A White House spokesperson confirmed that finance minister Steven Mnuchin and trade minister Wilbur Ross will not be travelling to Davos. President r had previously said he could not attend WEF’s showcase event that takes place next week.
The pull-out scuppers plans by Switzerland to use the WEF meeting of political and business leaders to revive free trade agreement talks between the two countries that have lain dormant for more than a decade.
WEFExternal link, which runs from January 22-25 this year, has been shorn of several government heads, who have been forced to stay at home to deal with problematic situations in their home countries.
WEF’s Global Risk Report, released on Wednesday, said worsening international relations present a major risk of allowing growing global problems to get out of hand.
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Why Trump’s absence could benefit Davos
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If this year’s World Economic Forum does indeed take place without US President Donald Trump, it won’t matter too much, say some Swiss media.
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Swiss canton wants to test collection of electronic signatures for initiatives
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St Gallen wants to become the first Swiss canton to use electronic signatures (e-collecting) for referendums or initiatives.
Swiss government launches attempt to secure 2038 Winter Olympics
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After failing to host the Winter Olympics in 2030 and 2034, Switzerland is trying again - this time for the 2038 Winter Games.
Study highlights Swiss cantons’ failings over adoptions from India
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A Swiss study released on Friday has revealed that cantons Thurgau and Zurich are responsible for shortcomings linked to adoptions of children from India.
Glacier melt causes changes to Swiss-Italian border
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Switzerland has adapted its borders with Italy and France. The changes with Italy are linked to melting glaciers, while those with France concern a tram line and rivers in the Geneva region.
Zermatt restaurateurs sentenced for defying Covid-19 measures
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A Swiss court has given three restaurateurs in Zermatt, who were arrested in 2021 after repeatedly ignoring police orders to close their establishment, suspended sentences and fines.
Report: one in five Swiss tunnels damaged, but safe
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According to Switzerland's Federal Roads Office (Astra), national roads are in good condition overall. Almost one in five tunnels has moderate damage but they are safe, it said on Thursday.
Swiss couple sentenced for enslaving two housekeepers
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A 46-year-old Swiss man has received a three year sentence, including nine months in jail, for exploiting, locking up and handcuffing two housekeepers he brought to Switzerland between 2018 and 2019.
Zurich Film Festival drops screening of ‘Russians at War’ documentary
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The organisers of the Zurich Film Festival have decided not to show the controversial documentary Russians at War due to "safety considerations",
Swiss air traffic control upgrade slows tempo for safety reasons
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The upgrade of Switzerland’s air traffic control system will take longer than anticipated following a series of malfunctions.
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.
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Who’s in the WEF in-crowd?
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Making it on the participants list at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting is no easy feat. Who made the cut this year?
Brexit worries to keep Theresa May away from Davos
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UK Prime Minister Theresa May, citing domestic concerns, has followed her French and American counterparts by pulling out of this year’s WEF.
Brazilian president chooses WEF for first overseas trip
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The rightwing Bolsonaro will join US President Donald Trump and many other world leaders in Switzerland from January 21-25. The annual showpiece meeting attracts around 3,000 political and business heads plus leaders in the worlds of science, culture, civil society and religion. Bolsonaro made his announcement during his first television interview since taking office on…
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If this year’s World Economic Forum does indeed take place without US President Donald Trump, it won’t matter too much, say some Swiss media.
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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.