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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 ’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.

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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.

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PRIORITIES FINANCES

At mid-term, intensified efforts to ensure a lasting, 2020 impacted by the pandemic. shared prosperity.

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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 ’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 , the great spaces of the 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 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 , 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 major public works, as well as the effect To face these challenges, the State Council has prioritised 30 measures across the whole of the COVID−19 emergency. spectrum of its activities. These include : supporting innovation; increasing help to participate in the job market; developing digital teaching; strengthening professional Cantonal debt, which fell in 2004 – 2013, began to rise again in 2014 and reached

14 training; encouraging efforts to find a work-life balance; adapting the healthcare sys- 1.23 billion francs in the 2020 budget. Taking account of the forecast improvements 15 tem; drawing up a cantonal climate plan and an integrated policy for managing natural in efficiency and the financial requirements of planned investments, this upward resources; optimising mobility; energising the agricultural sector; continuing with trend is likely to continue in the next few years. Interest charges have risen from 27 major building and infrastructure projects; reducing overcrowding in prisons, and million to 62 million francs in the period 2021 – 2024, an increase of approximately resisting radicalisation. 12 million francs per year.

CONTROL OF RISING COSTS 2021 – 2024

Millions of Swiss francs

The legislative programme, and the State budget, are subject to an annually reviewed 10 000 1000 Debt 9000 8649 900 financial plan that sets forecast expenditure for the following four years. The plan 8000 800 Interest 6968 is based on assumptions about changes in income and spending due to economic 7000 700 6000 5879 trends, while demonstrating the State Council’s intention to control rising costs. For 600 5000 500 4055 the period 2021 – 2024, revenues were expected to rise by 0.7 – 1.7 % per year while an- 4000 400 2960 2600 3000 2450 2400 300 nual spending was planned to rise by some 1.9 %. This took into account the increased 2000 2000 1910 1625 200 1430 1225 resources devoted to education, health and social care etc., including commitments 1000 785 775 825 875 975 475 575 705 100 already made. Total costs were forecast to exceed revenue by 130 – 290 million francs 0 0 Interest 246 216 189 155 107 91 71 43 28 20 2 – 18 – 17 – 8 – 12 0 15 27 39 51 62 per year. However, due to the pandemic these elements will be reviewed at year-end. 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

E B PF PF FROM THE FIRST MILLENNIUM THE CANTON IS CREATED HISTORY TO THE MIDDLE AGES 4TH ̵ 10TH CENTURIES REVOLUTION In the 5th century BC, the region was Major Davel attempted to liberate the re- inhabited by who lived in gion from the Bernese. On March 31 1723, peace with the Helvetians. Then came he entered Lausanne with 500 – 600 sol- 500 years of domination by the Kings diers and demanded its independence. A LAND AND ITS ORIGINS PRINCIPAL EVENTS BEFORE of the Francs, including 150 years in the He was arrested the next day, condemned OUR ERA Kingdom of where it had a to death, and beheaded at Vidy on April good deal of autonomy. 24. January 24 1798, the independence of ̵45 ̵35 MILLION YEARS AGO 18,000 BC Vaud was proclaimed in Lausanne. The The enclosing of a sea followed by the The Canton was almost entirely covered 10TH ̵ 16TH CENTURIES Bernese withdrew for fear of ’s collision of two continental plates led to by glaciers. They added the final touch to At the start of the second Millennium, army that had placed Vaud under its pro- the formation of the Alps. In Vaud, they the landscape creating the lakes, shaping the comitatus waldensis (county of Vaud) tection. The “Canton du Léman” was then reach a peak of 3,209 metres at Les Dia- the mountains and leaving behind im- was ceded to the diocese of Lausanne. integrated into the short-lived Helvetic 16 17 blerets. portant accumulations of rocks known as During the 13th century, the Patria vuaudi Republic. “moraine”. became a small state with as its ̵10 ̵5 MILLION YEARS AGO capital. It was ruled by the Counts of SOVEREIGNTY The Jura was the last Alpine mass to be 13,500 BC , notably Pierre II de Savoie, “the On February 19 1803, Napoleon’s Act of formed. A late geological surge pushed After the glaciers retreated, the region little Charlemagne”, and the Archbishop Mediation created a Canton of Vaud up the limestone rocks that are its main was occupied by Paleolithic hunters. of Lausanne was excluded. within the Helvetic Confederation, on component. The Vaud section is one of Around 5500 BC, they settled on the an equal footing with other cantons, and the highest, most folded parts of the Ju- shores of the lakes. By around 2000 BC 1536 gave it a republican constitution. The rassic range. they had mastered some metallurgy and The Vaudois were on the losing side in first session of the Grand Council was begun to clear certain areas of land. the Burgundian wars (1475–1476) and in held in Lausanne on April 14, which 1536 were conquered by the Bernese, who makes this the second most important 58 BC governed for them 262 years. Following a date for patriotic Vaudois. prevented the Helvetians theological dispute, the church embraced from migrating towards Gaul and im- the and Berne protected THE CONSTITUTION posed Roman rule. became the the Vaudois from the wars in Europe. The first constitution was introduced in capital of and the whole region 1803 and went through a series of revi- prospered with new techniques of build- CHRONIQUE DU CANTON DE VAUD sions, as in the other cantons. Univer- ing in stone. was introduced and VD.CH/VAUD-2020 sal suffrage was proclaimed in 1831 and trade flourished. Vaud was the first canton to extend it to include women, in 1959. The new consti- tution dates from 2003. TODAY

