Switzerland's Federal Audit Office (FAO) has identified 25 critical recommendations for federal authorities that remain unaddressed. These issues, ranging from military property management to IT system efficiency, highlight ongoing challenges in timely implementation of crucial government improvements. The FAO, led by Director Pascal Stirnimann, acts as the nation's chief financial watchdog, ensuring public funds are used correctly and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Audit Office (FAO) currently lists 25 unresolved recommendations for federal authorities.
- These recommendations concern efficiency and proper management of state resources.
- Some issues, such as army property management, date back to 2015.
- The Federal Council is legally responsible for overseeing the implementation of these overdue recommendations.
- The Department of Defence and the Department of Finance have the most outstanding items.
Rising Number of Unfulfilled Recommendations
The number of outstanding recommendations has increased significantly in recent years. For 2024, the FAO's list includes 25 items. This marks a notable rise from 17 recommendations in 2023 and 18 in 2022. Over the preceding five years, the number fluctuated between 8 and 18, indicating a recent acceleration in unaddressed issues.
The FAO does not actively publicize this list. Instead, the details are found within the latter sections of its annual activity report. However, the audited authorities must provide yearly updates on the progress of implementation. This process ensures accountability.
Key Statistic
The number of outstanding recommendations rose from 17 in 2023 to 25 in 2024, representing a 47% increase.
Persistent Issues Across Departments
Several long-standing recommendations continue to appear on the FAO's list, pointing to systemic delays in government operations. One notable example involves the management of army real estate. Two recommendations related to this issue were initially due for implementation by the end of 2015.
The core problem identified years ago was the federal government's practice of hoarding obsolete military equipment. This practice incurs significant costs and has led to a loss of oversight. The FAO called for clear concepts to address these inefficiencies.
"The law states that the Federal Council must oversee the implementation of these overdue recommendations," the Federal Audit Office emphasizes.
Outdated IT Systems and Processes
Another area of concern is the Central Compensation Office for AHV and IV. The FAO recommended automated processes for invoice handling to improve efficiency. This recommendation was initially due for completion in November 2018 but remains unfulfilled.
Similarly, the Federal Office of Justice faces a recommendation to simplify the IT system for the commercial register. The FAO suggested a single application for all offices nationwide, believing this would be more efficient and cost-effective. The original deadline for this change was the end of 2019.
The Role of the Federal Audit Office
The Federal Audit Office (FAO) is an independent body that audits the finances and operations of the Swiss federal administration. Its mission is to ensure that public funds are used economically, efficiently, and lawfully. The FAO's recommendations aim to improve government performance and accountability.
Reasons for Delays
While most federal authorities accept the FAO's recommendations, implementation often falls behind schedule. According to Arnaud Bonvin, an FAO spokesperson, the willingness to improve is generally high. However, two primary reasons contribute to the delays.
Firstly, the audited entities often set their own target dates, which sometimes prove unrealistic. "There is a gap between aspiration and reality here," Bonvin explains. Despite these delays, the commitment to resolving the deficiencies remains. In such cases, new deadlines are set.
Secondly, authorities sometimes report a recommendation as "fulfilled," but the FAO's independent review concludes otherwise. When this happens, the responsible parties are asked to take additional measures to improve the situation.
Departments with the Most Open Issues
The Department of Defence (VBS), currently led by Viola Amherd, has the highest number of outstanding recommendations. Six of the 25 unresolved items are attributed to the VBS. This follows a similar pattern from the previous year.
The Department of Finance, under Karin Keller-Sutter, follows closely with five open recommendations. The FAO states that this concentration in certain departments is coincidental and not indicative of a specific pattern. "No patterns can be derived; it depends on many factors," the FAO notes.
The FAO clarifies that while extended deadlines might have plausible reasons, they ultimately signify that a significant deficiency persists over a long period. The publication of the list is legally mandated, and the FAO relies on controlling mechanisms and the involvement of higher authorities to ensure recommendations are eventually addressed.