Switzerland

Voters rejected plans to overhaul Switzerland’s corporate tax system. Corporate tax reform III was rejected by popular referendum on Sunday, with 59.1% of the population voting against the Swiss government proposal. The “yes” won only in four cantons: Nidwalden, Ticino, Vaud, and Zug.

The aim of the reform was to make the Swiss tax system more acceptable internationally. The government had hoped to secure approval for changes that would keep corporate tax rates globally competitive while abolishing special treatment for many multinational companies.

“It will not be possible to find a solution overnight,” Ueli Maurer, the Swiss finance minister, said at a news conference in Bern, adding that it could take a year to come up with a new plan and years more to enact it.

The Swiss private bank Julius Baer Group said Friday that an unnamed bankrupt European company has sued for €306 million ($326 million) after years of making demands on the bank for not doing enough to prevent two of its account holders from embezzling the company’s assets

Baer is contesting the claim and taking what it called "further appropriate measures" to defend its interests, it said in a statement.

Swiss voters on Sunday approved a measure to make it easier for third-generation immigrants to become citizens, dismissing suggestions from the far-right that the move could pose a security threat.

In a referendum on Sunday, they backed a proposal to simplify naturalisation for third-generation immigrants. According to final official results, the "Yes" camp claimed 60% support and a victory in 19 of Switzerland’s 26 cantons, meeting the two criteria needed for a win.

How can investors "win" in this current economic climate

A group of Geneva-based art dealers, lawyers, and consultants formed a Responsible Art Market Initiative in an effort to alleviate international concerns over the city’s freeports. It is intended to raise awareness of the illicit trafficking of art and antiquities, and the ways in which art facilitates money laundering and other financial crimes.

The project was launched at the Artgenève Salon d’art on January 26 with the publication of a set of guidelines designed to crack down on illegal activity in the city.

Swiss unemployment rose in January to 3.7%, compared with 3.5% in December. This was stated this morning by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), according to which in late January the amount of unemployed people registered at the regional offices of placement was 164’466 , 5’094 more than in the previous month and 822 more than in January 2016 .

Among young people (15-24 years) the number of unemployed increased by 566 units (+ 2.9%) to reach a total of 19’782, which still corresponds to 1,398 persons less (-6, 6%) compared to 12 months ago. People who are looking for employment were 226’861, 3’448 more compared with December and 4’110 more with January 2016).

The Swiss 5 francs coin can be purchased on the sales platform Aliexpress, belonging to the Chinese group Alibaba, paying only $ 1.99 (about 2 francs).

The retailer specifies on its website that it is fake money. However, it is sent free of customs duties, may also be received in Switzerland, without being subject to border checks. These are coins that are intended for collectors and being their illegal use, anyone did it, would risk to be charged.

Lastminute.com strengthens its presence in Italy by signing agreement with Travel Holding to acquire Gartour, an italian leading incoming tour operator. The latter, according to the agreements made by the parties, will continue its activities under a renewable contract of lease for a period of twelve months, before passing definitively under Lastminute.com. Gartour currently employs about 130 people for a turnover of €35 million in 2016.