E-voting problems, Iran trade, and Merkel’s big visit

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Here are the top stories we’re following the week of August 31:

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Monday

It’s been 25 years since the death of renowned Swiss writer Friedrich DürrenmattExternal link – but few people realise that he was actually an enthusiastic painter as well. swissinfo.ch brings you the story.

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Wednesday

To e-vote or not to e-vote – that is the question. Switzerland is a long-time pioneer of the online ballot, but there has been a setback. The government has ruledExternal link that only four cantons out of 13 who requested to use e-voting in the upcoming federal elections of October 18, 2015 may do so, due to concerns over voting secrecy. We report on the repercussions.     

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Thursday

German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits Bern. It’s an official visit and includes an appearance by Merkel at the University of Bern, where she will give a speech on Europe and receive her Honorary Doctorate from the university (actually awarded in 2009). Likely to be high on the agenda during political talks: Swiss bilateral agreements with the European Union, including on the free movement of people – a thorny topic after the vote in February 2014 to curb immigration. 

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Thursday

Swiss companies are eager to trade with Iran, following the landmark nuclear deal involving major world powers. They know Iran is not an easy market, but with a population ten times as big as that of Switzerland and significant oil and gas reserves, it is an attractive prospect to many. swissinfo.ch looks into the implications. 

What you may have missed last week: