Bernese Jura and Seeland Construction Projects Worth Millions Set to Be Debated in Great Council Session

After Moutier moved away, new administrative locations were needed in the Bernese Jura. Among other things, the government council is planning a new building in Reconvilier in order to bring together the administrative units of the judiciary and the police under one roof.

However, the preparatory building commission of the Great Council came to the conclusion that the relationship between costs and benefits was unfavorable. It would be better to make the temporary solutions in two other communities permanent locations.

The governor is sticking to its plans. He receives support from the representatives of the Bernese Jura. The so-called deputation has a kind of veto right and could ensure that the deal is rejected. Then an amicable solution would have to be sought – and under time pressure, because Moutier will be moving to the canton of Jura at the beginning of 2026.

Witzwil and Biel Campus

The plans for a new building for the dilapidated Biel regional prison in Witzwil are also likely to have a difficult time. For the building commission, the credit for an overall performance competition comes too early. She applies for rejection because the planning of the prison concordat has not yet been completed.

The second additional loan for the construction of the Biel campus of the Bern University of Applied Sciences has a good chance of being approved. The building commission showed little enthusiasm that another 94.7 million Swiss francs are needed and the total costs increase to 402 million Swiss francs. But a yes is necessary so that the construction work can finally begin.

The fact that capacities in child and adolescent psychiatry should be increased remained undisputed in the Health Commission. She even wants to increase the canton’s financial support, but only grants a good three million francs as a loan. She wants to make it clear that this is an emergency measure.

Co-determination in crisis situations

In the corona pandemic, the government council often had to act under great time pressure and on its own initiative. In future crises, the Great Council wants to have more say. To do this, he must initiate a constitutional amendment and advise on an amendment to the law.

An amendment to the law is also needed for eMoving: the Bernese municipalities should be obliged to offer the move notification digitally. Since 2019 they can do this if they want. Now eMoving is to become a mandatory service.

clean up differences

In the second reading, the Council corrects the differences in two templates. One of the questions raised by the new Disability Benefits Act is who counts as a relative and is compensated for supporting disabled relatives. According to the Commission, the government should determine this by ordinance.

The joint use of mountain bike routes and hiking trails is under discussion when the road law is changed. In heavily frequented places, a division into two paths should be possible.

The 2022 annual accounts of the Canton of Bern will be met with a positive response. Contrary to all fears, it closed with a large surplus of CHF 358 million.

Burgdorfer as the highest Berner

The two-week summer session of the Grand Council begins next Monday with the election of the new council office. The 56-year-old Francesco Rappa is to be elected the “highest Berner” for the next twelve months. The central politician from Burgdorf follows Martin Schlup (SVP/Schüpfen).

Security director Philippe Müller (FDP) is facing the election as district president. This position is also awarded on an annual basis.