Bern is the Christmas Grinch

Thursday, 13 November 2025 06:30

A sign of austerity in Bern: the Federal Department of Finance has cancelled its traditional Christmas party.

President Karin Keller-Sutter decided to scrap the event at the Bernerhof, which is the department’s historic headquarters.

It’s to set an example as Parliament prepares to debate a CHF 2.4bn savings plan.

Instead, smaller gatherings will be held within individual units.

The cut comes as federal employees face further belt-tightening, with planned reductions in pay rises, bonuses, and pension benefits.

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