Grand Council GR Government examines compensation from Graubündner Kantonalbank to the canton

The Graubünden government is examining an increase in the compensation paid by Graubündner Kantonalbank (GKB) to the canton. On Friday, the Grand Council unanimously passed a corresponding mandate.

The background to the request is the so-called state guarantee that the canton provides for the bank. The annual compensation paid by GKB to the canton is to be significantly increased in the form of a risk premium for the state guarantee.

The calculation of the annual compensation focuses heavily on equity, criticized SVP member Heinz Dürler, who had submitted the request. However, this system takes too little account of the risks arising from the bank's strategic decisions. In addition, advantages that arise for the bank when refinancing on the capital market as a result of the state guarantee are not taken into account in the calculation.

Proposal uncontested

The proposal was undisputed in the 120-member parliament. It passed the motion with 103 votes to 0 in favor of the government. An increase in compensation will now be examined by the executive as part of the ongoing review of the GKB and not separately as originally requested in the mandate. The first signatory agreed with the amendment.

The government intends to present the interpretative report in summer 2025. If necessary, it will then submit an amendment to the law on Graubündner Kantonalbank to the Grand Council.

The government has decided on the interpretative order as there have been many changes in the banking sector, not least internationally, explained Cantonal Councillor Martin Bühler to parliament. It will be examined whether the law on the cantonal bank still meets today's requirements.

SDA