Geneva Faces Significant deficit in 2026 Draft Budget
Geneva, Switzerland – September 18, 2025 – The state of Geneva is projecting a substantial deficit of 409.4 million francs in its 2026 draft budget,unveiled today by the Council of State. The shortfall signals growing financial pressure on the canton and necessitates immediate cost-cutting measures.
The widening gap between rising expenditures-up 349.2 million francs-and revenue growth-increasing by 195.6 million francs-is driving the deficit, according too the government. This trend has been developing over several years but is now considerably worsening. The budget proposes freezing annuity increases for civil servants and seeking financial contributions from municipalities toward intercantonal equalization costs, measures expected to reduce the increase in charges by a combined 177.7 million francs (60.2 million from annuity freezes and 108.6 million from municipal contributions).
“This deficit is explained by a growth in total charges much faster than that of income,” a statement from the Council of State confirmed.
To address the ongoing financial strain, the Council of State intends to introduce further measures and has pledged to present a extensive savings plan next spring. The proposed budget and subsequent actions will impact public services and municipal finances across Geneva, requiring careful consideration and potential adjustments in the coming months.
