Basel-Country approves 0.66% salary hike to counter inflation pressures

A divisive vote grants public workers a raise—but will it keep pace with rising costs? Critics warn of long-term budget strains ahead.

, and Administrator

2025 December 11 . 3:30 AM

1 min read

In this image we can see a building, there are pillars, there is a curtain, also we can see the... — In this image we can see a building, there are pillars, there is a curtain, also we can see the text on the image, and the background is blurred.

Basel-Country approves 0.66% salary hike to counter inflation pressures

The Basel-Country Cantonal Council has approved a 0.66% salary increase for cantonal employees, closing a 0.66% inflation gap. The decision, made on 10 December 2025, follows weeks of debate over inflation adjustments and budgetary impacts. The pay rise will add CHF 4.8 million to the 2026 budget. The council voted 47 in favour, 28 against, with 8 abstentions. The adjustment builds on a 0.3% increase approved just two weeks earlier. Supporters included the SP, Centre, Green-Liberal (GLP), and Green-EVP parties, while the FDP and SVP opposed the measure. The approved 0.66% increase will take effect in 2026, raising annual expenses by CHF 4.8 million. The adjustment follows a pattern of gradual inflation compensation for cantonal staff. Further budget discussions may address long-term funding for these recurring costs.