POPULATION HAS PASSED THE 2019 : A BOOM YEAR 800,000 MARK IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT

At the end of 2019 the number of resi- Since December 2019, Regional Express dents in Vaud reached 806,088, com- trains have been running between Anne- prised of 537,661 Swiss citizens and masse (Fr) and Saint-Maurice in the , 268,427 foreign nationals. bringing improved rail service in the Cha- blais and the Riviera. In addition, over 18 19 Over time, the population has become 30 bus schedules have been revised, par- more urban, more multicultural, and the ticularly with more frequent service at average age has risen. The one-millionth weekends. resident is expected in 2040 – 2042 and the challenge is now to maintain the bal- Altogether, investment in railway infra- ance of factors that has led to this expan- structure since 2008 has amounted to 862 sion. The authorities are implementing million francs, and this eff ort will con- policies to adapt the infrastructure, re- tinue : the Vaud RER will be extended to inforce training and innovation, develop , and later to the Vallée de Joux, with integration and maintain social cohesion. increased service at peak times between Lausanne and .

The Lausanne metros are also being de- veloped. The m2 and the m3 (scheduled for 2026) will carry double the number of passengers between the station and Flon. The new m2 line passing under Lausanne station is planned to come into service at the same time as the rebuilt Lausanne rail hub (Leman 2030 project) in 2025. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY : CLIMATE PLAN : A MAJOR POTENTIAL RESOURCE AN AMBITIOUS STRATEGY WITH MEASURES TO MATCH INNOVATION The sub-soil of the Canton may have In response to the pressures of climate a great potential to provide renewable, change, the government of Vaud has local energy in the form of geothermal launched a long-term strategy that aims heat. A deep survey has identified more to achieve a reduction of 50 % – 60 % in the than 40 sites that are suitable for the con- emission of greenhouse gases in the Can- tinuous production of this energy which ton by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality THE VAUD+ BRAND : THE START produces zero CO2 emissions. As a result, by 2050. This initial action plan will OF UNLIMITED INNOVATION the government is planning to create 20 rapidly implement measures drawn up geothermal centres by 2050. by all departments : an increase in pub- To bring the Canton’s best ambassadors The new label underlines the features lic transport services; the renovation of together under one banner, a new brand that characterise the Canton and make Using the heat in natural underground government buildings; public protection has been launched : VAUD+. Gastronomy, it stand apart from other areas of the water systems could become one of the against natural dangers and health risks; , tourism, the economy and culture… country. It creates a common identity pillars of the Canton’s energy policy. The support for climate-change policies in this label goes beyond simple synergies. shared by different participants in the 20 21 potential has been estimated at 350 GWh the communes and for agricultural prac- The idea is to coordinate highly specia- economy, automatically associating them per year – enough to provide heat for tices that increase carbon capture; rein- lised supply chains in order to promote with product quality, precision, competi- 20,000 households in Vaud – and it has forcing training programmes as a driver overall economic growth because the tivity and productivity. This group of the great advantage of being continuous. of change; adapting the management of diversity and quality of what the Canton ambassadors will reflect the excellence woodland, etc. has to offer has not been sufficiently that Vaud has to offer, encapsulated in Two projects are being developed : one emphasised. the VAUD+ brand. at where a bore-hole of 2,200 m is In addition to those policies already being planned to create a remote heating sup- implemented, the State Council is plan- To develop the Vaud economy, its network The next step is to create a promotional ply, and one at Lavey where a geothermal ning an initial investment of 173 million of competences needs to come closer organisation for the brand. centre with a 2,300 m – 3,000 m bore- francs from 2021. When this is added to together. The VAUD+ community will hole will produce more than 4 GWh per the amounts already allocated, and taking provide extra encouragement for new VAUD.CH year of electricity and over 15 GWh per account of the multiplier effect on the entrepreneurs and companies to develop year of heating for Les Bains de Lavey. economy, the total Cantonal commitment their projects in collaboration with the to tackling climate change totals more Canton’s schools of advanced studies, than 1.13 billion francs. research centres, SMEs and start-ups. THE SPORTS TRADITION

