The Valais government members and parliamentarians, who benefit from cheap ski subscriptions, should really enjoy it this winter. Because after this season it’s over!
The Wallis government has amended the rules for accepting gifts, invitations and other benefits. It has now been stipulated that members of the Council of State and the State Chancellor, in the performance of their duties, may only accept gifts and other benefits “if they correspond to social customs, are of secondary importance and are appropriate”, i.e. a maximum worth 300 francs.
100 instead of 1575 francs
The recently known practice that several ministers and parliamentarians use ski passes that were offered to them for free or at a greatly reduced price is no longer compatible with the new rules. The French-language Swiss radio and television station RTS reported for the first time that the Valais mountain railways offered the Valais parliamentarians elected in Bern and the state councilors a general subscription for CHF 100 instead of CHF 1,575. And much grateful access.
Not for long: in the case of gifts and other benefits exceeding this value, but which cannot be refused “for reasons of courtesy or for reasons related to office”, the members of the government are “obliged directly to contact the regional council”.
Politicians must ask permission
For example, it concerns a gift during a diplomatic meeting that symbolizes the friendship between two regions, as explained by François Charvoz, Deputy Secretary General and responsible for communications in the Department of Finance and Energy.
Charvoz continues: “If this offer is extended by the mountain railway companies next winter, the regional council must make a proposal that could be a rejection, an acceptance or something else. The Council of State then decides.”
Invitations are also regulated
The presidency then proposes to the Council of State the use or acceptance of the benefit: if it is a painting, it can be donated to a museum, foundation or association, or exhibited in a state building.
When it comes to handling invitations, the guidelines state that they should only be accepted if they are of an official nature or related to the position and the event “takes place within an appropriate framework”. The acceptance of cash gifts, regardless of value or circumstances, is prohibited. (SDA/sf)