Federal Affairs
The Council of State responded to three federal consultation procedures:
- Amendment to the Federal Act on the Promotion and Coordination of Universities (LEHE);
- Amendment to the Aviation Act (LA);
- Implementation of parliamentary initiative 16.484 “Relax the conditions governing teleworking”.
Responses to the federal consultations are available at www.ne.ch/ConsultationsFederales.
Cantonal affairs
Industrialization Loan Program
The Council of State adopted a report in support of a draft decree. It concerns the granting of a commitment credit of 25 million francs intended to support innovative companies through industrialization loans. In 2019, the Grand Council validated an “impulse program” of which one of the components concerned the industrial fabric of Neuchâtel. In this context, a commitment credit of 18 million francs was granted to the Council of State during the financial years 2019 to 2025 to support projects for the modernization or development of the industrial capacities of SMEs (investment in tools and methods production). This commitment credit was intended for the granting of interest-free loans. These loans made it possible to support 24 investment projects with a leverage effect of three times the agreed amount of 15.085 million francs (investments of 48 million francs). They have made it possible to modernize production equipment, meet growth demands and develop new methods and processes. This program was very positively received by Neuchâtel entrepreneurs. Following an in-depth analysis, the Council of State proposes to the Grand Council to renew the industrialization loan tool for a period of five years through the adoption of a commitment credit of 25 million francs, funded in largely through reimbursements.
Updating the operating laws of the cantonal automobile and navigation service (SCAN)
The Council of State adopted a report for the attention of the Grand Council concerning a review of the legal bases linked to SCAN. The result of a review carried out over the past few years has revealed the need to adjust the legislation. These are the law on the cantonal automobile and navigation service (LSCAN), the law on the tax on motor vehicles, trailers and boats (LTVRB) and the law introducing federal legislation on the matter. inland navigation (LI-LNI). These adaptations aim to consolidate existing practices and improve the transparency of SCAN activities. This includes complying with legal requirements regarding data protection, as well as clarifying its legal procedures, the organization of its Board of Directors and its accounting framework.
Departure of the head of the prison service
After nine years of leadership of the Neuchâtel prison service (SPNE) and nineteen years of loyalty to the State of Neuchâtel, Christian Clerici will leave his position at the end of 1is semester 2025. The latter has in fact just been appointed by the Latin Conference of Chiefs of Justice and Police Departments (CLDJP) and will take over the function of secretary general. The Neuchâtel Council of State warmly thanks Christian Clerici for his unanimously recognized commitment. With very good interpersonal skills, in-depth knowledge of prison issues and proven negotiation and persuasion skills, Christian Clerici assumed his role with humanism and professionalism in a particularly sensitive environment. Throughout his career, he has managed events with serenity and has thus positioned himself as a highly appreciated interlocutor among all of his partners. It was under his direction in particular that the latest major work to modernize the Neuchâtel prison infrastructure was carried out, in particular the construction of a new infirmary at the La Promenade detention establishment in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The Council of State would like to express its pride in seeing one of its loyal department heads appointed to a key role in intercantonal cooperation. He wishes Christian Clerici every success in the new professional challenges that await him. The recruitment process will be launched soon.
Project to build a cycle path along the RC5 between Saint-Blaise and Cornaux
The implementation of the cantonal cycle mobility master plan (PDCMC), which includes four flagship routes, one in each region of the canton, continues with the validation of the project to construct a cycle-pedestrian path along the cantonal road 5 (RC 5) between Saint-Blaise and Cornaux. The track constitutes the extension of the coastal route towards the east put to the public inquiry in August 2022. The oppositions filed having been processed, the project was able to be formally approved and sanctioned today by the Council of State. Work will begin in spring 2025 and will last until fall 2026.
Related News :