Grand Council BE Bern cantonal parliament rejects container prison places in Burgdorf

The canton of Bern cannot install containers for additional prisoners in the Burgdorf regional prison. The Grand Council rejected a corresponding loan on Wednesday.

The cantonal parliament narrowly rejected the loan of CHF 5.57 million with 77 yes to 78 no votes - with a casting vote by the President of the Grand Council, Dominique Bühler (Greens).

The new cantonal IT system for finance and accounting delayed the collection of fines by the judiciary, tax administration and debt collection offices. This led to a backlog in converting unpaid fines into substitute custodial sentences. The canton therefore needs additional prison places.