The total debt burden caused by the pandemic is expected to amount to CHF25-30 billion ($26.7-32 billion) by the end of 2022. Most of it (CHF20.3 billion) was due to extraordinary spending in 2020.
The so-called debt-brake rule requires the government to make up the shortfall in six years. The government proposes to extend this period to the next three legislative periods, i.e. until 2035. In the event of special circumstances, the deadline may be further extended by four years.
The government is counting on the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to loosen its purse strings and stump up CHF1.3 billion a year. In addition, it intends to tap into unused budgets and financing surpluses of an average of CHF1 billion a year. So far, no budgetary relief programme or tax increases are planned.
The government submitted its strategy to parliament on Friday. The goal is to have the amendment on debt repayment come into force by 2023.
Young undocumented migrants gain easier access to vocational training
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Rejected asylum-seekers and young undocumented migrants in Switzerland will have easier access to basic vocational training from June 1.
Migration: Swiss government wants to shorten reunification period for families
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Family members of people temporarily admitted to Switzerland should in future be able to join them after two years instead of three.
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2023 was a record year for the Rhaetian Railway in several respects. Never before has the narrow-gauge railway in Graubünden, eastern Switzerland, transported so many passengers and cars.
Swiss CFOs much more optimistic despite global uncertainty
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The main concerns of business leaders in Switzerland are geopolitical uncertainty and the important trading partners Germany and China.
Record organ donation in Switzerland despite high rejection rates
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More organ donations were recorded in Switzerland in 2023 than ever before. This was despite a high rejection rate of 58% by surviving relatives.
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Seven years after the death of record-breaking Swiss mountain climber Ueli Steck, his estate is going to the Alpine Museum of Switzerland in Bern.
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Pandemic costs CHF11 billion in temporary unemployment payments
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Covid-19 cost Switzerland CHF11 billion in short-time working payments last year, with around 20% of the money helping to prop up the gastronomy sector.
Hotels and restaurants complain of lost profits due to Covid certificate
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Swiss hotels and restaurants have seen turnover drop by an average of 27.6% since the introduction of the Covid certificate, they say.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.