Several thousand people marched through Lausanne on Thursday evening to protest against cuts to public services, reported RTS. The demonstration came a month before Vaud’s cantonal parliament begins debating the 2027 budget.
The protesters crossed the city centre to the Place du Château, the seat of the cantonal government. Police and Keystone-ATS, a news agency, estimated the crowd at between 6,000 and 8,000. Organisers claimed more than 15,000. Protesters chanted “Tax the rich” and demanded more money for public services.
The three public-sector unions want the government to withdraw its planned savings and instead draw more heavily on reserves. The cuts would affect every department.
Yet voters have demanded tax relief. In September 2026, 53% backed a 12% reduction in cantonal income and wealth taxes, leaving the government with an estimated CHF 272m annual revenue shortfall. Even after the tax cut Vaud has one of Switzerland’s highest tax burdens.
The government’s response combines CHF 100m in spending savings—half from government operations, half from subsidies—with CHF 63m in additional revenue expected from the Swiss National Bank and CHF 109 drawn from financial reserves. Public-sector salaries are protected: a 1.5% inflation adjustment is due in January 2027, alongside annual increments for eligible staff.
The unions argue that the government should use reserves to preserve services. But without significant additional revenue, using reserves to fill the gap is unsustainable long term.
The government finds itself caught between the spending demands of 15,000 protesters and those of 122,000 taxpayers who voted for tax relief.
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RTS article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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