The Society for Endangered Peoples defends itself: the federal government cuts travel expenses

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Travelers like Yenish and Sinti lead a nomadic way of life. To move around the country, they need stopping places. In March, the Federal Office of Culture (Bak) stated: “The stopping places for Yenish, Sinti and Roma are still insufficient.”

Switzerland is committed to promoting the framework conditions for these minorities to cultivate their culture. This includes subsidies that cantons and municipalities can receive to set up stopping places. But now the federal government wants to cut this money, as reported by SRF. This is evident from the cultural message for the years 2025 to 2028. Because, according to Bak, the money is hardly needed. Cantons and municipalities each received only one share.

David Vitali, head of the culture and society section of De Bak, tells SRF: “It is complicated to bring such a project, which is partly linked to zoning changes, referenda and financial decisions, to a successful conclusion.” There is often resistance.

The Society for Threatened Peoples has criticized the cuts. Co-director Christoph Wiedmer tells SRF: “The cantons are not moving forward, so the federal government can make cuts there, and everyone is trying to avoid that a major problem with these stopping, transit and parking areas has not been solved.” solved.” That would shift the responsibility to each other.

The Future for Swiss Travelers Foundation has also expressed criticism. “The cuts contradict the need for action,” quoted SRF director Simon Röthlisberger. It is precisely because it is so difficult to find places that the money is needed. For the summer alone, 50 extra transit places are needed, in addition to extra stands in the winter. The need for action is therefore great. (rba)

Source:Blick