Municipal finances City of Zurich's 2023 accounts approved despite criticism from the middle classes

The SVP and FDP have little joy in the City of Zurich's 2023 annual accounts - but they remained in the minority with their opposition on Wednesday evening: The municipal council approved the figures by 73 votes to 34 with 8 abstentions after a debate lasting just under an hour.

The SVP justified its rejection of the bill with the tax rate. Over the past nine years, the city had generated a surplus totaling 1.2 billion Swiss francs and thus ripped off the taxpayers, said Johann Widmer. "A massive reduction in the tax rate is overdue."

Përparim Avdili (FDP) felt that the city council was being led around by the nose: The fact that the bill turned out better than expected was no surprise, he said. Factors such as the real explosion in property gains tax or the many unfilled positions that do not incur costs could have been foreseen. "The FDP will not approve any more annual accounts without a reduction in the tax base."

While the left-wing AL abstained, the other parliamentary groups approved the bill. Florian Utz (SP) conceded that there was room for financial relief for the general public, as argued by the conservative side - thanks to the "functioning red-green financial policy". However, the middle classes would not feel a reduction in tax rates enough. "We want lower rents and health insurance premiums and cheaper public transport."

The City of Zurich's 2023 income statement shows a profit of CHF 231.3 million on total expenditure of CHF 10.63 billion. Compared to the budget, the result improved by CHF 570.7 million. The positive result was achieved in particular thanks to a sharp rise in tax revenue.

SDA