Gaillard cannot estimate how many of the more than 60 recommendations will actually be implemented. “But it is possible that even better proposals will come to the table,” said the former head of the finance administration in an interview published on Sunday.
He has received criticism from left to right, from central cantons and peripheral regions. “Saving doesn’t make you any friends,” said Gaillard.
The group of experts examined over 300 individual loans. The good news is: “The federal government is doing a lot of things sensibly, and many of the expenditures are well-founded and effective,” said Gaillard. The proposals also show that Switzerland can save money “without the world coming to an end.”
The report on the situation of federal finances presented on Thursday by a group of experts identified potential savings of up to 5 billion francs from 2030 onwards.
The FDP and SVP welcomed it, while the SP and the Greens rejected it. The Conference of Cantonal Governments warned against a hasty shift of burdens to the cantons.
Round tables with cantons, political parties and social partners will be convened in the next few days. The next steps are to be decided at the end of September. The Federal Council is expected to hold a regular consultation on the defined measures in January. Parliament will then decide on this.
