The middle-class majority in the National Council warned at the start of the budget debate that the good years were over. In addition to the first minor adjustments to the estimate for 2023, the gloomy medium-term outlook in particular gave rise to discussion on Tuesday.
“From 2024 onwards, the demands of the debt brake will no longer be met,” said Anna Giacometti (FDP/GR), spokeswoman for the Finance Commission of the National Council. She echoed what Treasury Secretary Ueli Maurer has been preaching for months: “There is an urgent need for adjustment.” The Federal Council and Parliament must act immediately.
The state government plans to present measures for the 2024 federal budget next spring. According to Giacometti, tax increases are not an option because they would require a constitutional amendment. Views on how to respond to the difficult budgetary situation differ considerably between parliamentary groups.
SVP denounces ‘self-service store’
The SVP advocates setting priorities, as group spokesman Lars Guggisberg (BE) put it. The growth of expenditures for international cooperation or for federal personnel must be curbed, “otherwise we will hit reality”. Parliament is currently behaving “like in a self-service shop”.
Alex Farinelli (FDP/TI) even compared the federal budget to the sinking of the Titanic. “Federal finances are moving in an alarming direction and threatening to collide with an iceberg that we are currently only seeing the tip of.” The goal should be to secure solid finances. “Either we find a big diamond mine or we have to rescue,” Farinelli said.
Heinz Siegenthaler (centre/BE) analyzed the situation more soberly: in recent years, revenue growth has led parliament to approve additional spending. Tax revenues are now growing at a slower rate than before. That is why spending discipline is now appropriate.
The left defends against ‘saving anger’
The left-wing council sees it less dramatically. The additional burdens from 2024 are “not particularly worrying”, says SP party spokeswoman Sarah Wyss (BS). The need for rehabilitation is significant, but not exceptional. The debt ratio is still low in international comparison. “Therefore no saving anger is indicated.”
The pandemic has shown that investments are worthwhile, also stated Gerhard Andrey (Greens/FR). However, the common people preferred to reduce debt rather than make sustainable investments. That is the wrong approach and unnecessarily limits the scope for action.
GLP wants to adjust the debt brake
Roland Fischer (LU) criticized the instrument of the debt brake on behalf of the GLP group. The fact that debts are only permissible in exceptional situations makes no sense. The debt brake system must be set up “slightly more in line with growth”. According to Fischer, the emerging shortages are not a problem in themselves. “Federal finances are still balanced.” Part of the debt is reduced by economic growth.
After the general debate, discussions on the 2023 estimate were relatively quiet. That’s because next year’s budget is still in line with the debt brake. The preliminary advisory committee only proposed a few adjustments.
More money for researchers
On Tuesday, two of the six theme blocks were discussed. As regards relations with other countries and migration, the National Council refrained from adjusting the Federal Council’s proposal.
On the other hand, Swiss researchers who are currently excluded from the EU Horizon fund should benefit from more federal funds. The National Council approved two transfers totaling CHF 85 million.
In addition, the National Council allocated another 360,000 francs for improving the ethical situation in sport. Unopposed, the Grand Chamber also made an additional CHF 650,000 available for the 2024 World Relay Championships in Lausanne.
The National Council will continue the budget debate on Wednesday morning. (SDA)