A unique alliance of expertise developed There is a long history of sport in Vaud by these companies and scientifi c disco- and it has become an essential part of the veries made in our research centres has social framework. Major examples are the fostered some fi ft een specifi c areas of in- Olympic headquarters and the presence novation : of numerous international sports federa- tions. But it is important not to overlook ∙ Neurotech the sports clubs, big and small, with thou- Immunology sands of members, coaches, referees, and ∙ equipment staff that enable the young Oncology ∙ and the not-so-young to enjoy their Labtech ∙ favourite activity virtually everywhere ∙ Cybersecurity and oft en in excellent conditions. Drones 22 ∙ 23 Agritech These thousands of generally anonymous ∙ members also create a fertile environment Digital healthcare ∙ for sport at the highest level. For the Can- ∙ Digital technologies ton, this is a permanent strength without ∙ Sports technology which little else would be possible. Edtech ∙ The Corona virus crisis has deprived Aeronautics ∙ Vaud of several world championships Materials and metrology ∙ (ice hockey, pétanque, World Road Cy- ∙ Robotics cling). These were scheduled for 2020 to ∙ Energy effi ciency follow on from the Youth Winter Olym- pics which were held in January with events in Lausanne, Les , and La Vallée de Joux, as well as in the Valais, the and in . FINANCES

CYBER ADMINISTRATION 2020 IMPACTED BYTHE PANDEMIC

Accessing all government services via the But before cyber administration can be The Canton of Vaud is spending a total (3.6 %) more than in 2019. This increase internet, in total security, instead of hand- introduced, its legal framework of 10.12 billion francs on its public com- is largely made up of short-term income ling a mountain of documents : that’s what must be adapted, and this important mitments in 2020, an increase of 352 such as Federal compensation for RFFA cyber administration makes possible. It work is in progress. million over 2019. This is the 14th conse- (+ 103 million) or fluctuating income has become essential in today’s hyper- cutive annual budget to report a surplus such as Federal subsidies for the integra- 24 25 connected society and the Canton of VD.CH and reflects an increase of 2.43 % in cur- tion of refugees (CSIR) and revenue from Vaud is not being left behind. The Infor- rent spending. However, the exceptional participations (+ 69 million francs). Fiscal mation Systems and Digitalisation depart- and unpredictable pandemic will cause a income is expected to rise by 1.5 % com- ment is progressively offering services number of elements to be revised. pared to 2019. on line and this effort is at the heart of the government’s legislative programme. Among its basic objectives, the 2020 EXPENDITURE PERCENTAGES budget forecasts a gross cost increase of Several important projects have already 113 million francs in health services due Education and training 29.81 been implemented including the com- principally to taking back the financing Social security 29.01 plete revision of the Cantonal website, of domestic care, AVASAD (+ 77 million www.vd.ch, which will provide improved francs). It also allows for extra resources Healthcare 14.69 access to the canton’s administrative for social action (+ 77 million), education Public safety 27.42

services. After rebuilding the portal to and youth (+ 72 million) which are linked Public economic affairs 24.36 the communes, new secure access will be to demographic pressure and an ageing Finance and taxes 24.28 made available for companies and indi- population. General administration 24.22 viduals. Before the crisis arrived, forecast reve- Traffic 23.37 nue for 2020 is almost identical to Culture, leisure, sport, churches 21.60

planned expenditure : a total of 10.12 bil- Environmental protection and lion francs which is 352 million francs land management 21.24 NUMBERS

SIZE CAPITAL 321,224 hectares Lausanne, 4th largest Swiss city 4th largest Swiss canton 7.8 % of national territory COMMUNES 309 on 1 January 2020, SURFACE AREA 12 with more than 10,000 inhabitants Habitat and infrastructure 10 % Agriculture 41.6 % TOTAL POPULATION 26 27 Woods 32.3 % 806,088 inhabitants on 31.12.2019 Lakes 12.1 % Growth in 2019 : 0.7 % Non-productive area 16.1 % FOREIGN POPULATION 33.3 % FRONTIERS 750 km, EMPLOYMENT (146 with France) Equivalent full-time jobs 357,762 Primary sector 9,370 (2.6 %) DISTRICTS Secondary sector 67,565 (18.9 %) Tertiary sector 280,827 (78.5 %) 1 Jura-Nord vaudois 11 MOST POPULATED COMMUNE 2 -Vully Lausanne, 139,726 inhabitants STAT.VD.CH 3 Gros-de-Vaud 12 LEAST POPULATED COMMUNE 4 , 57 inhabitants

Sources: 5 13 HIGHEST POINT Swiss Surface Statistics, 2012 – 2014 6 Ouest lausannois Diablerets, 3,120 metres OFS, Company structure statistics. 22.08.2019 7 Lausanne 14 LOWEST POINT 8 Lavaux-Oron Lac Léman, 372 metres 9 Riviera-Pays-d’Enhaut 15 SMALLEST COMMUNE 10 Aigle , 31 hectares 16 BIGGEST COMMUNE Château-d’Œx, 11,372 hectares Canton de Vaud Brochure 1 April 2018 Text : Office of Information and Communications (BIC) Translation : Baxter Lindsay Art Direction : F. Amitrano, BIC Printed on Lessebo 1.3 rough white FSC paper