The Young Liberals Switzerland political party plans to launch a new initiative aimed at limiting the growth of the federal administration. This decision was made during their delegates' meeting in Bern on Saturday. The proposal seeks to cap federal personnel expenditures, ensuring they do not increase faster than the median wage of the Swiss population.
Key Takeaways
- Young Liberals plan an initiative to cap federal administration spending.
- Personnel costs would be linked to the median wage of the Swiss population.
- The ETH domain is exempt due to its importance for research and innovation.
- Flexibility for exceptions in emergencies is included.
- The initiative aims to refocus the federal administration on core tasks.
Proposed Initiative Targets Federal Spending Growth
The Young Liberals Switzerland announced their intention to introduce a 'Bureaucracy Brake' initiative. This proposal aims to curb the expansion of the federal administration. Jonas Lüthy, the party president, stated the need for action is clear. He emphasized that excessive administrative growth places burdens on individuals and businesses through increased regulations and bureaucracy.
The initiative seeks to restrict the growth of federal personnel expenses. Under the proposed plan, these expenses would only be allowed to rise at the same rate as the median income of the Swiss population. This measure intends to create a direct link between public sector wage growth and broader economic trends.
Fact: Median Wage Link
The initiative proposes that federal personnel expenditures should only increase as much as the median wage of the Swiss population. This direct link aims to balance public sector growth with overall economic conditions.
Concerns Over Administration Expansion
Jonas Lüthy, 22, highlighted concerns about the federal administration's growth. He warned that the private sector and public administration are increasingly competing for personnel. This competition could lead to imbalances in the labor market. Lüthy believes that an unchecked expansion of the administration threatens the 'Swiss success model'.
According to Lüthy, the Swiss model allows individuals space for economic and social development. He argues that preserving this model is a promise to future generations. The party's initiative aims to ensure the state remains focused on its essential functions, rather than expanding unnecessarily.
"The need for action is evident. Excessive administrative growth burdens people and businesses with regulations and bureaucracy."
Exemptions and Emergency Provisions
The proposed 'Bureaucracy Brake' includes specific exemptions. The ETH domain, which comprises the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, would not be subject to these restrictions. This exemption is due to the ETH domain's critical role in Switzerland's research and innovation landscape.
Additionally, the initiative provides for flexibility in crisis situations. In times of emergency, the Parliament could approve exceeding the spending cap. This would require the consent of a majority in both chambers of the Federal Assembly. This provision ensures the government can respond effectively to unforeseen national challenges while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Context: The ETH Domain
The ETH domain is a network of public research institutions in Switzerland, including ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne. It is renowned globally for its contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Its exemption from the proposed spending cap underscores its strategic importance for the country's economic competitiveness and innovation capacity.
Maintaining Current Staff Levels and Focusing on Core Tasks
Lüthy stated that the administrative brake, with its wage-linking mechanism, would allow the federal administration to maintain its current staff levels. It would also ensure that wage growth within the federal administration aligns with that of the general population. The primary goal is to halt further expansion of the federal workforce.
The Young Liberals believe this initiative will compel both the federal administration and political bodies to concentrate on essential state tasks. This focus is expected to reduce unnecessary expenditures and improve efficiency within government operations. The party argues that a leaner administration is more effective.
- The initiative aims to maintain current federal staff levels.
- It seeks to align federal wage growth with the median population wage.
- The goal is to prevent further expansion of the federal workforce.
- It intends to force a focus on essential government functions.
Previous Attempts and Future Plans
This is not the first attempt to implement an administrative brake in Switzerland. In March 2024, a similar popular initiative was put to a vote in the Canton of Solothurn. That initiative aimed to limit administrative growth to one state employee per 85 inhabitants. However, this proposal failed at the ballot box.
Despite the setback in Solothurn, Young Liberals President Lüthy remains undeterred. He argues that new tasks and regulations are constantly being created, leading to continuous hiring of more personnel. Lüthy believes that since Parliament has failed to control administrative growth, his party's initiative is necessary.
The collection of signatures for the new initiative is scheduled to begin in early 2026. This process will be a crucial step towards bringing the proposal to a national vote. The Young Liberals are confident in their ability to gather the required support for their 'Bureaucracy Brake'.