Solothurn Faces Taxpayer Revolt Over 194-Year-Old Payments to Catholic Diocese
Solothurn, Switzerland – In a move that’s sending ripples through Swiss politics, the Solothurn cantonal parliament has overwhelmingly voted to review a remarkable financial arrangement dating back to 1828. The arrangement requires Solothurn taxpayers to contribute roughly 540,000 Swiss francs annually towards the salaries of officials within the Catholic Diocese of Basel. This breaking news story highlights a growing debate about the separation of church and state, and the enduring legacy of historical agreements.
A Legacy of Concordat: The Roots of the Payment
The origins of this unusual funding lie in a concordat – a formal agreement – established in 1828 between the canton of Solothurn and the Diocese of Basel. This agreement stipulated that Solothurn would contribute to the financial support of the bishop, auxiliary bishop, cathedral dean, and canons of Solothurn. While the diocese spans ten cantons – including Aargau, Bern, Basel-Stadt, and Thurgau – Solothurn remains uniquely obligated to provide direct financial support from general tax revenue, not church taxes.
Bishop Felix Gmür, who has led the Diocese of Basel since 2011, currently benefits from this arrangement, alongside other diocesan leaders. The diocese itself serves approximately one million believers across 476 parishes.
Taxpayer Concerns and Political Pushback
The current scrutiny was triggered by a cross-party initiative within the Solothurn parliament. Cantonal councilor Nadine Vogeli (SP) voiced strong concerns, stating, “The money doesn’t flow into church projects or pastoral care. A large part goes towards the salaries of the canons. That seems out of date.” Marlene Fischer (Greens) echoed this sentiment, drawing a pointed comparison to other budgetary debates: “We have been arguing here in Parliament for a long time over 30,000 francs for fawn rescue… But wages for the bishops and canons, half a million francs a year, that’s still there?”
The debate isn’t simply about the money; it’s about principles. Many parliamentarians believe that in the 21st century, it’s inappropriate for general taxpayers – including those with no religious affiliation – to fund religious institutions. As of 2021, just over 33% of Solothurn’s population identified as Catholic, with 21% identifying as Reformed, leaving a significant portion belonging to other faiths or none at all.
Government Response and Proposed Solutions
The government council initially resisted calls for outright termination, citing the concordat’s status as an international treaty. Unilaterally dissolving or suspending the agreement would require the consent of all partner cantons and the Holy See. However, they did propose a potential solution: transferring the financial obligations to the Catholic synod, effectively shifting the burden to church taxes.
This compromise was deemed acceptable by a parliamentary commission, which recommended that the government review the payment obligations and propose changes. The resulting order passed with an overwhelming 93-3 vote, demonstrating broad support for re-evaluating the arrangement. Parties across the political spectrum emphasized that the review wasn’t intended as criticism of the church’s valuable social contributions.
The Broader Context: Concordats in a Modern World
The Solothurn case highlights a broader question about the role of concordats in modern European societies. These agreements, often forged in the wake of historical conflicts and political shifts, continue to shape the relationship between church and state. While some concordats have been modernized or abolished, others remain in effect, creating ongoing financial and legal complexities.
Understanding concordats requires recognizing their historical context. They were frequently designed to ensure religious freedom and stability, but their continued relevance in increasingly secular societies is being actively debated. The Solothurn parliament’s decision reflects a growing trend towards greater transparency and accountability in public finances, and a desire to ensure that taxpayer money is allocated in a manner that reflects contemporary values.
As the Solothurn government begins its review, the outcome will undoubtedly be closely watched by other cantons and religious organizations across Switzerland, and potentially beyond. The debate over this 194-year-old agreement serves as a potent reminder that even deeply rooted traditions are subject to scrutiny in a changing world.
Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates on this developing story and in-depth analysis of the evolving relationship between church and state in Switzerland.
