Man loses Swiss citizenship after being convicted of terrorism in France; Geneva MP calls on cantonal parliament to ban begging; and more news in our Tuesday roundup.
Man loses Swiss citizenship after being convicted of terrorism in France
The man in question, born in Bosnia-Herzegovina and naturalised in Switzerland in 2000, was sentenced in France a year later to 15 years of prison for supporting the Islamic State (ISIS) and plotting attacks in its name.
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) had subsequently stripped him of his Swiss citizenship on the grounds that his actions “had harmed Switzerland’s interests and tarnished its reputation.”
This move has just been upheld by the Federal Administrative Court.
READ MORE: Under what circumstances could you lose your Swiss citizenship?
Geneva MP calls on cantonal Parliament to ban begging
For 20 years, since Romania’s accession to the European Union, the increasing presence of Roma beggars on the streets of Geneva has been stirring controversy and inciting calls for action.
Now, Vincent Subilia, a deputy from the Liberal-Radical Party (FDP) is calling on the Parliament to outlaw begging in Geneva.
While his motion doesn’t specify how he wants to dissuade this practice, it demands “very firm action from the public authorities.”
“Geneva is an Eldorado for beggars, and this absolutely must stop,” he said.
Zurich residents are protesting against a planned McDonald’s
A new McDonald’s is planned near Hardbrücke train station – specifically, at the Steinfels site at Heinrichstrasse 267.
But as a drive-thru will be open throughout the night, until 6 am on Fridays and Saturdays, residents with bedrooms directly above the site are mobilising against the fast-food restaurant.
They object to nighttime noise and additional traffic the new branch would create.
As one local resident explained, “We have nothing against restaurants, but we don’t necessarily want noisy drunks grabbing a burger all night long.”
Public is invited to participate in redesign of Basel’s tram network
The redesign is intended to relieve congestion in the city centre by reducing the number of tram lines from seven to a maximum of five.
In addition, Birsfelden will be directly connected to Basel’s main train station.
To this effect, public transport authorities of both Basel cantons have called on the residents to be involved in the process and contribute their ideas.
The online consultation began on Monday and will run until September 25th.
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