Swiss cantonal parliament may seek financial damages over 'fiscal shield' scandal

Switzerland's Vaud cantonal parliament is considering an unprecedented move to seek financial reparations from former state council members in connection with a "fiscal shield" scandal. Lawmakers voted to establish a commission that will investigate whether a civil lawsuit should be initiated to recover funds potentially lost due to the scandal.

The proposal, brought forth by Green Party deputy Ariane Morin, passed with 74 votes in favor and 39 against. Morin argued that inaction would be a dereliction of their oath to protect the state's interests and would be incomprehensible to the public, who never benefited from such tax rebates. The commission will examine the applicability of a 1961 law concerning the responsibility of the state, municipalities, and their agents.

This law stipulates that any individual who causes damage to the state is liable for reparations, regardless of whether their actions were intentional, negligent, or grossly imprudent. The Vaud cantonal parliament's decision marks the first time this specific article of the law has been considered for activation since its inception. The outcome of the commission's examination will determine if legal action will be pursued against past or present members of the State Council.

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To do nothing would be to renounce our oath to watch over the interests of the State, would be shocking in the current budgetary context and would be incomprehensible to the population, who have never benefited from tax rebates.