₦airaland Forum

Many people think that Switzerland’s wealth is due to its status as a fiscal haven. But Panama, Cyprus, and the Republic of Liberia, are also fiscal havens.

Africa not only offers low taxes to international companies but also offers them capacity. However, countries in Africa remain in low income status while Switzerland remains one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

Not only this, all of Switzerland’s wealth comes without having natural resources and by not compromising on democracy and human rights. In fact Switzerland can boast one of the most egalitarian political systems in the world. Also, its welfare system is as good as that of Norway or Denmark.

In addition, its citizens not only have the right to vote every 4 years but every four months! The Swiss don’t just choose their leaders but they choose their policies with referendums happening several times a year. Switzerland has one of the world’s best political systems. Some argue that this is the reason as to why they are successful. In fact, the Swiss system is so good, that it could be a model for other countries. Here are some key aspects of it:

Decentralization

From a political standpoint, Switzerland is what is known as a confederation, and it is the only confederation that exists on the planet. It is made up of 26 states which are called cantons. The only thing that these cantons have in common are a constitution, foreign policy and a currency — aside from that they are totally different from one another. For instance, if you make a salary of 5,918USD and you live in the region of Jura, you are going to pay an income tax of 14 percent. But if you made the same amount of money and you live in the region of Zug, your income is only going to be 4%. If you have a shop in Geneva, you are going to have to close your shop at 6PM. But if you own a shop in Zurich you are free to keep your shop open for as many hours as you want.

The cantons can adjust their laws and pluralities as they see fit. What is more important is that they can compete with each other; this explains why in general the cantons have such low taxation.

Switzerland is so decentralized that they have four official languages; German, French, Italian and Romansh. When you visit Geneva which is in the French speaking part, you are not going to hear anyone speaking German. The billboards, road signs, and local newspapers are all in French. The same applies to Zurich with German or Lugano with Italian.

No head of government

Every country has a head of government who is responsible for certain things. Well, not Switzerland. Yet they are not living in anarchy. What they do is vote for a federal parliament which is similar to congress in the United States. This parliament then chooses seven (7) people who are going to become something like ministers or secretaries. All of these seven people have the same amount of power.

Each year one of them takes a turn becoming Switzerland’s international representative. Technically this person is the president of Switzerland but he or she does not have specific powers over the other 6 people. This is an important difference in the Swiss mentality because in other countries the president is a really powerful person but in Switzerland it is just a symbolic thing because the entire decision making is done by a team.

Flexible Democracy

The most important part of the Swiss political system is their referendums. Most of their laws are chosen by a popular vote, some at a federal level while others at a cantonal level. Proposal for a referendum requires only 50,000 signatures while one that’s going to amend the constitution requires 100,000 signatures. Other countries allow their population to have referendums too, for example Spain. But to seek a referendum in Spain requires 500,000 signatures, and they cannot do any referendums that can change the constitution.

Switzerland holds several referendums every single year. Every four months, the Swiss go to the polling stations and they will vote for any proposal that has been put forward in the previous four months. These polls usually have big turn outs of more than 60%.

Free market capitalism

It would be very easy for a populist, anti-capitalist leader to emerge in a system like this, right? Remarkably, Switzerland is to the free market what France is to the wine industry. Don’t forget that this country is geographically isolated by mountains and has practically no farming land. This means that it has had to sign free trade agreements with pretty much every country on earth.

It is undeniable that Switzerland is a commerce loving nation BUT no more so than the European Union. The Swiss actually subsidize their agriculture as much as the Europeans or the Americans do — yet they also participate in the same trade embargoes that exist with Iran and Russia. The only difference is that Switzerland has embraced free trade since 1874 while the rest of the world has been doing it for the last few decades.

Neutrality in global affairs

Switzerland will not participate in any armed conflicts, making it one of the few neutral countries in the world. They even stayed out in the Second World War despite most of the population being against Hitler. While the rest of the Europe ripped itself apart, killing millions and spending billions in reconstruction, Switzerland didn't and they used all their savings to improve their system.

Switzerland does have a military, but this army is entirely defensive and will only be used to expell external attacks. It will never be used to fight in anything outside of self-defense. This is where we see one of the few drawbacks of the Swiss system — the military or should we say…. their militia.

The drawback, of course, is not that they won't attack anyone. It is that every Swiss citizen must spend one month, of every single year, from age 18 to age 30, serving in the military. Even after this service period they must keep a gun at home. Plenty of people argue that this system is good with pundits saying it creates more entrepreneurs and less economic disparity. It is during this time in the military that the rich and poor are mixing together. Several startups and companies have been created from relationships that were formed while people were serving in the military.

The big question is… What about the freedom to choose? Should government force you to work in a place that you may not want to work?

