VAUD THE CANTON OF VAUD | 2020 Vaud has the 3rd largest population among Swiss cantons and is ideally positioned at the intersection of Europe’s major communications routes. It offers all of Switzerland’s principal advantages : strong academic institutions, a rich and diversified economy, political stability and a much-envied quality of life. 04 18 STRENGTHS TODAY Tourism, healthcare, mobility, sport, education, culture… Growing population, boom in public transport, key areas that contribute to the canton’s influence climate plan : current public policy. and prosperity. 09 21 AUTHORITIES INNOVATION The three branches of government : Legislative (Grand Council), Internationally-recognised universities, start-up Executive (State Council) and the Judiciary companies and a stimulating R&D environment make (Authorities and Offices of the Cantonal Court). the canton a leading centre of innovation. 12 25 PRIORITIES FINANCES At mid-term, intensified efforts to ensure a lasting, 2020 impacted by the pandemic. shared prosperity. 16 26 HISTORY NUMBERS The canton was shaped by geological forces and has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It achieved independence in 1798. STRENGTHS TOURISM HEALTHCARE The Canton de Vaud is an ideal place for Lausanne’s University Hospital (CHUV) has a vacation. It is easy to reach and off ers a European status and develops research full range of accommodation, from fi ve- partnerships with biomedical companies star luxury hotels to charming bed & which stimulate the economy. breakfasts. In Vaud you can sample all 4 5 the beauty of Switzerland : explore the The canton also benefi ts from a dense high Alps, the great spaces of the Jura and network of medical-social establishments the authentic charm of the countryside, (EMS) and regional hospitals. These are stroll along its lake shores and through complemented by an excellent home- the winding streets of its towns steeped care system and numerous private clinics. in history. VD.CH/SOINS The Canton’s particular attraction is its art CHUV.CH of living : local and international festivals, open-air sports, typical regional cuisine and top-level gastronomy, outstanding wines and old traditions are just some of the elements that delight visitors to this land of discoveries. REGION-DU-LEMAN.CH SPORT MOBILITY EDUCATION CULTURE Lausanne has been the home of the Inter- To support economic growth while pre- Vaud is one of Switzerland’s most im- With its numerous cultural sites, build- national Olympic Committee (IOC) since serving the quality of life, all the regions portant educational areas. In addition to ings, activities and festivals, the canton 1915, and was officially named the Olym- in the canton need to be linked to an its famous university dating back to 1537, draws a large audience from far beyond its pic capital in 1994. Also located in the efficient, comprehensive transport net- it has one of the two federal universities borders. All forms of cultural expression canton are the Olympic Museum, 36 work open to the surrounding areas. To of science and technology (EPFL), and by well established artists take place here. federations and 19 sports-related inter- achieve this and address the traffic sat- more than a dozen schools of advanced There is also a focus on young creative national organisations. uration on some routes, the canton en- studies (HES) in fields as varied as engi- talents who benefit from prestigious sures that the different ways of moving neering, health, education, design, the training, financial assistance and multiple VD.CH/SPORT-INTERNATIONAL around complement each other. arts, and hotel management. opportunities for presenting their work. OLYMPIC.ORG The focus is on road and railway projects UNIL.CH The canton offers more than 80 museums that will improve the entire travel system. EPFL.CH devoted to fine arts, science, history and The upgrading of public transport ties in many other subjects ranging from sport 6 VD.CH/ENSEIGNEMENT-SUPERIEUR 7 with the modernisation of the road net- and games to photography and food. VD.CH/APPRENTISSAGE work and the growth of non-motorised Adding another dimension to its rich cul- travel (“Soft mobility”). tural legacy are the spectacular vineyards of Lavaux, classified as a UNESCO World VD.CH/MOBILITE Heritage Site. VD.CH/CULTURE MUSEES.VD.CH VD.CH/VAUD-2020 AUTHORITIES THE LEGISLATURE GROUPS IN THE GRAND COUNCIL Legislative power is exercised by the LIBERAL-RADICAL (PLR) Grand Council, a parliament composed ∙ 49 members of 150 members elected by proportional representation. Their constituencies cor- SOCIALIST (SOC) respond to the districts, ensuring that all 36 members 8 ∙ 9 the regions of the canton are represented. CENTRAL DEMOCRATIC UNION (UDC) 25 members From 1946, political