Colorful Aargau government must explain flower decorations after criticism

"Flower decorations at state expense": This topic has preoccupied several Aargau councillors from the SVP parliamentary group. The cantonal government has now done the math: The canton buys around CHF 21,000 worth of floral decorations per year for representational purposes.

Floral decorations in the publicly accessible premises of the cantonal administration convey "a professional first impression and contribute to a pleasant, inviting atmosphere", wrote the cantonal government in its response to the SVP interpellation.

"The floral decorations used on the premises of the cantonal administration serve exclusively representational purposes." Such occasions include official visits by a Federal Councillor or an ambassador. The canton also has a Christmas tree set up in front of the parliament building in Aarau.

"Investment in a positive image"

The cantonal government stated that no organizational unit uses public funds to purchase floral decorations for individual offices: "In view of the many advantages, the use of floral decorations is a cost-effective investment in the professional and positive image of the cantonal administration."

A distinction is made between floral decorations for irregular events such as congresses and official receptions and floral decorations for permanent representational purposes. It concerns the decoration of publicly accessible reception areas, which are redecorated on a weekly to bi-monthly basis depending on the season.

In the interpellation, the SVP politicians wanted to know exactly how much money the canton has spent on floral decorations since 2018. The cantonal administration has done the math: It was a total of 136,000 francs, or around 21,000 francs per year. The expenses or purchases from flower stores are accounted for in the accounts of the five departments under the cost type "other material expenses".

Bosses have to pay for flowers themselves

"On various occasions, we have discovered that in the individual departments of the Canton of Aargau, both publicly accessible rooms and offices of management employees are decorated with lavish floral arrangements," the interpellation stated.

The government council gave the all-clear in its four-page answer: "Employees are free to decorate their offices with flowers they have paid for themselves." As usual, the Government Council also provided information on the costs incurred in responding to the interpellation. In this specific case: 4,000 francs.

SDA