Grand Council AG Aargau cantonal councillors to receive higher compensation

The members of the Aargau cantonal parliament are to receive more money for their political work. According to a report by the Office of the Grand Council, the compensation paid to the 140 members of the cantonal parliament in Aargau is low compared to neighboring cantons.

The Office of the Grand Council (Office) sees a need to catch up and take action, as stated in the report published on Friday. The attendance fees have not been increased since 2008. The basic allowance was even cut from CHF 5,000 to CHF 4,000 in 2016 as a cost-cutting measure.

Grand councillors in Aargau received an average of CHF 10,000 to CHF 11,500, which puts Aargau behind most Swiss cantons. The office proposes reversing the reduction in basic compensation and paying the councillors a higher attendance fee.

All in favor except SVP

Previously, 150 francs were paid per meeting and 300 francs for meetings lasting three hours or more. Now, CHF 160 is to be paid for up to two hours and an additional CHF 80 for each additional hour (or part thereof). In the consultation, which lasted from April to July 2024, all participants were in favor of the increase - with the exception of the SVP.

The SVP stated that the office of Grand Councillor is an honorary position for which prestige and respect - rather than financial incentive - are decisive.

In its report, the office writes that council members have a workload of around one day per week or 20 percent of their job. Many parliamentarians accept a loss of income because of their office. Compensation "commensurate with the office" helps to ensure that more people are potentially able and willing to carry out the office of Grand Councillor. Higher compensation would strengthen the Grand Council.

A model calculation estimates the additional costs for the canton of Aargau at around CHF 700,000 per year. The bill to amend the Rules of Procedure (GO) is to be discussed by the Grand Council in the fall and will come into force in 2026. It is subject to an optional referendum.

SDA