The Swiss government is moving to provide financial assistance to those affected by the recent fire in Crans-Montana, a move that underscores the scale of the tragedy and the challenges of providing aid after a mass casualty event. A one-time solidarity payment of 50,000 Swiss francs will be given to both those injured in the fire and the families of those who died.
The Council of States commission has backed the aid package proposed by the Federal Council, though with some reservations, according to reports on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The total aid package is estimated to exceed 35 million Swiss francs.
Of that amount, 7.8 million francs is earmarked for the direct solidarity payments. An additional 1.25 million francs will fund a roundtable discussion aimed at facilitating out-of-court settlements for victims, with the Confederation potentially contributing up to 20 million francs to any resulting agreements. Cantons will similarly receive 8.5 million francs to help cover the costs of victim support services.
The commission acknowledged concerns that the intervention may be seen as unfair to victims of other accidents, raising fundamental questions about equal treatment under the law. To address this, the commission is proposing that the Confederation retain the right to seek reimbursement from those responsible for the damages, as well as any third parties whose liability may be established.
The Council of States is scheduled to vote on the measure Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with the National Council to follow on Monday, March 9, 2026. Lawmakers are aiming to finalize the legislation during this session, and have designated it as urgent to ensure the solidarity payments can be distributed this spring. As reported by Le Temps, the commission also intends to examine, through standard legislative procedures, the extent and conditions under which the Confederation might financially participate in settlements reached during the roundtable discussions.
Dès ce printemps
Toutefois, la commission dit comprendre les réserves émises à l’égard de cette intervention inhabituelle de la Confédération. Ce soutien «peut sembler injuste pour les victimes d’autres accidents et soulève des questions fondamentales d’égalité devant la loi». Elle propose donc d’accorder à la Confédération un droit de recours contre les responsables des dommages et les tiers dont la responsabilité est également engagée. Ainsi, la Confédération pourra, le cas échéant, obtenir le remboursement des frais engagés.
Le Conseil des Etats se prononcera mercredi. Lundi prochain, ce sera au tour du National. Le dossier doit être bouclé à cette session. La loi, limitée à fin 2029, doit être déclarée urgente, afin que la contribution de solidarité soit versée ce printemps déjà. Comme l’écrivait hier Le Temps, la commission souhaite cependant examiner un aspect en dehors de la loi urgente, via la procédure ordinaire, c’est-à-dire sur le temps plus long. Il s’agit de voir dans quelle mesure et à quelles conditions la Confédération peut participer financièrement aux transactions découlant des éventuels accords à l’amiable discutés lors de la table ronde.
