The Merger of Bern and Ostermundigen Failed
Published: Sunday, Oct 22nd 2023, 15:21
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The proposed merger between the City of Bern and the municipality of Ostermundigen has been rejected by the voters of Ostermundigen. 57.05% of the voters voted against the merger, while 72.35% of the voters in Bern voted in favour. The turnout in Ostermundigen was 56.8%, and 57.1% in Bern.
Opponents of the merger argued that it was not a true merger, but rather an annexation of Ostermundigen, which would have resulted in the 18,000 inhabitants of the municipality losing their autonomy. Supporters argued that the two communities were already economically, culturally and socially intertwined, and that both sides would benefit from the merger, with Ostermundigen receiving more services for less taxes and Bern receiving more affordable housing.
The merger was also controversial in Ostermundigen's municipal council, which decided not to issue a recommendation on the matter. In Bern, the proposal did not cause much of a stir, with the parliament voting in favour and the city government strongly supporting the merger.
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