In Focus – 2026 budget wrapped up
The Federal Assembly adjusted and approved the 2026 budget on 19 December. Overall, there is a financing deficit of around CHF 742 million. Nevertheless, the debt brake requirements will be met.
Budgeted expenditure amounts to CHF 91.1 billion and receipts to CHF 90.4 billion. This results in a financing deficit of CHF 742 million. Extraordinary payments are still required to cover some of the expenditure for people from Ukraine seeking protection (470 mn). The financing deficit in the ordinary budget is around CHF 635 million. The debt brake requirements will thus be met.
Parliament made various adjustments to the 2026 budget during the winter session. Compared to the Federal Council's proposal, Parliament decided in particular to reduce the federal contribution to unemployment insurance more modestly (+290 mn). This amount may be reduced further in the coming years. Additional funds were also allocated to the Armed Forces (+70 mn). At the same time, cuts were approved in areas including federal public relations work, individual operating expenses and contributions to multilateral organisations. In addition, ordinary and extraordinary expenditure relating to people from Ukraine seeking protection was partially reallocated.