Federal Budget Cuts with Impact for Swiss Abroad - SAA Statement
- CT
- May 1
- 1 min read
On 29 January 2025, the Swiss Federal Council submitted a comprehensive cost-cutting package (EP27) for consultation.
The package is designed to help finance the rapid restoration of Switzerland’s defence capabilities and the federal contribution to the 13th AHV pension. To return the federal budget to a sustainable footing, the programme proposes annual savings of CHF 3 to 4.5 billion from 2027 onward. These cuts will affect all areas of federal responsibility, including public administration, and also contain revenue-side measures.
Numerous proposals in EP27 would directly impact the Swiss Abroad - including services provided by the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) and international media platform SWI swissinfo.ch, a reliable and trustworthy service more important than ever in a world of misinformation and fake news.
In support of the statements submitted by both the OSA and swissinfo, the Swiss Alliance Australia has also provided feedback as part of the consultation. The SAA’s statement highlights the potential consequences for the connection between Switzerland and its global diaspora should these cuts proceed as proposed.
As a voice for the Swiss diaspora in Australia, the SAA sees it as important to take part in political consultation processes like this - they give us a voice and ensure our community’s concerns are heard. Even if it’s just one voice among many, it can contribute to a more balanced perspective and can help shape the bigger picture.
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