The State of Neuchâtel remains in the black figures for the fourth consecutive year. The 2023 accounts closed with a profit of 1.684 million francs, while the budget forecast an excess of expenses of 13.6 million francs. The Council of State explains this result in particular by the favorable economic situation which led to tax revenues higher than expected by 102.9 million francs. Thanks to this situation, several reserves were able to be supplied. At the end of last year, the economic policy reserve even reached the maximum authorized amount of 120.1 million francs.
However, several elements have worsened the 2023 financial year, such as the Ukrainian crisis, the energy crisis and the storm of July 24 which hit the Neuchâtel Mountains. The additional cost linked to these three elements is estimated at 17.8 million francs.
The Neuchâtel government was also unable to benefit from a payment from the Swiss National Bank (SNB), even though it was banking on an amount of 27.3 million francs. The Canton has also released an additional credit of 34.5 million francs to support health institutions and to offset the increase in salaries.
Highest investments “since 2008”
Last year, investments amounted to 86.2 million francs. The amount is less than that which was budgeted (117.8 million francs), but the Council of State indicates that it is the “highest net volume of investments since 2008”.
The debt brake, however, is only half respected. The minimum degree of self-financing of investments, which must be 70%, is not met. It amounts to 55.27%. The minimum level of investments, which must amount to 3.5% of the determining income, has been reached.
It should also be noted that the debt now amounts to 1.8 billion francs, an increase of 24.3 million francs compared to 2022.
Future deemed uncertain
For the Council of State, “the outlook remains uncertain”. He calls for “maintaining great rigor”, even if the 2023 result is considered solid. In the eyes of the government, we must maintain the effort to face future challenges, such as the aging of the population and the increase in health or climate spending, in a context of declining power. purchase.
“This situation must encourage the State to pursue a financial policy that is both prudent and proactive”, also to deal with economic uncertainties, he concludes. Financial conditions will also determine whether a second tax cut of 1% is possible in 2025 or not. /comm-sbm
