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With this step, the Federal Council wants to cushion the new measures against the spread of the coronavirus. Since the companies would have to close due to the measures, it is necessary, according to a Federal Council statement on Friday, to expand the poverty program by another 1.5 billion francs.
Of this amount, 750 million francs will be paid jointly by the federal government and the cantons, with the cantons contributing 33 percent. If necessary, the Confederation should be able to inject 750 million francs as additional contributions to cantonal measures in cases of poverty without the cantons contributing financially. This is intended to provide the Federal Council with the opportunity to provide specific support to cantons that are particularly affected by measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
Also for cultural workers
In addition, the Federal Council decided to direct not only cultural companies but also those working in the arts to request compensation for losses.
The Federal Council would also like to be able to regulate the requirements for the extraction of funds due to economic difficulties. This could relax the conditions for companies that may have to close for several months.
Help for difficulties is regulated in the Covid Law. Parliament is currently debating it. The Federal Council asks parliament to approve the changes this winter session.
Access barriers must be lowered
“We have discovered that the aid money with the new measures against the spread of the coronavirus is insufficient,” said Finance Minister Ueli Maurer. Hardship aid is regulated by Covid 19 law, Maurer said. The Federal Council asks parliament to modify the Covid 19 law in three points.
“We have made 100 million francs available to cultural companies; this money should now also be used by those involved in the arts,” Maurer said.
Second, the amount for hardship cases will be increased by 1.5 billion. The first 750 million will be included in the concept of difficult cases. The cantons take over a third. The second 750 million is a reserve of the Federal Council. In addition, obstacles to obtaining funds will be reduced.
