Finance committee rejects economic aid plan
The government’s SFr870 million ($1.1 billion) emergency cash plan to boost the economy has been rejected by the finance committee of the House of Representatives.
Commission president Margret Kiener Nellen told the media in Bern on Tuesday evening that the legal basis for the package was rejected by 13 votes to 12.
The commission will return to the package after the Senate has debated it on Wednesday.
The original SFr2 billion package, announced last month, met a storm of protest from political and business groups. Critics complained the deal could be used to prop up failing businesses.
The revised bailout allocates SFr500 million to protecting jobs across all industry sectors. Money will be used to bolster a state technology and innovation programme that helps translate ideas into successful business plans.
Some SFr100 million has been assigned to a fund that can extend emergency loans to the hotel industry. Public transport projects and a specific agricultural exports will also get a smaller cash boost.
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