The Ministry of Justice (FDJP) deals with the issue of neutrality – but this is not about Switzerland’s role in foreign policy. On the contrary, the Jura asked the Minister of Justice to settle a dispute with Bern. The dispute is about how much of the money that the large canton receives from the National Financial Equalization (NFA) will get at the change of canton of the city of Moutier, Blick reports.
The Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) has now confirmed that Delémont has involved the Justice Department in the negotiations by letter: “I can confirm that a letter to this effect was received on December 6, 2022,” said spokeswoman Ingrid Ryser, who commented on the contents of the briefing, but did not wish to go into further detail.
Agree!
As Blick knows, then Minister of Justice Karin Keller-Sutter (59) asked the two cantons shortly before Christmas to visit each other. It remains to be seen whether the appeal is sufficient for Jura to take up Bern’s offer to give Moutier 24 million francs. According to reports, the Jurassians have pushed for 29 million so far.
The canton of Jura was founded on January 1, 1979. The conflict between the French-speaking separatists and the canton of Bern, which flared up again after World War II, was finally going to end – but to this day it is not over.
The dispute goes back a long way: at the Congress of Vienna in 1815, parts of the Prince-Bishopric of Basel were transferred to the canton of Bern. Since then, many in the Bernese Jura regions have felt oppressed by the German-speaking majority in the canton.
In January 1993 the anger towards the people of Bern became clear: a 21-year-old separatist wanted to plant a bomb in Bern’s town hall, but it exploded too early on the outskirts of the old town. The young man died as a result. He was Bélier, a member of the militant separatist youth organization.
As a result, the canton of Jura, Bern and the federal government entered into a dialogue to resolve the Jura conflict. But there are still efforts to bring communities from the Bernese Jura to the canton of Jura.
On March 28, 2021, a majority in Moutier voted for the last time to change canton. “The legal question has been solved!”, was shouted afterwards.
But it is not that simple: there is currently a discussion about when the canton change should take place. And for money from the national financial settlement system. Sermin Faki
The canton of Jura was founded on January 1, 1979. The conflict between the French-speaking separatists and the canton of Bern, which flared up again after World War II, was finally going to end – but to this day it is not over.
The dispute goes back a long way: at the Congress of Vienna in 1815, parts of the Prince-Bishopric of Basel were transferred to the canton of Bern. Since then, many in the Bernese Jura regions have felt oppressed by the German-speaking majority in the canton.
In January 1993 the anger towards the people of Bern became clear: a 21-year-old separatist wanted to plant a bomb in Bern’s town hall, but it exploded too early on the outskirts of the old town. The young man died as a result. He was Bélier, a member of the militant separatist youth organization.
As a result, the canton of Jura, Bern and the federal government entered into a dialogue to resolve the Jura conflict. But there are still efforts to bring communities from the Bernese Jura to the canton of Jura.
On March 28, 2021, a majority in Moutier voted for the last time to change canton. “The legal question has been solved!”, was shouted afterwards.
But it is not that simple: there is currently a discussion about when the canton change should take place. And for money from the national financial settlement system. Sermin Faki
The negotiations are confidential, but a report has been leaked stating that Bern is actually under no obligation to hand over any of the NFA funds. Allegedly, the Bernese should therefore take the position that Delémont will either settle for 5 million francs less – or get nothing at all. After all, the homes are sold at book value instead of at a significantly higher market value.
The role of EBS is clarified
It is therefore quite possible that the Minister of Justice still has to intervene. Only: the EJPD head Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (59), who has been in office for a few days, is herself from the Jura – and was a staunch pro-Jurasserin who campaigned as a government councilor for the change from the Bernese Jura to the canton Jura. The question is whether she is suitable as a neutral mediator.
When asked if EBS, as it is called, can be represented on the legal issue and if so by whom, the FOJ is currently saying, “The role of the Attorney General is currently being clarified.” But there is not much time for this clarification. If the change of canton of Moutier is to take place in early 2026, as desired by the Jura, they must come to an agreement in the coming weeks.
It’s urgent
Finally, in addition to the cantonal governments, the two cantonal parliaments and the respective population groups and the federal parliament must also give the green light to the transfer agreement, the so-called concordat. And if you can’t agree on money, the necessary majorities are hardly assured.
A persuasive mediator from the state government could help. EBS has to make a decision. So Elisabeth Baume is not off the hook.