Hannah’s Quicktakes
Why Tax Refunds Are a Prudent Response to Unplanned Surpluses
Hannah Wise · The Swiss cantons achieved unplanned surpluses in the past years – some of them quite big. Even with a 10 percent reduction in income tax or a 5.6 percent reduction in all direct taxes, the cantons would have had – on average – balanced books. Where no tax cuts are implemented despite a comfortable financial situation, a tax refund could increase the intergenerational fairness of the tax system.
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Essential of the Month
Public Services in Need of Reform
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The Swiss public services are defined as the basic provision of transport, telecoms and postal services. But they no longer meet the needs of a society in the digital age. What should continue to be provided by the State and what not? Our new Essential outlines a public service of the future. |
Samuel Rutz
Public Services in Need of Reform
Video with Author Samuel Rutz |
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New Publication
The Bachelor’s Degree, an Underestimated Diploma
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The aim of the Bologna Process was to grant all university graduates entry to the labor market. Instead, most students start a master’s program right after their bachelor’s degree. A more attractive bachelor’s program would benefit students, the community and the economy. |
Florence Mauli & Patrick Schnell
The Bachelor’s Degree, an Underestimated Diploma |
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Upcoming Publication
Industrial Policy
Many countries are increasingly intervening in the domestic economic structure by favoring companies, sectors or economic activities – mostly through subsidies. In 2023 alone, these amounted to at least 1.7 trillion US dollars worldwide. Coming in March, a new Avenir Suisse publication by Lukas Schmid and Laurenz Grabher offers a comprehensive analysis of industrial policy. |
Other Highlights
“The Agricultural Policy is Missing its Targets”
The farmers’ protests both at home and abroad show that the current agricultural policy is under pressure. In this interview, Patrick Dümmler takes a critical look at the Swiss agricultural sector and makes suggestions for improvement.
“The Agricultural Policy is Missing its Targets” |
The Figure
A first: In 2024, around 10% (6 TWh) of Switzerland’s total annual electricity consumption is expected to be produced by photovoltaic (PV) systems. For around two years, the rising price of electricity has been a major driver, hence improving the profitability of PV investments. According to Swissolar, the aimed annual expansion of over 2000 MW as of 2027 (around 1.5 TWh) should be reached. |
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