Federal finances Budget 2025: More funds for the army and agriculture, cuts in foreign aid
Foreign aid and asylum are facing significant cuts, while the army and agriculture are to receive more funding in the 2025 federal budget.
13.11.2024, 12:54
SDA
The National Council committee has set clear priorities when discussing the 2025 federal budget: More money for the army and agriculture, while foreign aid and the asylum sector will have to accept cuts. These decisions leave little room for maneuver for parliament.
Financial priorities and debt brake
The Finance Committee of the National Council (FK-N) has submitted proposals which, if adopted in Parliament, would bring the federal budget for the coming year into line with the debt brake. This was stated by Commission President Sarah Wyss (SP/BS) on Wednesday in Bern.
Civic majority prevails
The FK-N was dominated by a conservative majority, which placed the focus of financial policy on national defense, agriculture and compliance with the debt brake. CHF 530 million more is earmarked for the army than proposed by the Federal Council, while agricultural funding is to be increased by CHF 46 million.
Cuts in foreign aid and asylum
The biggest savings relate to international cooperation, which is to be cut by CHF 250 million, and the asylum sector, which is to receive CHF 105 million less. These cuts reflect the Commission's changed priorities.
