Swiss Passport

Question 201 of 350 · Offices, school and social services

What is the purpose of financial equalisation between the municipalities?

Was will der Finanzausgleich zwischen den Gemeinden?

Correct answer: D

  1. AIt is meant to help fight corruption.Er soll helfen, die Korruption zu bekämpfen.
  2. BIt is meant to help avoid inflation.Er soll helfen, eine Inflation zu vermeiden.
  3. CIt forces poor municipalities to fulfil their obligations (schools, old people's homes, etc.).Er zwingt arme Gemeinden zur Erledigung ihrer Pflichten (Schulen, Altersheime, usw.).
  4. DIt supports poor municipalities or municipalities with high social expenditure in carrying out their tasks.Er unterstützt arme Gemeinden oder Gemeinden mit hohen Sozialausgaben bei der Erledigung ihrer Aufgaben.

Why

Financial equalisation gives money to poorer municipalities or municipalities with high social costs, so that they can carry out their tasks.

Common mistakes

C: It forces poor municipalities to fulfil their obligations (schools, old people's homes, etc.).
Financial equalisation does not force anyone. It gives support with money.
B: It is meant to help avoid inflation.
Inflation is fought by the National Bank, not by financial equalisation.

Topic

Social assistance, financial equalisation, neighbourhood association

If someone can no longer live on their own income and assets, the municipality helps with social assistance. It covers the bare necessities: housing, food, health insurance. Social assistance is intended for emergencies and is paid for by the municipalities, with a contribution from the canton. The old-age pension (AHV), on the other hand, is an insurance of the Confederation.

Canton and municipality of Zurich · Offices, school and social services

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.