Things are heating up in otherwise chilly Switzerland. The heat is owing to their top seven federal ministers losing their free access to the country’s ski resorts known for their grandeur. It was a lovely perk, one afforded thanks to taxpayers’ hard-earned money. It wouldn’t have lasted long as these taxpayers are prominently struggling to make ends meet. The step has been taken after decades of free lift passes given to the federal councillors and their families. In addition to the country’s collective head of state, this lavish amenity was also extended to retired ministers and numerous officials in Swiss cantons. Tables turned only after the national broadcaster RTS made a hue and cry, which led to the commencement of criminal proceedings over a potential conflict of interest, per The Telegraph.
The government passed on the bill that set the taxpayer back by a whopping $4,700 per person – and covered it by the state budget. Christophe Darbellay, a minister in the canton of Valais, faced backlash over calling it “a long-standing custom, totally transparent”. He added: “It’s a working tool, and I have a great many meetings with company directors and mayors on the slopes.” Things have finally changed for the better with the Federal Council ruling that starting next year, the free lift passes will be scrapped, along with another perk granting councilors free access to a special box in Berne’s municipal theatre.
The publication pointed out the federal councilors make a cool 400,000 francs a year and can certainly afford their own passes. Thomas Blasi, a national councilor, said: “In a period of opulence, it is understandable that there should be some advantages at the head of the state. But in the current situation, I would consider it normal for our politicians, who are particularly well paid, to make an effort; there’s no need to spend taxes on that.” In addition to hefty pay packages, the ministers and their partners and predecessors will continue to enjoy free first-class train travel around Switzerland for life.
