Posted17 August 2022, 11:44
SuisseThe Covid weighs very heavily on federal finances
The Federal Council expects a deficit of 5 billion francs, double what was expected. The fight once morest the pandemic continues to be very expensive.
Extraordinary expenditure is currently estimated at 7.4 billion francs. (illustrative photo)
KEYSTONE
The Confederation expects a financing gap of 5 billion francs for the 2022 financial year, whereas it had been budgeted at 2.3 billion. This is what emerges from the first extrapolation established for the current year, announced the Federal Department of Finance on Wednesday.
This deficit is essentially linked to extraordinary expenses, currently estimated at 7.4 billion, specifies the DFF. Of this amount, 6.5 billion is required for the fight once morest the Covid-19 pandemic. Berne also estimates the reception and care of refugees from Ukraine at 0.9 billion francs.
However, in the ordinary budget, while the Confederation initially forecast a deficit of 0.6 billion, it now expects a financing surplus of 0.7 billion, specify the services of Ueli Maurer. This is thanks to higher ordinary revenue from VAT (+1.1 bn). A decrease of around 500 million is however expected in respect of withholding tax.
Credit balance of 2 billion
With regard to expenditure, the amount of supplements is estimated at 1.6 billion. But many budget items have not been fully utilized. These additional charges can therefore be offset by credit balances. And Berne to cite the non-association with European research programs such as Horizon, the contribution to the fund for national roads and urban traffic or even for the recapitalization of Skyguide. A loan balance of 2.2 billion is expected.
But the uncertainties surrounding the extrapolation remain great and the exact amount of extraordinary expenses remains difficult to assess, specifies Berne.
The consequences linked to Covid-19 have led to additional federal debt. From 20.3 billion in 2020, the debt should rise between 25 and 30 billion at the end of the year.
(cht)