Maurer says welfare under threat

The president of the Swiss People's Party, Ueli Maurer (picture), says Switzerland's spiralling welfare costs cannot be guaranteed in the long-term. His remarks came in an address to delegates at the party's special congress.

The president of the Swiss People’s Party, Ueli Maurer (picture), says Switzerland’s spiralling welfare costs cannot be guaranteed in the long-term. His remarks came in an address to delegates at the party’s special congress in Altdorf.

Maurer said Switzerland needs to strengthen its economy, in order to ensure its continued competitiveness and to carry out its social duties. He said that this should not be done through tax hikes but by reducing the fiscal burden.

Maurer, who was elected to a fresh four-year term as party president, also called for less government intervention.

He said it was up to the Swiss People’s Party to try to safeguard welfare, training and security. But he added that a balance should be found to ensure that future generations are not left with a mountain of debt.

From staff and wire reports