Federal finances Council of States begins debate on controversial federal austerity package
The political rifts in the Council of States were already apparent at the start of the debate on the federal government's austerity package. While the conservative majority supports the bill with some reservations, the left criticizes the "unnecessary austerity programme".
17.12.2025, 09:37
SDA
Committee spokesman Jakob Stark (SVP/TG) started the marathon debate with an appeal to the fiscal conscience of the Council of States: "It is very important that the federal budget is substantially relieved. If this does not happen, we will need further major cuts in uncommitted expenditure." This refers to areas in which funds are not contractually fixed or prescribed by law - such as education, development aid and agriculture.
Peter Hegglin (center/ZG) warned against sparing too many areas of expenditure from cuts. The additional expenditure for the 13th AHV pension and the army must be compensated for. "The federal budget urgently needs room to breathe," said Benjamin Mühlemann (FDP/GL). Several conservative speakers warned against touching the debt brake enshrined in the constitution.
Baptiste Hurni (SP/NE), on the other hand, described the relief package as an "unnecessary program". He said it was based on apocalyptic assumptions and overly pessimistic forecasts. "There is no vision other than austerity." Hurni mentioned Switzerland's low debt ratio compared to other countries.
