality history!” Something like this was not really to be expected. The ever-pleasant 47-year-old fromValais, who presents quiz and lifestyle programmes, had never really stood out before. Declarations of love during a live broadcast can be viewed as touching or disconcerting, but one thing is clear: the private sphere moved into the political realm in this instance. Soon the Swiss Par- liament will debatewhether same-sex couplesmaymarry. Nowadays they are able to register their partnership. It is a type of civil marriage, but not with the same rights and obligations as the traditional form. The legal changemay find amajority, but that does not suit everyone. After Epiney’s appearance, the comment columns were floodedwith shocking homophobic comments. Complaints were made to Swiss television. It was alleged that the TV star had used a fee-based pro- gramme for his own purposes. And also that it is “unnatural” when two men kiss each other. The television ombudsman firmly rejected all complaints. Meanwhile, the boulevard press has reported that the newly engaged couple are enjoying some quality time together. It re- mains to be seen when Epiney’s publicly initiated wedding will take place, or rather may take place. SUSANNE WENGER Top Pick News