Federal finances Criticism reinforces head of expert group on austerity measures

The head of the group of experts on the Confederation's savings proposals sees his work confirmed by the criticism. The criticism from all camps shows that the proposals are relatively balanced, said Serge Gaillard in an interview with the "NZZ am Sonntag" newspaper.

Gaillard cannot estimate how many of the more than 60 recommendations will actually be implemented. "But it is possible that even better proposals will be put on the table," said the former head of the Federal Finance Administration in the interview published on Sunday.

He has received criticism from left to right, from central cantons and peripheral regions. "You don't make friends with austerity," said Gaillard.

The group of experts had reviewed over 300 individual loans. The good news is: "The federal government is doing a lot of things sensibly, many of the expenses are well justified and effective," said Gaillard. The proposals also showed that Switzerland could make savings "without the world coming to an end".

The report on the situation of federal finances presented by a group of experts on Thursday identified potential savings of up to CHF 5 billion from 2030.

The FDP and SVP welcomed it, while the SP and Greens rejected it. The Conference of Cantonal Governments warned against prematurely shifting the burden to the cantons.

Round tables with the cantons, political parties and social partners will be convened over the next few days. The next steps are to be determined at the end of September. The Federal Council is expected to conduct an ordinary consultation on the defined measures in January. Parliament will then decide on this.

SDA