Canton Geneva is proposing an emergency fund of CHF 10m to help protect international Geneva from the cuts announced by the US government.
The finance minister, Natalie Fontanet, says the money will be for NGOs and help protect 3,500 jobs. It will be a short term relief while longer term solutions are put in place which should involve the Confederation, other countries and private institutions.
Fontenet says its inconceivable Geneva does nothing while the sector is threatened.
She points out, workers pay social security and spend their money in Geneva.
The measure still has to be voted on by the Grand Council – it’s far from a done deal. Some deputies say the canton is acting in haste.
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