2,450 francs per month: Three people voted out want bridging support

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For some it is a long-awaited goal, for others it is a stab in an open wound. The new parliament met for the first time on Monday. The day was particularly bitter for the parliamentarians who were voted out of office on October 23. You not only lose power, but also a lot of money. On average, a National Councilor now receives 132,500 francs per year. For a state councilor that is 142,500 francs.

If you get voted out, some people suddenly have nothing left. Many have downsized or given up their jobs altogether because of politics. And the workload cannot usually be increased that quickly. In addition, deselection often affects people who generally have difficulty finding a job due to their age.

Received three requests

To compensate for a financial bottleneck, there is a safety net for those who have been voted out: bridging support. A maximum of one AHV pension – currently 2,450 francs per month – applies as an emergency fund for a maximum of two years.

So far, three applications have been received, the Chamber services write in response to a request from Blick. The CH Media newspapers also reported about it. Who exactly they are and whether they are those who were voted out or those who left voluntarily remains a secret. The administrative delegation must now examine the applications.

“private matter”

It’s a topic that those who were voted out don’t like to talk about. “Private matter,” it says.

Therese Schläpfer (64, SVP) was voted out in the canton of Zurich. But bridging help is no problem for her, she tells Blick. “With the current skills shortage, finding something shouldn’t be a problem.” You have already received an offer.

Financial politician Ursula Schneider Schüttel (62, SP) was hit in the canton of Freiburg. “I discovered the requirements for bridging support,” she explains. The money is available if “an equivalent replacement of the income as a councilor is not feasible”, according to the parliamentary services. That would probably satisfy her for the time being, as she says. However, it is still assumed that you are dependent on this help. “I therefore assume that I will not receive bridging support and am not submitting an application.”

Well over a million francs

Bridging aid was introduced in 2003. After the last elections in 2019, there were six politicians who received 129,000 francs the following year, 2020. In 2022, there were no more expenditures for the bridging support – because it is paid out for a maximum of two years. In total, 28 parliamentarians have received approximately 1.1 million francs since 2004. (brother)

Source:Blick