Nidwalden District Council Nidwalden district council approves supplementary loan for refugees
The Nidwalden District Council approved a supplementary credit for the refugee system on Wednesday. The Office for Refugees needs more staff to cope with the influx of refugees, it said.
28.08.2024, 10:50
28.08.2024, 10:51
SDA
Parliament approved the supplementary credit to increase the payroll by CHF 1.2 million in 2024 by 45 votes to 10. The performance mandate for the years 2025 to 2027 was also increased by CHF 5.5 million with the same result.
The no votes came from part of the SVP parliamentary group. Its spokesperson Andreas Suter (SVP) spoke of a "warning finger" pointed in the direction of Bern due to the federal government's refugee policy. The "no" votes were not directed against Nidwalden. A rejection of the supplementary credit would have negative consequences for Nidwalden.
The other parliamentary groups also wanted to avert this, which is why they unanimously approved the requested funds. Government Councillor Peter Truttmann (GLP) pointed out that Nidwalden's refugee system works cost-effectively. "The federal contributions cover the costs," he said.
The government and parliament agreed that the canton of Nidwalden should look after the refugees itself. Outsourcing the task would be more expensive, said Pia Häfliger (SVP) as spokesperson for the finance committee.
Eva Maria Odermatt (Greens/SP) said that it was Nidwalden's duty to create the necessary structures for refugees. Urs Christen (FDP) demanded that the positions should only be filled if really necessary. Parliament's approval of the financial resources was not a free pass.
