Fribourg lawmakers on Thursday approved supplemental budget credits for 2025 totaling 30.2 million Swiss francs, with half of that amount allocated to asylum costs.
The decree passed by a vote of 98 to 0, with one abstention. The approval indicates that initial budget forecasts underestimated actual costs in several sectors. According to commission president Claude Brodard, a member of the FDP.The Liberals party, a total of 46 additional payment credits were opened.
Finance Minister Jean-Pierre Siggen noted that budget discipline is “largely respected” by government services and institutions. However, he added that “the rule does suffer a few exceptions when, in particular, new, special and unforeseen circumstances call into question the initial forecasts.”
A Relaxation of Standards
Despite the minister’s assessment, Claude Brodard expressed concern over a trend that has been intensifying since 2022, which he described as “a relaxation” of standards. The Council of State requested an additional payment credit from the Grand Council for a total of 30.2 million francs.
In accordance with financial law, these credits are offset to ensure that the budgetary balance required by the cantonal constitution is maintained. Budget overruns affected nearly all departments, but were particularly significant within the Directorate of Health and Social Affairs (DSAS).
Asylum Seekers
Specifically, social assistance for asylum seekers and refugees required an additional 14.9 million francs. These increased costs are primarily attributed to an unexpected decrease in federal revenue and a rise in associated expenses.
Looking ahead, Jean-Pierre Siggen stated that supplemental credits have averaged 0.66% of the budget between 2005 and 2024, or 22 million francs annually. Last year, these sums were fully covered, with 94% coming from spending cuts and 6% from revenue increases.
