Basel Police Seek EM50 Urban Assault Vehicle; SBB Tram Stop Most Dangerous In Switzerland; Residency Permit Uptick; Marktplatz Joins Christmas Market Festivities

News For 28 November 2017

The Basel Police Department has submitted an appropriation request for one million Swiss Francs to the cantonal parliament for the acquisition of an armored vehicle.  The intended use of the military grade truck would be as a counter terrorism transport and defense vehicle.  Although such vehicles are already in use in the canton of Zurich, the Basel government's department of finance is not without its objections.  In addition to the cost, they feel the department of Justice and Security, which represents the Police Department in government, has to demonstrate the necessity and efficacy of such a vehicle and expenditure.  

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Basel SBB has been deemed the most dangerous tram stop in Switzerland, with at least six people injured in the past two years. Second place is held by Zurich’s Stauffacher, but is followed again by two Basel stops: Barfüsserplatz and Heuwaage. Usually, the fault lies not with the tram drivers, but with unaware pedestrians. It seems, most pedestrians these days are glued to their smartphones, and their perception is usually additionally impaired by headphones. The local political scene is currently devising ways to make the Centralbahnplatz safer, as was done in 2001 under the slogan “mir kömme anenand verby”, where ground markings were put in place to make the tram tracks more visible.

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The Swiss Federal Council approved an increase in the quota on residency permits for non-EU citizens allowed to stay in the country for 2018.  Although the number of permits was raised to 8000, it is still below the 2014 levels when a Swiss referendum capped permits for subsequent years at 75% of the level for that year.  The permits, which are of the B and L variety are doled out to cantons which subsequently allocate them to employers.  In that Basel, Zurich and Geneva make up 1/3 of the country's economy as a block they have been demanding an increase in quotas and are left scrounging for unused permits in other cantons.  

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During this year’s Christmas market festivities, even Marktplatz has advent themed activities. Where there was only a large Christmas tree in years past, there will also be two additional attractions this year. A star-shaped stage for concerts will be set up on December 8th, and an ice rink will open this Friday called “Schliffi ufem Märktplatz”. According to Pro-Innerstadt director Mathias Böhm, Basel is growing as a Christmas-market destination, meaning there should be more attractions in side streets as well as the main areas. Officials are also considering a street art campaign around Rümelinsplatz and Spalenberg for future events.