Decline in social expenditure in 2022 in Switzerland and Europe
Neuchâtel, 5.2.2024 - Expenditure on social benefits in Switzerland reached CHF 207.8 billion in 2022, a decline of CHF 4.2 billion (–2.0%) on 2021 in real terms. A fall in social expenditure was also recorded in most European countries (median: –3.5%). In 2020, expenditure had reached an all-time high in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is largely explained by post-COVID-19 economic recovery and the rise in prices following the war in Ukraine. These are the latest findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).