{"id":22317,"date":"2025-08-20T15:23:27","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T13:23:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/themen\/federal-governments-planned-cost-cutting-measures-2027\/"},"modified":"2025-09-18T16:17:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T14:17:46","slug":"federal-governments-planned-cost-cutting-measures-2027","status":"publish","type":"themen","link":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/themen\/federal-governments-planned-cost-cutting-measures-2027\/","title":{"rendered":"Federal government&#8217;s planned cost-cutting measures 2027"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:var(--contrast);color:#ffffff\" class=\"has-inline-color\">DOUBLING OF TUITIONS FEES? <\/mark><br>A desaster.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The austerity measures planned by the federal government are hitting students and the academic world hard. They will lead to massive budget cuts in higher education and research, as well as a <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">doubling of tuition fees<\/mark><\/strong>. This jeopardizes the quality of education and equal opportunities in the Swiss education system.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the national umbrella organisation of Swiss student bodies, which represents the interests of over 140,000 students,VSS is calling for action to maintain a fair and publicly funded higher education system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-693023be\">\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:var(--contrast-3);color:#ffffff\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Sign our petition against <strong>austerity measures <\/strong><\/mark><\/strong><br><strong><mark style=\"background-color:var(--contrast-3);color:#ffffff\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>in education<\/strong> and show your support for a <\/mark><\/strong><br><strong><mark style=\"background-color:var(--contrast-3);color:#ffffff\" class=\"has-inline-color\">strong and fair education system.<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-cf2b5a50 gb-button-text gbp-button--primary\" href=\"https:\/\/bezahlbar-studieren.ch\/en\/studiegebuehre-verdopple-schliifts-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sign now <\/a>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Let&#8217;s take to the streets together on 1 October 2025 for the demonstration in Bern<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The VSS is organizing a national demonstration <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">on Wednesday 1 October 2025 at 5 p.m.<\/mark><\/strong> on the Bundesplatz in Bern, with speeches and the official handover of the petition to political decision-makers. We cordially invite you and your organization to join us and send a strong message of solidarity. Your presence counts\u2014for education, for young people, for our future.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-ca17b6ca\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bezahlbar-studieren.ch\/fr\/studiegebuehre-verdopple-schliifts-francais\/#:~:text=Ensemble%20dans%20la%20rue%20le%201er%20octobre%20pour%20la%20manifestation%20%C3%A0%20Berne\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-ca17b6ca\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Demo-1.10-2-e1755781483402.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"Demo 1.10\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-25fbb167 gb-accordion\" data-accordion-multiple-open>\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-8ad13fcd gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-c83cc5cb gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-c83cc5cb\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong>What is it about?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-9944cef7\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-9944cef7\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-6741d1cd\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-73c10381\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-73c10381\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>In March 2024, the Federal Council commissioned a group of experts to analyze the federal government&#8217;s finances and propose measures to reduce federal spending. This report (the \u201cGaillard Report\u201d) served as the basis for an <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">austerity program<\/mark><\/strong> to be implemented from 2026\u20132027.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"line-height:1.6em; margin:0;\">\n The Federal Council justifies this program with the need to reduce spending and consolidate the federal budget in accordance with the <span class=\"read-more-link\" style=\"color:#2987d9; cursor:pointer; position:relative; text-decoration:none;\" title=\"Learn more about the debt brake\" onmouseover=\"this.style.textDecoration='underline';\" onmouseout=\"this.style.textDecoration='none';\">debt brake<\/span> requirements. \n<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"hidden-text\" style=\"display:none; margin-top:10px; margin-left:20px; font-size:0.9em; line-height:1.4em; background:#f0f8ff; border:1px solid #cce0ff; border-radius:8px; padding:10px; box-shadow:0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\">\n  <p><strong>What is the debt brake?<\/strong> It is a constitutional mechanism that prevents the federal government from spending more money than it collects in revenue over the long term.<\/p>\n  <p><strong>Objective<\/strong>: It was introduced in 2003 following a sharp rise in debt in the 1990s and is intended to prevent Switzerland&#8217;s debt from increasing further.<\/p>\n  <p><strong>How it works<\/strong>: Each year, the debt brake sets an expenditure ceiling based on expected revenues and the economic situation. In the event of a crisis (e.g., COVID-19), special expenditures are possible, but these must be balanced out later.  <\/p>\n  <p><strong>Criticism<\/strong>: Critics argue that the debt brake is too rigid and restricts investment in the future (e.g., social benefits, infrastructure, education, energy transition, etc.), even when debt levels are low.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<script>\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n  document.querySelectorAll('.read-more-link').forEach(function(link){\n    link.addEventListener('click', function(){\n      const hiddenText = document.querySelector('.hidden-text');\n      hiddenText.style.display = (hiddenText.style.display === 'none' || hiddenText.style.display === '') ? 'block' : 'none';\n    });\n  });\n});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2027 austerity program plans<mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#000000\" class=\"has-inline-color\"> <\/mark><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">significant budget cuts<\/mark><\/strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#000000\" class=\"has-inline-color\"> <\/mark>in several areas, including education and research, which jeopardizes the quality of higher education and increases costs for students. Since its publication, several players in the education sector, including the VSS, have expressed their opposition and launched mobilization initiatives.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-9c33ed40\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"468\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-9c33ed40\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/MEME-1.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"MEME\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/MEME-1.png 500w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/MEME-1-300x281.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-75a8f8b0 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-7da672c3 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-7da672c3\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong><strong>What measures are planned?