Legal disputes arise in Bern and Basel-Landschaft

In Bern, the city council is appealing a decision by the Administrative Court to the Federal Supreme Court regarding its bridging aid program. The program, introduced in 2023, provides support to people facing poverty who do not receive regular social assistance. The Administrative Court ruled the aid illegal, stating it constitutes social assistance and must comply with foreign law reporting requirements. The SVP party supports this ruling, arguing the model bypasses higher laws. The city council maintains the aid is necessary to close gaps in the social safety net and cites municipal autonomy as a reason for the appeal.

In Basel-Landschaft, the Landrat has rejected the BLKB initiative and approved a government counter-proposal. The initiative sought to regionalize the Baselbieter Kantonalbank (BLKB) with stricter controls and increased parliamentary influence. The Landrat approved the counter-proposal with 74 votes to 6. Several motions to increase control over the bank or abolish state guarantees were rejected. The final decision on the matter will be made by the voters of Basel-Landschaft.