Billions for the Army Instead of Health, Education, and Social Services? We Need Democratic Control Over Federal Finances.

The parliament distributes billions annually without the electorate having a say. In the cantons, the financial referendum has long proven effective. It's time for the federal government to also have democratic control over its expenditures.

Problem

• We can vote on laws, but not on billion-dollar expenditures. Parliament decides …: We can vote on laws, but not on billion-dollar expenditures. Parliament decides on tax money without democratic control.
• In parliament, billion-dollar expenditures are not decided by factual arguments,…: In parliament, billion-dollar expenditures are not decided by factual arguments, but by the strength of lobby groups. Well-organized interest groups push through their concerns – the population has no…
• Whether school building or bypass road: in the cantons, eligible voters can have…: Whether school building or bypass road: in the cantons, eligible voters can have a say in major expenditures; yet, when it comes to the federal billion-dollar expenditures for the army, roads, or subs…

Solution

• With the financial referendum, eligible voters can demand the final say on major…: With the financial referendum, eligible voters can demand the final say on major federal expenditures. 50,000 signatures are sufficient to trigger a referendum on billion-dollar expenditures.
• The financial referendum is not a new invention: in the cantons, the financial r…: The financial referendum is not a new invention: in the cantons, the financial referendum has been established as a form of democratic control for decades. The federal government is thus adopting a pr…
• Experience from the cantons shows: the mere possibility of a financial referendu…: Experience from the cantons shows: the mere possibility of a financial referendum leads to more careful decisions. Parliament and administration must better justify their expenditures and take societa…
• The financial referendum applies to one-time expenditures over X million or recu…: The financial referendum applies to one-time expenditures over X million or recurring expenditures over Y million. Not every small expense goes to the people – but the large, groundbreaking decisions…
• Sustainability requires long-term thinking: while parliament often follows short…: Sustainability requires long-term thinking: while parliament often follows short-term interests, the electorate can also bring in the perspective of future generations through the financial referendum…

Benefit

• More democracy: The electorate finally gains a say even in large federal expendi…: More democracy: The electorate finally gains a say even in large federal expenditures. An important gap in direct democracy is closed.
• Better decisions: Billion-franc expenditures must in the future be publicly just…: Better decisions: Billion-franc expenditures must in the future be publicly justified and transparently prepared. This leads to more thoughtful and balanced financial decisions.
• Proven system: What has been successfully practiced in the cantons for decades i…: Proven system: What has been successfully practiced in the cantons for decades is finally coming to the federal level. A tested instrument for more democratic control.
• Intergenerational justice: The young generation is given a voice in expenditures…: Intergenerational justice: The young generation is given a voice in expenditures that they will have to repay later. Future-oriented perspectives are given more weight.
• Democratic financial policy: Instead of lobby interests, the needs of the popula…: Democratic financial policy: Instead of lobby interests, the needs of the population will determine large expenditures in the future. This strengthens a balanced, responsible financial policy.