Ease of doing business

This is another area where Switzerland shines. Despite the differences from one Canton to another, Switzerland has very low taxation overall. The laws to start a company are straight forward. Anyone can see those laws by just going online. Switzerland is one of the most transparent countries in the world which has encouraged a lot of international companies to establish their fiscal residence in Switzerland. But it's also very easy for Swiss people, living in Switzerland, to set up their own company

Banks do make up a large part of the Swiss economy but it probably not as much as people think. There are many other industries in Switzerland including Logitech, Nestle, and Norvatis. They are among the most popular companies in the world.

All of this is being done in a country with a population that is smaller than New York city's. Switzerland perfectly embodies the argument that it is not the country’s natural resources or luck to determine a country’s success but rather its systems of government and institutions that do this.

The Swiss have a lot to teach Africa in this regard.

Please house, help me look into this

Suspense12:
Good day house, please I have these few questions.

My girlfriend was refused uk visa in July because of the fact that she didn't explain the other sources of funds in her account (this was the only reason given for the refusal). She works in a bank but the statement she submitted shows that she received other funds with her account which was not explained.

She wants to make another application this October but needs some clarifications.

1. She wants to travel by November, hope the 3months minimum application won't be an issue?

2. She has provided invoices, delivery note and receipts she obtained as these explains the sources of the funds in her account.

3. She has written a justification letter explaining the other source of income. She has also updated her information on the website explaining that she has a business she runs..though the business is not yet registered.

4. Can an unregistered business issue receipts..cos she is thinking of uploading receipts showing her business name or personal name?

5. She earns over 300k per month and she indicates that she wants to spend £2000 on the trip...is the money too much or little??

6. Initially she applied for 7days vacation but she wants to increase it to 14days

7. She has been able to shift her vacation at work and she has a letter to back it up.

What other documents can she attach ??

Good day house, please I have these few questions.

My girlfriend was refused uk visa in July because of the fact that she didn't explain the other sources of funds in her account (this was the only reason given for the refusal). She works in a bank but the statement she submitted shows that she received other funds with her account which was not explained.

She wants to make another application this October but needs some clarifications.

1. She wants to travel by November, hope the 3months minimum application won't be an issue?

2. She has provided invoices, delivery note and receipts she obtained as these explains the sources of the funds in her account.

3. She has written a justification letter explaining the other source of income. She has also updated her information on the website explaining that she has a business she runs..though the business is not yet registered.

4. Can an unregistered business issue receipts..cos she is thinking of uploading receipts showing her business name or personal name?

5. She earns over 300k per month and she indicates that she wants to spend £2000 on the trip...is the money too much or little??

6. Initially she applied for 7days vacation but she wants to increase it to 14days

7. She has been able to shift her vacation at work and she has a letter to back it up.

What other documents can she attach ??

This makes me remember my ex girlfriend, the babe go come my place and we go screw like kilode....and when we wake up the next morning, she will lead the prayer and also pray for forgiveness.

But we go still knack in the afternoon and evening sef....

Me I no understand ooo....but I dey say Amen to all the prayers!

Omo....this is a clear case of... if you no know...u no know...

You Just have to sit down and calculate how much would have been spent on these cars n Keke....such a waste indeed!

The monies coul have been utilised for a more meaningful projects like commission of needed primary health care facilities, provision of tractors, or boosting of the Agricultural sector....

Govt needs to sit down and cut back on cheap popularities and frivolities that are not impactful.




This is why the likes of Bill Gates and others will continue to mock them and we the citizens ....so sad!

Some mumu People go dey here dey pull down other people...


If you know what pain and stress means in real life, you won't say they are looking bad...

In actual facts, they are just awesome... chilling in their house just after the rain...


Post your own pictures make we see house u go look without makeup!

leonprince:
If you got an email informing you that you are not one of the top performers, kindly ignore the email and refer to the congratulatory email. Complete the survey and you will be contacted on the next steps for the Master Class training.

Sorry for the inconvenience and confusion. We look forward to seeing you at the Master Class training.

Thank you.

YouWiN! Secretariat.

Pls did you just receive this message too?


And can you shed more light on your score or the score range?

The way this Oga Jimoh dey defend NPF, you go think say he dey related to the IG.....


But wait ooo, wetin I dey talk sef.. he de related jhooor!


At least by the colour of their cloth and the way they both spew irrelevancies and churn out all sorts of gabbage just to please d oga at d top!

Na wa ooo

Keep fooling yourself.....till they commot stool for your yansh!


When the hunter starts feeding the bushrat, the bushrat must know that it's days are numbered!

How will they defend themselves....by carrying sticks to attack AK-47 wielding herdsmen...


Omo e go be like person wey sabi fight kungfu wey go face submachine gun or armored tank....blood go too flow!



Rather the government should empower vigilantes and hunters as we see in Ekiti....

