Around a thousand demonstrators took to the streets of the Swiss capital Bern to protest against the forthcoming Formula E motor race that will take place through the city at the weekend.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/mga
Although the racing cars are electric powered, protestors complained that the event will be harmful to the environment, with hundreds of trucks arriving in Bern to set up the race and thousands of spectators probably driving to the event.
Furthermore, the critics argue that electric cars alone will not solve the environmental damage caused by traffic unless overall volumes of cars on the streets are reduced.
Demonstrators made their point by cycling around the race track on the streets of Bern. The event was peaceful, although some posters and banners advertising the race on June 22 were ripped down.
Protesters also expressed their disappointment at the city authorities for allowing the race to take place. A committee has been set with the aim of blocking future Formula EExternal link races in Bern, arguing that such events only benefit organisers and the tourism industry.
Formula E made its Swiss debut appearance in Zurich. Geneva plans to host a race in 2021. However, last week it was announced that Switzerland does not figure on the 2019/20 racing calendar.
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
Swiss to reduce administrative burden on farms from 2026
This content was published on
From 2026, the number of inspections of farms is to be reduced, without any loss of quality, said economics minister Guy Parmelin.
Swiss insurance boss proposes Singapore-style healthcare system
This content was published on
CEO of Swiss health insurer Sanitas has said that healthcare costs could be reduced if Switzerland were to follow the Singapore model.
Swiss minister talks crime and security in visit to the Netherlands
This content was published on
Swiss justice minister Beat Jans spent two days in the Netherlands discussing security, police cooperation and justice with international bodies.
Study finds more heavy metal detected in Swiss grassland
This content was published on
Copper and zinc can be expected to accumulate in the soil, particularly if farmyard manure is used for several years and is greater than the amount of nutrients absorbed by the grass. This was announced by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) on Friday. The findings are based on the results of the seventh National Soil Monitoring of Switzerland (Nabo).
Lilo Baur wins Swiss Grand Prix for performing arts
This content was published on
The Swiss actress and theatre director Lilo Baur has received this year's Swiss Grand Prix for Performing Arts, also known as the Hans Reinhart Ring.
Court rules al-Qaeda supporter can stay in Switzerland
This content was published on
A Kurdish supporter of the Islamist terrorist network al-Qaeda can stay in Switzerland, the Federal Administrative Court has ruled. It has withdrawn the annulment of the man’s provisional admission.
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has closed criminal proceedings relating to the Swiss owners affected by the Volkswagen “Dieselgate” emissions scandal.
This content was published on
The employment outlook in Switzerland will remain stable towards the end of 2024, according to the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich.
Swiss woman accuses Donald Trump of sexual assault
This content was published on
A former Miss Switzerland candidate has accused Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in New York in 1993. The US Republican candidate’s campaign team has denied the accusations.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
No Formula E race in Switzerland next season
This content was published on
After races in Zurich and Bern in 2018 and 2019 respectively, the country will not be hosting any Formula E events in the next racing season.
This content was published on
Formula E electric motor racing looks set to return to Switzerland next year, but to the capital Bern rather than Zurich.
This content was published on
Zurich is hosting its first Formula E electric championship race on Sunday, in the nation's first motor race since the sport was banned 60 years ago.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.