Bern: the National begins the long debate on the budget

Debates on the 2025 budget began on Tuesday at the National Council. The UDC and the Center have already stressed the importance of having a budget that respects the debt brake.

Respecting the debt brake is one of the three objectives of the SVP for this budget, indicated Lars Guggisberg (UDC/BE). His party will also commit to strengthening the army without weakening agriculture. The party will also oppose any tax increases. The Confederation has a problem of expenditure and not of revenue, underlined the Bernese.

For the Center too, respecting the debt brake is important. We must show discipline, noted Pius Kaufmann (C/LU). And to specify that any new expenditure must have counter-financing.

The left and the PVL will not support the budget as it stands

The PS, the Greens and the Liberal Green Party will not support the Confederation’s 2025 budget as it stands. The increase in funds for the army and the cuts in international cooperation are not acceptable.

“Switzerland is more than its chocolate, its cheese and its banks,” said Corina Gredig (PVL/ZH). The budget issued by the National Finance Commission and desired by the right is anything but balanced.

We cannot only talk about Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition on August 1, Ms. Gredig further criticized. “It’s also a part of our identity.” Increasing funds for the army and sparing agriculture at the expense of cooperation is a mistake.

The left followed the same argument. Before tackling expenses, we should look at revenues, said Sarah Wyss (PS/BS).

There is potential in this area. In international comparison, Switzerland does not tax capital enough, for example. “It’s not our budget, we won’t be able to support it,” added the socialist, also president of the Finance Commission.

Switzerland has two sacred cows, the debt brake and the army, lamented Felix Wettstein (Vert-es/SO). The increase in arms spending is going in the wrong direction, while there are enormous needs in terms of social, health and environmental policy.

“The budget proposed by the Federal Council is at least acceptable,” noted the Green, calling on the room to return to it.

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