National Council wants to reduce SBB’s net debt
Published: Tuesday, Dec 12th 2023, 09:10
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SBB is to receive a one-off capital subsidy of CHF 1.15 billion to reduce its debt. Parliament has already allocated the money as part of the 2024 budget. On Tuesday, the National Council created the legal basis for this.
The Grand Chamber adopted the amended Federal Act on the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB Act) by 126 votes to 65. The bill now goes to the Council of States.
Commission spokesman Christian Wasserfallen (FDP/BE) was not pleased with the financial situation of SBB. They were no longer in a position to meet the debt target.
While the federal railroads had achieved positive business results before the coronavirus crisis, they fell into a deep hole afterwards. "In the private sector, they would have to go to court."
Thomas Hurter (SVP/SH) also called Parliament to account. "We have repeatedly made decisions in here without taking a close look." Politicians are also partly responsible for SBB's financing and debt problem - with the constant desire to expand services.
No competition with other editions
In order to reduce net debt, the Federal Council wants to make a one-off capital contribution of CHF 1.15 billion to SBB - à fonds perdu. On Monday, the National Council had already included the corresponding amount in the federal budget for the coming year.
In addition, the reserves of the Rail Infrastructure Fund (BIF) are to be increased. To this end, a maximum of two thirds of the net income from the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (HVC) should flow into the BIF. This should also make it possible to compensate for a higher financial requirement of the BIF in the event of a reduction in the track access charge for long-distance traffic.
The National Council does not agree with the Federal Council's proposal that SBB must switch from treasury loans to federal budget loans once a certain level of debt has been reached. This would make the funds subject to the debt brake and compete with other federal tasks, according to the tenor.
The Grand Chamber also decided to stipulate in the Heavy Vehicle Fees Act (SVAG) that the appropriate reserve for the BIF should be at least CHF 300 million.
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