The Senate on Wednesday followed the House of Representatives, agreeing an additional CHF1.5 billion to compensate businesses for loss of income due to the Covid pandemic.
Following several rounds of debates in both chambers over the past two weeks, parliamentarians increased the planned government expenditure by CHF1.65 billion, notably for agriculture, education and rights of the child.
Projected total revenue for 2021 is CHF75.8 billion against just under 82 billion in expenditure.
About CHF6.6 billion are earmarked for various government measures to soften the impact of the Covid crisis.
During the discussions in parliament, Finance Minister Ueli Maurer commented that the Covid crisis ended 15 years of annual surplus in government financesExternal link.
The government hopes to cope without drastic spending cuts in the next few years, he added.
Last year, the national surplus was CHF3.1 billion and the debts totaled CHF96.9 billion – 13.9% of Gross Domestic Product.
More
More
Government boasts (another) surplus year
This content was published on
The government announced on Wednesday that it will end the year with a budget surplus more than double of what was forecasted.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
A committee of Switzerland’s House of Representatives has found the people’s initiative to limit fireworks too extreme, but has suggested a counter-proposal.
UN investigators report evidence of crimes in Syria and call for national dialogue
This content was published on
UN investigators in Geneva report ample evidence of crimes in Syria and urge the regime to follow through on its promise of a national dialogue.
Swiss Trade Union warns EU deal could threaten wages
This content was published on
The Swiss Trade Union Federation warns that the new bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU could threaten wage protection and public services.
Credit Suisse fines from Mozambique scandal to fund victims’ compensation
This content was published on
The fines imposed on Credit Suisse for the Mozambique scandal will be allocated to a fund for the victims, amounting to $105.5 million.
‘Confederation is a subsidy machine’: Swiss finance minister
This content was published on
The Swiss government is a machine for distributing subsidies to various actors in the country, says finance minister Karin Keller-Sutter.
Lack of funds ends third bid to salvage Säntis ship from Swiss lake
This content was published on
A third attempt to salvage the steamship Säntis, lying at the bottom of Lake Constance in Switzerland since 1933, has failed before it has even begun.
Nestlé Waters on trial in France over illegal waste dumps
This content was published on
Bottled water producer Nestlé Waters to stand trial, accused of illegally dumping waste and maintaining unauthorised dumps.
Switzerland budgets CHF28 billion for research and education
This content was published on
A total of CHF28.1 billion ($31.7 billion) will be invested in Swiss education, research and innovation over the next four years.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
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.