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-40fe9ee5\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-40fe9ee5\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-7f14a591\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-8a1b8cc7\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-8a1b8cc7\">\n\n<p style=\"font-size:px\">The program includes more than 60 cost-cutting measures in various areas (list not exhaustive):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">International cooperation <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Social security <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Federal administration <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Culture <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Sports <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:90%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Roads and traffic <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Climate, energy, and the environment <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Agriculture <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Tourism <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Education and research<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-db0772d4\">\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-contrast-3-color\">Overview of measures affecting students<\/mark><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-79a480d6\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-contrast-color\">Increase of student contributions to the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH):<\/mark><\/strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-contrast-3-color\"> <\/mark>The federal government&#8217;s contribution to the ETH will be reduced by CHF 78 million starting in 2027, which will lead to a<mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\"> doubling of tuition fees<\/mark> for students at EPFL and ETHZ.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-contrast-color\"><strong>Increase of student contributions to cantonal universities:<\/strong><\/mark><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-contrast-3-color\"><strong> <\/strong><\/mark>The federal government&#8217;s contribution to universities and colleges will be reduced by CHF 120 million from 2027, which will lead to a <mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">doubling of tuition fees for students.<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-contrast-color\"><strong>Cancellation of contributions for university projects:<\/strong><\/mark> Federal contributions for collaborative university projects will be canceled, limiting students&#8217; access to certain federally funded projects. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-contrast-color\"><strong>Cuts in subsidies for extracurricular activities for children and young people:<\/strong><\/mark> Federal subsidies for extracurricular activities will be cut by 10%, which will limit the range of activities available to students and young people.<mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-contrast-3-color\"><\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c76718f6 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-736d786a gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-736d786a\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>What impact does this have on students <\/strong>and education?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-3ca330cc\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3ca330cc\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-65ed6300\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-4ae8329b\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4ae8329b\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-244979b4 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d88c855b gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-fd3418a4 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-fd3418a4\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>Jeopardising equal opportunities<\/strong><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-564fd786\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-564fd786\">\n\n<p>An increase in tuition fees <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">exacerbates social inequalities<\/mark><\/strong>, as students are rather selected based on their financial background than on their abilities and achievements. Education thus becomes a <mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\"><strong>luxury good<\/strong><\/mark> instead of a fundamental right.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-6388d5dc\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-text-align-left wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\" style=\"font-size:15px\">In Switzerland, social background continues to play a decisive role in access to higher education. <strong>50%<\/strong> of students come from families in which at least one parent has a university degree (FSO, 2024).<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-6388d5dc\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-78003619 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-22d2bab7 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-22d2bab7\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong>The scholarship system is insufficient<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-1ebd95ce\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1ebd95ce\">\n\n<p>The scholarship system already needs to be revised in many areas,<strong> <\/strong>and the system is currently <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">not equipped to handle an increase in tuition fees<\/mark><\/strong>. While more and more cantons are not fully utilizing their budgets, potential scholarship recipients are being rejected even though the cost of living continues to rise. Financial support remains <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">too low and unevenly distributed<\/mark><\/strong>, especially for foreign students.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-6388d5dc\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-text-align-left wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\" style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>26%<\/strong> of students have applied for scholarships\/loans, but <strong>only 42%<\/strong> of these applications have been granted, and this aid accounts for only <strong>4%<\/strong> of their average income (BFS, 2024).<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-6388d5dc\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-6084900a gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-7597b266 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-7597b266\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong>Deterioration of the economic situation of students<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-07bd1e77\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-07bd1e77\">\n\n<p>An increase in tuition fees would further <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">exacerbate this already high burden<\/mark><\/strong>. In order to cover the additional costs, many students would be forced to increase their working hours\u2014at the expense of study time and quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-6388d5dc\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-text-align-left wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\" style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>72%<\/strong> of students are in paid employment, <strong>61%<\/strong> of whom work more than <strong>40%<\/strong> of full-time hours, which already severely limits the time available for their studies (FSO, 2024).<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-6388d5dc\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-0ba7ebb1 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-0e7b836c gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-0e7b836c\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong>Impact on the economy<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-2e9278e0\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2e9278e0\">\n\n<p>Rising tuition fees <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">prolong the duration of studies and weaken the economy by delaying the entry into the labor market.<\/mark><\/strong> Students remain dependent on government support or university infrastructure for longer, which means they pay lower taxes and social security contributions for a longer period of time. In addition, the existing shortage of <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">qualified employees<\/mark><\/strong> is exacerbated, particularly in the fields of education, IT, health, and engineering.