Shortages of millions and dismissals at organizations for the disabled: there is a lot of messing around at Pro Infirmis

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What’s going on with non-governmental organizations (NGOs)? Quarrels at the Swiss Red Cross (SRK). Since the director was fired and the president resigned, Switzerland’s largest aid organization has been largely without a leader.

There is also a rattle in the box at the umbrella organization for animal welfare in Switzerland. Internal documents testify to abuses: authoritarian leadership, quarrels – and indications of financial irregularities.

loss of 18 million francs

Research by SRF now shows that the house blessing is also crooked at Pro Infirmis. According to the annual accounts, there is a gap of CHF 18 million in the organization for the disabled.

Half of the loss was budgeted, a spokeswoman for Pro Infirmis told SRF. The other due to falls in value in the financial markets. Only: In 2021 the minus was only half as high as in 2022.

Reason for the shortage: Demand for services such as advice and support has increased, says Pro Infimis. Therefore, one had to fulfill more tasks than planned.

The board no longer has a quorum

The resulting costs are not covered by the service contract with the Federal Social Insurance Service (BSV). The disability organization notes that the costs are not getting out of hand, there is a plan for the next ten years.

Approximately CHF 100 million is available to Infirmis annually. Just over half of this comes from the federal government and BSV. The rest comes from donations and bequests.

Only: as if the financial difficulties were not enough, there were also internal quarrels and differences of opinion, SRF knows. Apparently the board has not had a quorum for several months because four members left at the end of last year. Out of dissatisfaction with internal processes and the chosen path.

“Part of a normal change process”

According to the statutes of Pro Infirmis, the body consists of a chairman and eight members. To have a quorum, five members must be present at a board meeting.

The organization confirmed to SRF that the board has not had a quorum since the beginning of the year. However, he notes that resignations are part of a “normal process of change” in clubs.

The delegates’ meeting will take place on 23 June. According to Pro Infirmis, the board of directors should be complete again. (Okay)

Source:Blick