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With the Federal Council office, Beat Jans also faces some political problems. An overview of the issues of concern.
Beat Jans’ work as Federal Councilor officially begins in January 2024. He will take over the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJPD), as the Federal Chancellery announced. It’s time to start preparing now – there’s no shortage of issues to worry about. Which areas can the new Federal Council move?
migration
The “soft skills” of the new Federal Council are more likely to come into play when it comes to migration. “Here Beat Jans can support the Federal Council for better team dynamics,” says political scientist Michael Hermann. As the new Minister of Justice, Jans could also have a direct influence on migration. Jans primarily had contact with international workers in the border triangle. But when it comes to migration, the pressure comes primarily from the population.
Pension reform
Retirement provision is another problem child: in March, voters will vote on a 13th AHV pension and the “pension reform”, the latter of which calls for a retirement age of 66 and a link to life expectancy. The Federal Council recommends rejection of both initiatives. However, he is committed to reforming the occupational pension scheme (BVG).
“The challenge for Jans and his six colleagues is to defend the BVG reform and fend off new demands,” says Hermann. As a new, credible actor, Jans could stand up for the Federal Council’s view alongside the new Interior Minister, SP Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider. However, there is little room for maneuver for the Federal Council: “The blockage of reforms in pension provision has not only to do with the Federal Council or Parliament, but also with the population: it is difficult to find majorities here.”
High healthcare costs
There is also a lack of solutions that appeal to the majority when it comes to healthcare costs. “The hurdles here come not only from the population, but also from stakeholders,” says Hermann – from health insurance companies to nurses and patient organizations.
In this area, the political scientist expects more opportunities for Jans and the new Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider: predecessor Alain Berset had worked on the issues for a long time and the fronts had hardened. «A fresh look, a fresh person can dare a new beginning. That could create a different dynamic.” But once again one should not overestimate the Federal Council’s leverage: “Switzerland has little ability to reform because of its direct democracy, strong lobbying and weak government.”
Relations with the EU
This is where Hermann sees the biggest difference in Jans’ position compared to his predecessor Alain Berset. Jans from Basel brings an urban attitude to the Federal Council. As the former government president of the canton of Basel-Stadt, he brings “the perspective of Switzerland’s growth engines, which have so far been poorly represented in the Federal Council”.
But there are hurdles here too: the middle-class majority remains in the Federal Council. The Federal Council is on the brakes, especially when it comes to the European question, says Hermann. If there are further changes in the Federal Council in the future, Jans can contribute to a shift in the medium term.
Rising housing costs
Rental prices are rising in all cantons. It is particularly serious in the big cities. As district president of Basel-Stadt, Jans has dealt with the topic in detail. In this way, he will also be a voice for the housing crisis in the Federal Council. But: “Concerns about affordable housing are primarily resolved at the lower federal levels.” Compared to his position in the cantonal government, Jans’ leverage in the Federal Council is much smaller.
A new character
Despite all the issues of concern, one thing in particular plays a major role: Beat Jans brings about a change in personality. Alain Berset was a dominant player in the seven-man group. “Beat Jans seems more collegial, more team-oriented,” says Hermann. Be it in the health sector or in EU politics: in order to overcome the gaps between interest groups, you have to bring people to the table and forge compromises.