⏱ 2 min 30 read
Background
Every autumn, the Federal Parliament examines the Confederation’s budget prepared by the Federal Council. For 2027, it amounts to around 94 billion francs. The finance committees prepare the debates and make recommendations to both chambers. A committee had not rejected a budget for 25 years, according to its chairman.
The key points
On Thursday 12 November 2026, the National Council’s finance committee recommended rejecting the Confederation’s 2027 budget by 15 votes to 9. The SVP and the left both reject the draft, for opposite reasons, according to RTS.
The committee’s version provides for 241.5 million francs of additional spending and 291.8 million of additional revenue compared with the Federal Council’s draft. It complies with the debt brake. More than 100 minority proposals have been tabled.
If both chambers reject the budget, or if one rejects it twice, it will be sent back to the Federal Council. The latter will then present a temporary draft to ensure the Confederation’s ability to pay, the Federal Finance Administration (FFA) said.
Key figures
- 15 votes to 9 : committee vote to reject the 2027 budget
- 94 billion francs : size of the Confederation’s budget
- +84.6 million francs : increase in direct payments to agriculture proposed by the committee
- −5.6 million francs : cut proposed for Switzerland Tourism
- +10 million francs : additional amount proposed for wine growing
What it means for businesses
- Farmers and winegrowers : the committee proposes additional funds, including 15 million to cope with drought.
- Tourism : the contribution to Switzerland Tourism would be cut by 5.6 million.
- Energy and buildings : the SwissEnergy and Buildings programmes would not receive extra funding.
Who says what
- Jacques Nicolet (SVP/VD, committee chairman): the Federal Council’s budget did not convince, but he is confident Parliament will reach an agreement.
- Socialist Party : it denounces unnecessary austerity and higher military spending.
- UDC : it demands savings in development aid, asylum, migration and administration.
- The Centre : it considers the rejection irresponsible and believes polarisation brings no solution.
What's next
- Debate in the National Council on the 2027 budget, based on the committee’s majority and minority positions.
Further reading
Sources
- RTS – 2027 budget: the National Council committee calls for rejection
- Le News – Switzerland’s polarised politics threaten to undo the 2027 budget
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