Geneva referendum backs plan to extend WTO headquarters

The World Trade Organization will remain in Geneva, Switzerland. That is what the voters of this city decided today in a special referendum.

Left-wing politicians in Geneva had launched a sustained campaign against WTO’s extension project, estimated to cost $126 million, on the ground that it would damage the city’s lakeside promenade. Around 61 per cent of Geneva’s voters approved the extension plan that would expand Centre William Rappard, which houses the WTO. Analysts said the Geneva supporters of the WTO were emphatic in their message that a rejection of the extension plan would not only force WTO to move to some other international city but more importantly it would pose problems to other global organisations.

The proposed extension will provide more space for another 300 employees. It is yet to be formally approved by the Geneva cantonal authorities.