staatskantine #79 - Swiss Fiscal Discipline: Strength or Self-Sabotage?

Governments facing fiscal pressure often respond with austerity measures, such as across-the-board cuts or strict fiscal rules like a debt brake (“Schuldenbremse”). However, blanket cuts often ignore priorities and can weaken essential public services. In some cases, short-term savings may even lead to higher long-term costs.

In this lunchtime event, Marc Robinson, an international expert in public financial management, will discuss alternatives to broad austerity measures and explore how governments can manage public spending more strategically. The discussion will focus on international experiences with prioritisation and targeted expenditure management, as well as on why better spending decisions often matter more than simply spending less.

staatskantine #79 will take place on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, from 12:00 to 13:45 at Bundesgasse 16 in Bern. The official part of the event will end at 13:15, after which participants are invited to stay for coffee and networking until 13:45. The event will be held in English.

This staatskantine is open to employees of the public administration. Participation is free of charge. It is a “brown bag lunch” -event, so feel free to bring your own sandwich or salad.