The Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was received in Bellinzona by the Ticino State Council for a meeting dedicated to some of the most sensitive dossiers for the Canton and for relations with the Confederation. The meeting, chaired by the President of the Ticino Government, Claudius Zali, also involved the Secretary General of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Markus Seiler, together with a delegation of federal collaborators.
The discussion focused on issues that directly impact the economic, institutional, and cultural balance of Ticino. Topics addressed included relations between Switzerland and Italy, the intercantonal financial equalization system, the Confederation's spending containment measures, and the role of the Italian language within federal institutions.
According to the cantonal government, the meeting took place in a frank and constructive atmosphere, at a time marked by international tensions, economic transformations, and new challenges for relations between Bern and the cantons. The Ticino government emphasized the importance of maintaining regular dialogue with the Confederation, which it believes is essential to preserving the country's cohesion.
Relations between Switzerland and Italy at the centre of the meeting
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to relations between Switzerland and Italy, considered strategic for Ticino both economically and for its impact on the cross-border labor market.
The Council of State has expressed concern over several issues that have emerged in recent months, including the proposed Italian "health tax" and proposals related to "special economic zones." These issues, according to the Ticino government, could have direct consequences for the canton and its relations with border areas.
The hope expressed during the meeting was that the bilateral dialogue could continue with the support of the Confederation, thus fostering shared solutions and maintaining good neighborly relations, considered essential for Ticino.
Criticisms of the financial equalization system
During the meeting, the Ticino government also emphasized public finances and the growing imbalance between cantons with greater economic resources and those considered more fragile.
According to the cantonal executive, the current system of intercantonal financial equalization is no longer adequate to address the disparities that have emerged in recent years. Bellinzona has therefore reiterated the call for a review of the current model, believing that the absence of corrective measures could negatively impact federal solidarity and national cohesion.
The issue is part of a broader debate involving several Swiss cantons and concerning the redistribution of resources within the Confederation.
The promotion of the Italian language and the Palazzo Trevisan project
Among the points discussed were the promotion of the Italian language in Switzerland and the presence of Italian-speaking personnel in the federal administration.
The Council of State welcomed the opportunity to develop content on the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs' cultural platform, hosted at Palazzo Trevisan in Venice. The initiative is seen as an opportunity to strengthen Ticino's visibility and promote the region through cultural and institutional projects.
For the Ticino government, the presence of Italian in federal institutions remains a key element in ensuring linguistic balance and representativeness within the Confederation.
Towards the OSCE Ministerial Council in Lugano
The meeting between the Ticino Government and Ignazio Cassis It also allowed us to take stock of the preparations for the annual meeting of the Council of Ministers of theOrganization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, scheduled to Lugano December 3 and 4, 2026.
The event will be one of the major diplomatic events hosted by Switzerland in the coming years and will place Ticino at the center of international attention. The organizational team is already working to coordinate the logistical and security aspects of the multilateral meeting.
