As part of the traditional courtesy visits of new members of the Federal Council to the Neuchâtel government, the Council of State in corpore welcomed Federal Councilor Beat Jans, head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP). The meeting took place on Wednesday November 20, 2024, at Bevaix Abbey. This moment of exchange made it possible to address subjects of importance for relations between the Confederation and the Canton of Neuchâtel, particularly in terms of migration, security and mobility.
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Federal Councilor Beat Jans, head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), went to Bevaix Abbey at the end of the day in response to an invitation from the Neuchâtel Council of State . This meeting is part of the tradition of courtesy visits made by new members of the Federal Council to the Neuchâtel government. This visit offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties between the Confederation and the canton, by addressing major themes for the future of the region, such as migration, security and mobility.
The discussions focused in particular on the Confederation’s savings program, with a focus on the Gaillard report. This report presents a series of measures which would make it possible to reduce federal finances by 4 to 5 billion in the years to come. The Council of State expressed its concerns about the impacts of these measures for the cantons, emphasizing the need for in-depth dialogue with the Confederation.
The theme of asylum and migration was discussed, with an update on the situation of the Federal Center for Asylum Seekers (CFA) in Boudry, which Federal Councilor Beat Jans came to visit in March 2024. The discussions took place also focused on the European Migration Pact. The importance of clarifying the implications of this pact was highlighted, particularly with regard to strengthening the sharing of information between States and improving the traceability of migratory movements.
From a security perspective, the national police request platform project (POLAP), which aims to make the exchange of information between the cantons and the Confederation more effective, was discussed. The Council of State recalled the importance of providing this project with a solid legal basis.
Finally, mobility was also at the heart of the discussions, in connection with the Boudry-Perreux railway stop project, requested by the canton as part of the 2026 railway message and which would make it possible to serve the cantonal economic development center and the CFA . This infrastructure is an important element of the Neuchâtel RER development strategy.
The exchanges between the federal councilor and the members of the Council of State were open, cordial and constructive. They reflect the quality of the dialogue maintained between the Council of State and the federal authorities.
Photo: J. Humbert-Droz – Chancellery ofÉtat
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