Too Kind For Its Own Good

In a country not renowned for its counterculture, the Swiss city of Lausanne is an enclave of cool. Roller-bladers fizz through its parks, students and locals with time to talk and money to spend fill the cafés and clubs, posters tell of a vibrant arts scene. But up near the Old Town, in the shadow of the gothic St. Laurent Church, the tolerance and discreet charm of the Lausannois has been stretched to the snapping point lately by scores of African asylum seekers peddling cocaine on its ancient, narrow streets.

St. Laurent's social aid and detox clinics show that the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!