The deputies agree to lend 17million to the Salon. Pierre Maudet’s project was revised following a rebellion within his group.
Updated 2 hours ago—
The Fair has long been the flagship event at Palexpo. The 2020 edition has been canceled. That of 2021 is pending.
DIETER SEEGER
Asked by the State Councilor Pierre Maudet, a loan of 16.8 million, repayable by 2037, was voted by the deputies Friday by 55 votes against 38 and two abstentions. The sum gave rise to a classic left-right confrontation. PLR rapporteur for the dossier, deputy Jacques Béné immediately points to the enemy: “The Greens, always anti-cars, the PS always anti-business, Together on the Left, always anti-everything!” On the other side are the other parties, PDC, UDC, MCG, “who want to give the Salon a chance”. It would not be so expensive, says Jacques Béné: during the crisis, the parliament paid 223 million in aid and 95 million in guarantees to a whole series of beneficiaries. It can therefore do the same for an event involving 200million francs in spinoffs, jobs, and which would also be an envied showcase for Geneva.
