Still no editorial contributions in official gazettes
There will continue to be no editorial content in official gazettes. This is the position of the preliminary review committee of the Bern Grand Council. In doing so, it is opposing the government, which had sought to lift the ban on such content.
The committee held expert discussions for the preliminary consultation on the partial revision of the municipal law regulating the gazette system, as reported by SDA on Thursday. The discussions revealed that publishers are critical of editorial articles in the gazettes, said Commission President Peter Bernasconi (SP/Worb) at the request of the news agency. They feared competition from the scoreboards for the press. The majority of the commission had taken these concerns into account with their "very clear decision", Bernasconi continued.
Financial security for the municipalities
The commission also spoke out against the government council's proposal on the second controversial point. The commission wants the canton to pay for publications in the official gazettes in future. Firstly, according to Bernasconi, this is about the argument of a level playing field. Municipalities already have to pay for publications in the canton's official gazette.
In addition, the municipalities are liable for the advertisements. In the best-case scenario, the municipalities make a profit. "But if an advertiser makes a loss, the municipality has to answer for it," says Bernasconi. With the current decline in advertising, the municipalities would like to protect themselves financially.
The partial revision of the Municipalities Act also provides for municipal financial supervision to be concentrated at a new cantonal office - the Office for Municipalities and Spatial Planning. The committee agrees to this and other changes without any adjustments. The bill will be presented to the Grand Council in the January session.
Financial security for the municipalities
The commission also spoke out against the government council's proposal on the second controversial point. The commission wants the canton to pay for publications in the official gazettes in future. Firstly, according to Bernasconi, this is about the argument of a level playing field. Municipalities already have to pay for publications in the canton's official gazette.
In addition, the municipalities are liable for the advertisements. In the best-case scenario, the municipalities make a profit. "But if an advertiser makes a loss, the municipality has to answer for it," says Bernasconi. With the current decline in advertising, the municipalities would like to protect themselves financially.
The partial revision of the Municipalities Act also provides for municipal financial supervision to be concentrated at a new cantonal office - the Office for Municipalities and Spatial Planning. The committee agrees to this and other changes without any adjustments. The bill will be presented to the Grand Council in the January session.
