A “bananagate” in Switzerland: these deputies who get everything reimbursed
In Bern, the federal capital of Switzerland, elected officials have gotten into the habit of being reimbursed for the smallest expense. Like pretzels and bananas. With more than 24,000 euros of salary per month, obviously, it's a talk of the town.
Rue de Berne, Switzerland. © Getty Images/Westend61 - Westend6
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With our correspondent in Geneva,
Jérémie Lanche
The affair is reminiscent of “Minister Toblerone”. This former Swedish minister who had to resign in 1995 for having taken largesse with her mandate fees. Especially to buy chocolate bars. In Switzerland, where Toblerone comes from, there is talk these days of “bananagate”.
A roll for 95 cents, a banana for 20 cents... The expense reports of the minister in charge of security in the canton of Bern have sparked a lot of mockery in recent days throughout Switzerland. The head of the canton's staff association, interviewed by RTS, believes that this is not worthy of an elected representative of the confederation: "
With a gross annual income of 280,000 francs for a member of the government, I find that's very petty. A simple cantonal employee cannot charge for such things.
»
Except that there is nothing illegal about this - any more than the numerous bottles of wine ordered by another elected official for receptions. The local authorities have nevertheless decided to set a minimum amount from now on to be reimbursed. The easiest way to avoid being hassled in Switzerland is to be elected to the federal government. Since January 1, the seven government ministers have been entitled to an annual subscription for the ski slopes, fully covered by the taxpayer. Amount: more than 4,000 euros per elected official. That's about 20,000 bananas.
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