Old enemies around the same table, signing an agreement described as historic. Among the dizzying consequences of the coronavirus, Geneva has one more. On Monday, the tenants’ real estate and defense circles reached an unprecedented agreement under the leadership of State Councilor Pierre Maudet, in the role of the reconciler of circumstances. Objective: to exempt the micro-companies and the self-employed who are most in difficulty from paying their April commercial rent.
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This emergency aid concerns leases up to 3,500 monthly francs, charges not included. The public authorities undertake to pay up to half the rental amount to the lessor. For their part, the real estate players will encourage the owners to give up the other half. “It is a symmetry of sacrifice,” explains Pierre Maudet. If we want to give ourselves a chance to revive the economy, loans are not enough. We need to help those who help keep the township economy running by relieving their fixed costs. ”
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Owner’s voluntary membership
The independents are for the most part largely overlooked by the Confederation’s aid measures. Without loss of earnings allowances, sometimes with a pending bridge loan request, some are literally suffocated. “We have received many calls from members who are very anxious, sometimes in tears,” said Alberto Velasco, president of Asloca Geneva. It’s about saving the work tool of small traders, and therefore jobs. “
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To benefit from the measure, interested parties need only fill out a form on the State website. “The management will not make a final decision on the exemption, it is up to the owner by voluntary membership,” said Philippe Angelozzi, secretary general of the Swiss Union of Real Estate Professionals (USPI Geneva). The Geneva Real Estate Board (CGI) relies on the solidarity of donors. Some could also be convinced by the following calculation: it is better to receive half of its due than to run into a default by the tenant.
Call to good citizenship
According to preliminary information, this measure could affect around 3,500 commercial leases. If this figure is confirmed, it would then cost the state 6 million francs for the month of April, and an equivalent shortfall for the owners, whom it is not yet known whether they will be cooperative. “It is therefore necessary that those who can pay their rent do so,” warns Pierre Maudet, calling for good citizenship, in support of an agreement which is a first at the national level.
“I do not remember ever having made an agreement with the real estate circles”, concludes Alberto Velasco. Everything happens. Even the strong tribute by Pascal Pétroz, president of the CGI, to Asloca, hailing “a way to overcome the bickering of the moment”. An operation which could be renewed if the Council of State enters into matter and if the feelings of old enemies remain in harmony.
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