Criticism encourages the head of the group of experts on saving measures

Gaillard cannot estimate the number of more than 60 proposals that will be granted. “But it is possible that even better proposals will come to the table,” said the former head of the financial administration in an interview published on Sunday.

Criticism has arrived from left to right, from central cantons and peripheral areas. “Saving will not make you friends,” said Gaillard.

The expert group examined more than 300 individual loans. The good news is: “The federal government does a lot of things wisely, a lot of spending is well justified and effective,” Gaillard said. The proposals also showed that Switzerland could save money “without the world coming to an end.”

The report on the state of federal finances presented on Thursday by a group of experts indicated savings of up to 5 billion francs from 2030.

The FDP and SVP welcomed it, the SP and the Greens rejected it. The conference of cantonal governments warned against shifting the burden to the cantons prematurely.

Roundtables with cantons, political parties and social partners will be convened in the next few days. The next steps should be decided at the end of September. The Federal Council is expected to hold a regular consultation on the identified measures in January. Parliament will decide on this.