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-6388d5dc\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-text-align-left wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\" style=\"font-size:15px\">In Switzerland, the average length of study is <strong>5.7 years<\/strong> (FSO, 2024). Each additional year delays entry into the labor market and weakens the economy.  <\/pre>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-6388d5dc\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-9fea89c9 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-a2d32657 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-a2d32657\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong>Weakening of Switzerland as a centre of innovation<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-72cd04ba\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-72cd04ba\">\n\n<p>Die geplanten Sparmassnahmen <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">gef\u00e4hrden die Qualit\u00e4t von Bildung und Forschung<\/mark><\/strong>. Sie k\u00f6nnten zu einer Abwanderung von Talenten und Studierenden f\u00fchren und damit langfristig die Wettbewerbsf\u00e4higkeit der Schweiz schw\u00e4chen. In einem Land ohne nat\u00fcrliche Ressourcen bleibt Bildung der wichtigste Motor f\u00fcr <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-color\">Innovation<\/mark><\/strong>, technologischen Fortschritt und Wirtschaftswachstum.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-6388d5dc\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-text-align-left wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\" style=\"font-size:15px\">In 2024, Switzerland ranks <strong>7th <\/strong>worldwide in terms of patent applications with <strong>9,966<\/strong> registered patents (EPA, 2024), placing it ahead of all other countries in relation to its population and size. These innovations are the result of knowledge production at Swiss universities, which are responsible for the majority of fundamental research.  <\/pre>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-6388d5dc\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-feb1aab5 gb-button-text gbp-button--primary\" href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2025-05-04_d_Positionspapier_Gaillard_VSS.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">To the complete list of arguments<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-322e1aa0 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-63341688 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-63341688\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>What is the VSS doing<\/strong>?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-69311463\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-69311463\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-76731a50\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-14d4c47c\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-14d4c47c\">\n\n<p>To combat the federal government&#8217;s austerity measures, the VSS has been running a national campaign since the end of 2024. It unites and mobilizes students from all over Switzerland, informs the public, and attempts to influence political decision-makers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The activities include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:80%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list liste-espace\">\n<li>Creation of a task<strong> <\/strong>force responsible for the organization and general coordination of the campaign.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verfassen und Ver\u00f6ffentlichen eines <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2025-05-04_d_Positionspapier_Gaillard_VSS.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Positionspapiers <\/a><\/strong>und verschiedener Informationsdokumente.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Launch of a <a href=\"https:\/\/bezahlbar-studieren.ch\/en\/studiegebuehre-verdopple-schliifts-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>petition <\/strong><\/a>that has already been signed by almost 35,000 people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National poster campaign at all Swiss universities and higher education institutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Online campaign and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/vss_unes_usu\/?hl=fr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong> social media<\/strong><\/a> campaign.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participation in the consultation process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Release of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/neuigkeiten\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">press releases<\/a><\/strong> after each important milestone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaboration with various political parties, youth organizations, and interest groups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact and discussions with political decision-makers, particularly during parliamentary sessions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sending of an <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/bildung-darf-keinen-luxus-sein-die-studierenden-kommen-nach-bern\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">open letter<\/a><\/strong> to Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organization of a national demonstration on 1 October 2025 on the Bundesplatz in Bern with the handover of the petition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:20%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/votre-addition-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21968\" style=\"width:339px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/votre-addition-2.png 800w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/votre-addition-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/votre-addition-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/votre-addition-2-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How can you get involved?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can support the campaign by signing the petition and sharing the initiative on social media and within your community. Contact your national and state legislators to express your concerns.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And above all: <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-contrast-3-color\">come to the demonstration in Bern on October 1 at 5 p.m.!<\/mark><\/strong> Let&#8217;s raise our voices together and stand up for a strong and fair education system! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-5deca23b gb-button-text gbp-button--primary\" href=\"https:\/\/bezahlbar-studieren.ch\/en\/studiegebuehre-verdopple-schliifts-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sign now<\/a>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>DOUBLING OF TUITIONS FEES? A desaster. The austerity measures planned by the federal government are hitting students and the academic world hard. They will lead to massive budget cuts in &#8230; <a title=\"Federal government&#8217;s planned cost-cutting measures 2027\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/themen\/federal-governments-planned-cost-cutting-measures-2027\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Federal government&#8217;s planned cost-cutting measures 2027\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":21978,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"topic-priorities":[91],"class_list":["post-22317","themen","type-themen","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-priorities-no-thematic-priority"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/themen\/22317","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/themen"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/themen"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21978"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"topic-priorities","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vss-unes.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic-priorities?post=22317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}