Swiss reputation for tolerance under threat

ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland’s reputation as a haven of tolerance for immigrants has been undermined in recent weeks by calls for a ban on new minarets, a mysterious synagogue blaze and neo-Nazi threats to disrupt national day celebrations.

Switzerland is known for public order and efficiency. Its neutral status and high living standards, as well as its need for lower cost workers, have historically attracted refugees from conflicts around Europe and the world.

But with rising immigration — and lack of integration caused partly by tight laws on handing out Swiss passports — religious and ethnic tension has been on the rise, particularly focusing on Muslims.

“There is always this feeling that Switzerland is a little island and you daren’t let anything in because it will destabilise it,” said Clive Church, an expert on Swiss politics, recently retired from the University of Kent.

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Swiss reputation for tolerance under threat
Reuters.co.uk