The House of Representatives and the Senate on Thursday agreed on extra expenditure of CHF236 million, notably for rail projects, agricultural subsidies and energy programmes.
The two chambers also insisted on a spending cut for the federal administration, despite opposition by the finance ministerExternal link, Ueli Maurer.
Overall, the national budget consists of an estimated CHF78.6 billion in revenue and CHF80.7 billion in expenses for 2022.
The government presented plans for a deficit of nearly CHF2.2 billion.
During the debates in parliament, Maurer warned of the dire financial prospects for the next few years.
“We will have to think twice before we spend our money and we can’t afford any luxury projects,” he said.
The political left countered that Switzerland’s finances were reasonably healthy compared with other countries.
It is the second year in a row that the Swiss authorities foresee a deficit.
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Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
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Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
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St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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Gross domestic product fell by 2.4% in 2020 as a direct consequence of the global pandemic affecting certain sectors of the Swiss economy.
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