A new proposal brought before the National Council could shift part of Switzerland’s prison costs from taxpayers to the inmates themselves — at least for those who can afford it.
Daniel Sormanni, a deputy from the right-wing Mouvement Citoyens Genevois (MCG), submitted a motion on Thursday suggesting that prisoners with significant financial means should bear the costs of their own incarceration, including medical expenses.
The move, he said, would relieve the burden on public finances and promote personal accountability.
“A prisoner costs the state an average of between 300 and 400 francs (€315 and €418) per day, or more than 10,000 francs per month at the expense of taxpayers,” Sormanni stated, as cited by Swiss daily 20 Minuten.
“It is not justifiable that people with a large fortune or income should be fully supported by the state, while honest citizens must provide for themselves,” he added.
While the proposal does not specify precise financial thresholds in the legal text, Sormanni envisions the measure applying to individuals earning more than 150,000 francs (€157,000) annually. The idea is that inmates who meet this income level should be required to contribute toward or fully cover the costs associated with their detention.
The motion reportedly outlines two payment mechanisms: a mandatory deduction during incarceration or a staggered repayment plan upon release for those lacking immediate liquidity. It also proposes that prisoners should fund their own health insurance, treatments, and medications while inside.
Sormanni emphasized that the current proposal is not yet a legal change but a request for the Federal Council to conduct a study.
“I have chosen to submit a postulate because it means that the Federal Council will carry out a study and provide data on the issue,” he explained. “It’s interesting to have indications, which will allow us to propose a legal basis later.”
The Federal Council’s response is expected during the next parliamentary session in June.
