The Swiss government's budget deficit is now expected to be much lower than previously predicted.

The Federal Council now estimates a financing deficit of CHF900 million, down from the initial forecast of CHF2.6 billion. This adjustment is due to lower-than-expected ordinary expenditures, which are anticipated to be CHF1 billion less than budgeted, mainly because of unused budget appropriations.

Furthermore, the payment of an extraordinary capital contribution to Swiss Federal Railways has been postponed to 2025, with the amount reduced from CHF1.15 billion to CHF850 million following extended parliamentary discussions. The government now anticipates a financing surplus of CHF200 million in the ordinary budget, a significant change from the CHF400 million deficit projected in June. However, the financing deficit forecast for the extraordinary budget remains unchanged at CHF1.1 billion.