The Swiss federal government should be able to support the planned 2038 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games with up to CHF 200 million.
The National Council has approved the funding while rejecting a proposal for a nationwide referendum. The motion was approved with 137 votes in favor, 40 against and 14 abstentions.
The general consensus in the National Council was that hosting the Winter Games in Switzerland would represent a unique opportunity. The matter will now go before the Council of States, reports SRF.
The Winter Games are planned to take place in 12 years across different venues in 10 cantons. The federal government will provide funding only if the cantons and municipalities contribute at least an equal amount toward the organizational costs.
No Olympic Village is planned. According to Dominik Blunschy (Centre/SZ), speaking on behalf of the committee responsible for science, education and culture, athletes should be accommodated in the host cities. The construction of new permanent facilities should be avoided as much as possible.
Of the federal contribution, CHF 60 million is earmarked for the Paralympic Games, while CHF 50 million will be used to subsidize public transportation for visitors. Another CHF 80 million is intended for other expenses incurred by the organizing body, while CHF 10 million is allocated for unforeseen costs.
No Federal Deficit Guarantee
The CHF 200 million contribution does not include the costs of security measures. These will be covered by the federal government as part of its regular responsibilities, according to Telegrafi.
According to Blunschy, security costs are expected to amount to between CHF 40 million and CHF 80 million.
The federal government will not provide a deficit guarantee. The association responsible for organizing the Winter Games is planning a privately funded CHF 200 million deficit guarantee and estimates total costs at CHF 2.2 billion.
Funding is expected to come from public funds, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as well as sponsorships and retail revenues.
National Council Rejects Referendum
One of the key points of debate was whether the decision to support the Winter Games should be subject to a federal referendum.
The Federal Council considers the decision not subject to a referendum. The majority of the responsible committee and the Finance Committee agreed with this position.
The majority of the National Council’s Economic Affairs and Taxation Committee argued that the parliaments and, if necessary, citizens in the affected cantons could express their views, thereby ensuring the right to participate.
Opponents, including Sports Minister Martin Pfister, warned that Switzerland could jeopardize its chances of hosting the Games if a referendum were held.
The bid dossier must be submitted to the International Olympic Committee by February 2027, with a decision expected by the end of April, said Estelle Revaz (SP/GE), speaking on behalf of the committee majority.
Other countries have also expressed interest in hosting the 2038 Winter Olympic Games. Switzerland is currently in a favorable position and, with a convincing bid, has exclusive status in the process with the International Olympic Committee.
A minority called for the decision to be subject to an optional referendum, but the proposal was rejected by 78 votes to 106.
“A national bid requires a national vote,” said Roman Hug (SVP/GR). According to him, it was unacceptable for the public to be bypassed because of the International Olympic Committee’s timetable.
His motion received support from the Greens and some members of the SVP and SP parliamentary groups.
