Geneva has had a pleasant surprise after the cantonal accounts showed a surplus of CHF 49m.
Even more surprising as it had been predicted the canton would be CHF 847m in the red due to Covid expenditure.
The numbers covering last year mean CHF 900m more was collected in tax than expected.
The main drivers of the increased revenue are international trading, finance and watchmaking.
Also, property transactions were unexpectedly high.
The unexpected windfall is now triggering a debate on what to do with the extra cash.
Left-wing parties say austerity policies should be ended and social payments need to be increased – but the right-wing parties are calling for tax cuts, arguing the recent breaks given to companies show it creates prosperity.
The centrist parties say tax should be cut for individuals.
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