Basel-Landschaft Court rules university financing initiative partially invalid

The Basel-Landschaft Cantonal Court has ruled that a municipal initiative regarding the financing of the University of Basel is partially invalid. The initiative, submitted by eleven municipalities in Upper Baselbiet, sought to compel the canton to terminate its state treaty with Basel-Stadt regarding the joint sponsorship and funding of the university by 2027.

The court determined that the initiative violates the principle of separation of powers. It ruled that the mandate to terminate and negotiate state treaties falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the executive branch, and an apodictic instruction to the government interferes with its discretionary authority. While the clause regarding the termination of the treaty was declared invalid, the portion of the initiative aiming for a restructuring of financing remains unaffected.

Despite the ruling, representatives from the leading municipality, Rünenberg, indicated they do not intend to withdraw the initiative. Several municipalities are reportedly preparing a new initiative focused on the redistribution of costs.