If the government can protect you, it shouldn't deny you the rights to protect yourself! It can only checkmate to ensure that your rights doesn't infringe on the rights of others.

Rights to life is the first rule of human right (UDHR Acts)

But wait ooo.... I thought the airport was functional na...abi is the governor upgrading the facilities?

What do you expect him to say....all these people are bunch of ass-kissers.

Even an underperforming or never performing politician will be praised to high heavens just so that he can drop some cash!


Well it's the same everywhere......


Ftc to me!

All I see is lies......

I must confess to you, it's a very long process and you have to be patient.

Step 1: You need to get the National Population Commission death certificate

Step 2: Process the letter of administration with the death certificate, your dad's documents and every siblings details....they will ask for passports (it takes btw 3-5months to process in some states

Step3: Go to the pension administrator and submit detail, fill the forms. You will need the letter of administration at this stage.

Step 4: You will most likely need an attestation or affidavit that you are the next of kin or if there is more than one NOKs

Step 5: Wait for the details to be sent for approval and the will call you at the ministry of justice to come for your cheque...


Any other info.....

I comment my reserve......let's wait and see!

Papanwamaikpe:
After using her for ritual abi?

Na wah for una, na u b d dibia we use am abi.....

Na wah ooo....

Is it a sin to bear Damilola in London...


Reminds me of Damilola Taylor...a young Nigerian that was killed years back in London!


Abeg every Damilola in London should come back home ooo....

RIP to the dead

Shit....I feel sorry for you...


I know this lady personally....this is bleeped!

A car crashed into the second story of a southern California office building Sunday morning after the vehicle went airborne when the driver hit the center divider in the road, officials said.

Making for an unusual sight, the car appeared lodged into the second story of a dental office in Santa Ana, Calif., when Orange County Fire Agency officials arrived at the scene. Two people suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash, officials said.


The Santa Ana Police Department said the car “was traveling at a high rate of speed” when it hit the center divider and went airborne. According to the police department, the driver of the car “admitted to using narcotics, and will be admitted to a local hospital for observation.”

In a tweet early Sunday morning, Orange County fire officials said one person was still trapped inside the car when they arrived to the scene. He or she was later removed from the vehicle.

The other person had “self extricated,” officials said.

Buharicare.......



When will our politicians be innovative!


Bunch of dullards everywhere...even adewole sef no dey innovative....copycats



What happened to the NHIS act and how are you working on making it affordable to the masses who are not civil servants...these are areas to address and not one stupid buharicare somewhere....Oshi!!

What you are taking pictures with would have been butchered in another place.....


They would have put their pot on fire and sharpened the knives.....obe to see!



Tell us, what did you do with it now that you have killed it cos it's obvious it's dead.....

From your report OP, they are not blaming

michenry07:
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth for Change United Arab Emirates has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for not flying his child, Yusuf for restorative treatment abroad.

The adolescent portrayed the activity as "commendable initiative and gallant statesmanship."

This was contained in an announcement marked by the Chairman and representative of the association, Aliyu Bala and Mohammed Quadri.

"We are without a doubt glad to be related with the APC-drove government on their solid assurance to slaughter defilement that has been the most despicable aspect of improvement throughout the years," the announcement read.
http://naijaexposemill..com.ng/2018/01/apc-youth-blaming-buhari-for-treating.html?m=1

The are not blaming the President rather they are commending him....change the topic Op.




On another note, his condition might be so terrible that it would be advisable not to move him in order not to cause more brain damage or eventual death.

That might be the only reason they are keeping him here....that's if he is still here sef

Nice write up!

Diplomacy is what Nigeria is employing or we would have been at war with Chad, Niger and even Cameroun.

Initially they were sceptical in helping to tackle boko haram till they began to suffer from it's spreading insurgency...though on Derby issue, I doubt Nigeria would just maintain a siddon look approach and watch Chad decimate it's army and territory.


There is a lot going on beneath!

No mind d mumu....you offer admission!

So you dey operate university for all those places you mentioned!

Scam loading!!!


No office address sef!

It's like you don't know how you people eat rice!

And not forgetting the fact that some of these rice are being exported!

But on a serious note 300M bags of rice and d price Neva crash!

That's outrageous!!!

They will still increase the pump price....that's certain.

Who authorised the differential in landing cost?

Nigerians can take anything Sha! We are stubbornly resilient but we suppose don vex teytey for ds people oo!

From an earlier trending news on nairaland of a big backside lady pictured with Didier Drogba and Bovi, see her face below.



Do you agree that she is well endowed??





https://www.nairaland.com/4269975/comedian-bovi-pictured-didier-drogba

See more

Twitter users call out the governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El Rufai when he made a mistake from a spelling in his tweet on the Abuja-Kaduna rail.

See below

Mugabe dead!

Thought he would live forever na!


Duh I sure say Na Fake News!