Swiss Cantons Face Mixed Fiscal Fortunes in 2026
Swiss cantons face varied fiscal outlooks for 2026. Several, including Geneva and Vaud, anticipate deficits and propose cost-cutting measures. Meanwhile, others like Bern and Zug expect surpluses, planning tax relief and reductions.
Geneva and Vaud aim to tackle deficits by suspending civil servant annuities and targeting the civil service and health sectors. Bern, with a surplus, plans tax relief by 2029. Zug, expecting the highest surplus of 370 million francs, plans a tax rate reduction. Other cantons also consider tax cuts.
Several cantons, including Fribourg, have implemented or plan austerity programs, leading to protests. Education, social affairs, and health are the largest expenditure areas, growing faster than revenues in many cantons. The majority of Swiss cantons expect budget deficits in 2026.
While some cantons plan tax cuts and relief, others face deficits and propose austerity measures. The fiscal outlook varies across Switzerland, with education, social affairs, and health being the largest expenditure areas. As of 2023, no specific information is available about cantons' plans for 2027 and 2028.
