Justice Burgdorf regional prison will not be expanded with containers

The canton of Bern cannot install containers for additional prisoners in the Burgdorf regional prison. An alliance of the SP, Greens, GLP and EVP rejected a corresponding loan in the Bernese cantonal parliament on Wednesday.

This was a defeat for the government. The cantonal parliament rejected the loan of CHF 5.57 million by a very narrow margin of 77 yes to 78 no votes.

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.

A container solution was out of the question for the Council Left, the GLP and the EVP. It would be disproportionate and would come at a time when savings were being made in the areas of education, social affairs and health.

Mostly only minor offenses

The SVP, FDP, Center Party and EDU argued that the rule of law should be enforced. Security Director Philippe Müller (FDP) also saw no alternative. Without containers, no fewer people would be sentenced to alternative custodial sentences. "Then there will be massive overcrowding in the prisons. We will not let people go. They will be locked up." He did not get his point across.

According to the canton, the backlog in May 2024 amounted to around 10,000 dossiers, which arrive late at the probation and enforcement services. If fines are not paid even after reminders and legal collection proceedings, they are converted into a substitute custodial sentence. In most cases, those affected have only committed minor offenses.