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Switzerland's high salaries, low unemployment, and stable currency are a magnet to eurozone countries. |
| [00:07.490]Since the Swiss agreed to free movement of people, immigration from EU members has risen sharply, especially from Spain and Portugal, where unemployment is at crisis levels. [00:18.490] |
In Switzerland, there is tension. The right wing People's Party claims Swiss jobseekers are losing out, the Green Party says immigration is putting too much pressure on housing and public transport. |
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Now the Swiss government has called a halt, being outside the EU means Switzerland has some flexibility, and from next month permanent work permits for EU citizens will be strictly limited. |
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Brussels has reacted angrily. EU officials have always told Switzerland it cannot cherry pick only those parts of European policy it likes best. |
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Now, it's possible other deals the Swiss really need with Europe, on trade perhaps, could be in danger. |
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Meanwhile, sceptical members of the European Union, like Britain, where many would like a less rigid relationship with the EU, will be watching Switzerland's move with interest. |
