Cantons of Bern and Jura seal the fate of Moutier
Published: Sunday, Sep 15th 2024, 09:12
Zurück zu Live Feed
The future of the town of Moutier will be decided on September 22. The voters of the cantons of Jura and Bern will vote at the same time on the concordat that sets out the modalities for Moutier's transfer to the canton of Jura.
Shortly before the referendum, it is mainly the supporters who are present. In recent weeks, both the Jura and Bernese authorities and most political parties have been campaigning for a Yes vote. Only the Bernese SVP is recommending a No vote.
Observers assume that the concordat will be accepted in both cantons. This would pave the way for Moutier, with its 7200 inhabitants, to join the canton of Jura on January 1, 2026.
If the population of one canton were to say no, Moutier would remain part of Bern. The region would then face a period of great tension. Both cantons and the federal government want to avoid this scenario.
Uncertainty about voter turnout
One big unknown is voter turnout. The supporters of the change of canton are interested in a broad mobilization. They fear that a low voter turnout would strengthen the opposing camp.
The costs of the change of canton will amount to CHF 13 million by the beginning of 2026. Most of this will be expenditure for the employment of staff. In addition, there will be a reduction in revenue of around CHF 65 million due to the delayed adjustment of the federal financial equalization system.
Close chapter
On voting Sunday, all eyes will naturally be on the result in Moutier, a town governed by a pro-Jurassic majority. A No vote would cast a bad light on the reconciliation process between separatists and Bernese loyalists. In March 2021, Moutier voted in favor of the change of canton by 2114 votes to 1740.
The Bernese Jura hopes to be able to look to the future now that the dispute over Moutier's cantonal affiliation is over. The region has already taken its first steps towards the future, particularly with the Grand Chasseral and Avenir Berne romande projects, which are intended to give the French-speaking part of the canton a boost and enhance the French-speaking component.
Allocation of goods
In 36 articles, the concordat regulates the most important points of Moutier's change of canton, particularly in the areas of administration, schools, justice and healthcare. The document also deals with the division of property.
Moutier should be able to participate in political life in the Jura even before the change of canton. Citizens should therefore be able to take part in the Jura elections at the end of 2025.
Once the Concordat has been adopted, it will be up to the Federal Assembly to approve the territorial change. This is primarily a formal decision, the outcome of which is not in doubt. After all, the Federal Assembly will not want to disavow a popular verdict.
Amendments to cantonal constitutions
Parallel to the vote on the Concordat, the Bernese electorate will decide whether the reference to the district of Moutier should be removed from the constitution. This amendment offers the opportunity to dispense with the division into administrative districts throughout the canton. They have had no function since 2010 anyway.
The citizens of Jura will decide whether to accept the repeal of Article 139 of the cantonal constitution. This is a condition of the concordat.
The article in question revolves around the creation of a new canton that encompasses the area of the Bernese Jura and the current canton of Jura. This is because the transfer of Moutier to the Jura is intended to bring the Jura issue to a final conclusion.
©Keystone/SDA
German 
English 
French 
Spanish 
Arabic