Solothurn cantonal government to appoint its own State Secretary in future
Published: Sunday, Sep 22nd 2024, 13:40
العودة إلى البث المباشر
In future, the Solothurn cantonal government will be able to select and appoint the State Secretary itself. The electorate approved the corresponding amendment to the cantonal constitution by a large majority. They also approved a second amendment to the cantonal buildings insurance constitution.
In the mandatory vote, the people approved the change to the State Secretary with a majority of 71% in favor (Yes: 49,060 votes, No: 20,304 votes). The turnout was 39.2 percent, as announced by the Solothurn State Chancellery on Sunday.
Previously, the cantonal parliament elected the State Secretary and his deputy every four years. As a civil servant, the State Secretary is also the Chief of Staff of the Government Council and the Parliamentary Service.
This dual function contradicts the separation of powers between the government and parliament. Parliament has also had its own Council Secretary since 1989. With the new regulation, the State Secretary and the deputy lose their civil servant status.
The cantons have different rules governing the election and appointment of the State Secretary. In 15 cantons, the government council appoints the chief of staff, in 11 cantons the parliament elects him or her.
Veto against building insurance decrees
The amendment to the constitution on buildings insurance was also undisputed. The people clearly approved the bill - with a majority of 75% in favor (Yes: 51,469 votes, No: 17,569 votes).
The buildings insurance company can issue new regulations that are of a technical nature or concern rapidly changing circumstances. If the buildings insurance goes overboard, 17 members of parliament have 60 days in which to raise an objection.
If a majority of the council members present - the parliament has 100 members - confirm the objection, the regulations are sent back to the building insurance company.
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