Swiss state government skips at taxpayers’ expense – SVP-Egger angry: “Have our federal councilors gone crazy?”

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The Federal Council around Sports Minister Viola Amherd (61) is allowed to get on skis. From the new year, the federal government will purchase a permanent subscription to the Swiss cable cars for all current members of the Federal Council and Chancellor Viktor Rossi (55). In response to Blick’s request, the Federal Chancellery confirmed in accordance with research by RTS. The federal council members are therefore allowed to go to the ski slopes at tax costs. A card costs 4,000 francs, excluding VAT. A total of 4324 francs each.

So far, the Swiss cable cars – chaired by FDP State Councilor Hans Wicki (59, NW) – have provided one season ticket per person for free. Not anymore.

No legal risks

A year ago, RTS revealed that Valais politicians were taking advantage of discounts and free season tickets at local ski resorts. Legal questions then arose as to whether there had been an award of benefits. The Public Prosecution Service in the canton of Valais had started an investigation.

The Federal Council does not want to take this risk. “As a result of public discussions in the cantons, the Federal Council has decided on this new solution,” the Federal Chancellery told Blick. Only former federal councilors can get the subscriptions for free.

“Have our federal councilors gone crazy?”

The approach causes red heads. “Have our federal councilors gone crazy?” asks SVP politician Mike Egger (31, SG). “You have to pay for your subscription yourself, then you realize how much a ski subscription costs.”

Egger wants to ask the Federal Council a question at the upcoming session and is considering submitting a proposal. “This self-service mentality irritates me,” says Egger. “Treating yourself to a ski pass with a salary of more than 470,000 francs, while Finance Minister Keller-Sutter has promised a savings package, unfortunately shows arrogance.”

Wage increases due to inflation

However, the new approach is legally watertight. “As long as it is transparent, there is no problem,” Center Councilor Charles Juillard (61), chairman of the Audit Committee of the Council of States, told RTS.

The federal councilors do not have to starve. They will even get a pay increase in 2024: their salaries will be adjusted for inflation in the same way as the wages of federal employees. On top of the previous basic salary there will be an inflation adjustment of 1 percent – ​​​​almost 4,700 francs. The gross annual income of a federal councilor will now amount to 472,959 francs next year. In addition, there is an annual expense allowance of 30,000 francs.

Source:Blick