power in the canton ∙ was shared by a centre-right majority GREENS (VER) and a left -wing minority associated with 22 members the government. However, the 2012 elec- ∙ tions changed the political landscape : GREEN-LIBERAL (V’L) the centre-right retained its majority in ∙ 9 members the Grand Council but is now a minority in the State Council. The Grand Council PDC – FREE VAUD sits every Tuesday except during school ∙ 4 members holidays. Its sessions are open to the pub- TOGETHER LEFT lic and can be followed on the Internet. ∙ 5 members VD.CH/GC THE STATE COUNCILLORS THE EXECUTIVE THE JUDICIARY Executive authority is exercised by the The judicial authorities and offi ces atta- State Council, a government of seven ched to the cantonal court are : the can- members elected directly by the people. tonal tribunal, the urban courts, the Each State Councillor also heads a De- juvenile court, the bail court, the tribunal partment. Three parties are represented : of constraints and sentencing, justices of NURIA GORRITE BÉATRICE MÉTRAUX 10 socialist greens 11 Socialist (3) Liberal Radical (3) and Green the peace, the claims offi ces, the bank- ∙PRESIDENT OF THE STATE COUNCIL, ∙ MINISTER OF THE (1). Since the cantonal elections in 2012, ruptcy offi ces and the cantonal commer- MINISTER OF INFRASTRUCTURE ENVIRONMENT AND SECURITY the State Council has a majority of wo- cial registry. AND HUMAN RESOURCES men for the fi rst time in its history : fi ve women and two men. VD.CH/OJV VD.CH/JUSTICE CHRISTELLE LUISIER PASCAL BROULIS VD.CH/AUTORITES liberal-radical liberal-radical ∙ MINISTER OF INSTITUTIONS ∙ MINISTER OF FINANCE AND VD.CH/CE AND TERRITORY EXTERNAL RELATIONS REBECCA RUIZ PHILIPPE LEUBA socialist liberal-radical ∙ MINISTER OF HEALTH AND ∙ MINISTER OF THE ECONOMY, SOCIAL SERVICES INNOVATION AND SPORT CESLA AMARELLE In the photo, from left to right : socialist Rebecca Ruiz, Cesla Amarelle, Nuria Gorrite, ∙ Philippe Leuba, Pascal Broulis, Béatrice MINISTER OF EDUCATION Métraux, Vincent Grandjean (State Chancel- YOUTH AND CULTURE lor), Christelle Luisier. THE PRIORITIES AT MID-TERM, STEPPING UP EFFORTS TO ENSURE A LASTING, SHARED PROSPERITY In November 2017, the State Council published its legislative programme for 2017 – 2022 based on a single underlying idea : the need for lasting, widely shared prosperity. Halfway through the legislative term the principal observations and pro- jections made in 2017 remain valid : a positive but fragile growth rate; continuing risks of social exclusion and upheaval, and increasing damage to the environment. 12 Responding to the concerns expressed by the people, the government will become even more active in protecting against climate change; fostering innovation and a sustainable economy; promoting “living together” and ensuring that our institutions function correctly. A COHESIVE, DIGITAL SOCIETY The legislative programme is based on an in-depth analysis of the economic, social and environmental challenges the Canton faces in achieving sustainable development. Transforming the economy and adopting digitalisation have real potential for creating new jobs but they also risk excluding part of the population from the labour market. Although the authorities need to maintain a favourable business climate and stimu- late innovation, they must recognise that entry into the work force is one of the basic elements of social cohesion. They also have to face up to the resurgence of radical and extremist opinions that could harm our country. GENERATIONAL QUESTIONS AT ALL LEVELS INVESTING ALMOST 4 BILLION FRANCS BY 2024 Promoting social cohesion also means helping different generations to live in har- Cantonal spending is not only concerned with the current legislative session; each mony. Integrating the new generation is just as important as providing medical and year the Canton sets its targets for tomorrow’s spending on infrastructure and equip- social services for the elderly. Changing demographics and the growing percentage of ment. In 2020 the budget forecasts gross investment by the Canton and its partners seniors in the population will increase the need for public services and infrastructure. of some 477 million francs. When new loans and guarantees are included, the total Like the important questions surrounding energy, the environment and climate, they investment should reach 773 million francs this year. For the 2020 – 2024 period 3.9 will have a significant impact on public policy. billion francs is planned to be invested directly or indirectly in the economy, which represents an average of 777 million francs per year. AN EVOLUTION IN THE ENTIRE PUBLIC SECTOR Maintaining this level of investment will depend on the financial health of the Canton and its ability to absorb the costs involved in