For economic reasons: No permanent surveillance of the Federal Palace

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In the 2024 budget, the Federal Council wants to release an extra million for better protection of the parliament building at night and at weekends. With 185 votes to 2, the Grand Chamber rejected this application on Thursday, following the example of the Finance Committee (FK-N).

Vice-President of the National Council Maja Riniker (FDP/AG) pointed out on behalf of the administrative delegation that the parliament building is increasingly becoming a target for activists. Without a night and weekend service from the Federal Police Office (Fedpol), security shortcomings continued. However, the Council saw it differently.

Less for civil servants, but only partially

The National Council saw further opportunities for cuts in personnel costs at the Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU). He reduced the agency’s overall budget by 1.8 million francs.

In agreement with the Council of States, the Grand Chamber has also decided that current expenditure for the Federal Court and the Federal Administrative Court should increase less than budgeted compared to 2023. In total, Parliament wants to spend approximately 3 million francs less than the government . The decision also has consequences for the financial plan for the period 2025 to 2027.

The SVP also called for the renunciation of all general wage measures for federal government employees. Today, wages are paid there that are significantly higher than those in the private sector, argued Michael Götte (SVP/SG). However, this motion did not find a majority.

The SVP’s further requests to cut personnel costs for various administrative and parliamentary units were also unsuccessful. “It would be wrong to make cuts to the institutions,” says Barbara Gysi (SP/SG), president of the Federal Staff Association. (SDA)

Source:Blick