Swiss Budget Surplus Sparks Debate

Published: 2025-02-12

Switzerland's federal finances have taken a surprising turn, with the 2024 budget deficit shrinking to just 80 million francs instead of the projected 2.6 billion.

This improvement is attributed to delayed spending and higher-than-expected tax revenues, particularly from corporate gains in Geneva's energy and commodity sectors.

Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter announced that no further cuts are needed for 2026, thanks to prior savings and economic growth.

However, debates over a proposed relief package for 2027-2028 continue.

While the government insists on its necessity to meet debt limits, opposition parties argue the package is excessive and ideologically driven.

The final decision may hinge on a public referendum in 2026.