The Bern City Council has reversed its earlier decision to ban commercial outdoor advertising, ensuring the city retains millions of francs in revenue. This change in policy occurred during ongoing budget discussions, highlighting a shift in priorities regarding public finances.
The move means that existing agreements for advertising spaces will continue, securing an estimated 5 million Swiss francs for the city. This decision overturns a narrow vote from early 2024 that had initially supported a ban on such advertising.
Key Takeaways
- Bern City Council reverses its vote on commercial outdoor advertising.
- The city will continue to allow advertising, securing 5 million francs in revenue.
- The decision comes during crucial budget debates for Bern.
- A previous narrow vote for a ban has now been overturned by a significant majority.
Council Overturns Previous Decision
In early 2024, the Bern City Council had narrowly approved a motion calling for a ban on commercial outdoor advertising. The vote was very close, passing by 30 votes to 29. This initial decision reflected a desire among some council members to reduce commercial presence in public spaces.
However, during a recent session, the council significantly altered its stance. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, council members voted to reject the proposed ban, effectively abandoning the plans to implement it. The new vote saw a clear majority favoring the continuation of outdoor advertising.
Vote Details
- Initial Vote (Early 2024): 30 votes for ban, 29 votes against.
- Reversal Vote (September 2025): 44 votes against ban, 24 votes for ban, 6 abstentions.
Financial Considerations Drive Policy Shift
The primary reason for the policy reversal appears to be financial. Proponents of continuing outdoor advertising emphasized the significant revenue it generates for the city. These funds are crucial, especially given Bern's current financial situation and ongoing budget discussions.
The accepted motion now states that the revision of the advertising regulations and, if necessary, the building code of the City of Bern will not be implemented. This means that advertising rights will continue to be granted.
"We support the motion for granting concessions for billboard spaces," stated Matthias Aebischer, a member of the City Council from the SP party. "We clearly believe that given the current financial situation of the City of Bern, foregoing five million francs is not appropriate."
This sentiment was echoed by other council members who prioritized fiscal stability. The estimated 5 million francs from advertising concessions are seen as vital income for the city's budget.
Impact on City Services
The original proposal to ban advertising would have required the city to cut existing services by approximately 5.5 million francs. This potential reduction in services played a significant role in the council's re-evaluation. Maintaining advertising revenue helps avoid these cuts.
Background on Advertising Regulations
Local governments often regulate outdoor advertising to balance commercial interests with urban aesthetics and public space considerations. Such regulations can cover everything from the size and placement of billboards to digital displays. Changes to these rules often spark debates between economic development and urban planning advocates.
Political Divisions on Advertising
The vote highlighted divisions among political parties within the City Council. Parties such as the SVP, Mitte, GLP, and FDP, along with parts of the SP and GFL factions, voted in favor of continuing advertising. Their support indicates a focus on economic pragmatism and revenue generation.
Conversely, the Green Party, AL, PdA, TIF, and other parts of the SP faction voted against the continuation of advertising. These groups often advocate for stricter regulations on commercial presence in public spaces, citing concerns about consumerism and urban aesthetics.
Stadträtin Sofia Fisch (Juso) voiced opposition during the debate, stating, "Advertising has only one purpose: it should awaken new needs in us, aiming for consumption and thus increasing profits." She criticized proponents for presenting "bourgeois fairy tales and ideologies as inevitable truths."
This quote illustrates the ideological differences that underpin the debate. Some view advertising as a necessary evil for city finances, while others see it as an undesirable influence on public life.
Broad Support for Revenue Retention
Despite the political divisions, the final vote showed a strong majority in favor of retaining the advertising revenue. This suggests a consensus on the importance of these funds for the city's financial health.
"We welcome that the City Council is refraining from the advertising ban and does not want to forgo five million in the future. We need all revenues in the city if we do not want to fall further into debt," commented Stadträtin Laura Curau (Mitte) to 20 Minuten.
The SVP also expressed satisfaction with the decision to keep advertising. However, the party's faction president, Alexander Feuz, criticized the overall city budget, stating, "The City Council has approved enormous additional expenditures." This indicates that while the advertising revenue decision is welcomed, broader fiscal concerns remain for some political groups.
The City Council's reversal underlines the complex balance between urban planning principles, public opinion, and the practical demands of municipal finance. For now, commercial outdoor advertising will remain a feature of Bern's urban landscape.