The Canton of Vaud 2014

THE CANTON OF VAUD 2014

Vaud has the 3rd largest population of any Swiss canton and is ideally positioned at the intersection of Europe’s major communication 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.

COVER IMAGE LAUSANNE IS A CANDIDATE TO HOST THE YOUTH WINTER OLYMPICS IN 2020.

Major international events, such as the Leysin Champs Open, are regularly organised in the canton (Š Etienne Messikommer).

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CHAPTERS STRONG POINTS p.2

THE AUTHORITIES p.4

THE CANTON'S PRIORITIES p.5

FINANCE p.6

HISTORY p.7

THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF VAUD p.8

THE NEW PARLIAMENT p.9

INNOVATION p.10

THE CANTON IN NUMBERS p.12

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STRONG POINTS EDUCATION

TOURISM

HEALTH

Vaud is one of the most important educational areas in the country. It has a famous university dating back to 1537, one of the two federal universities of science and technology (EPFL), and more than a dozen schools of advanced studies (HES) in fields as varied as engineering, health, education, design, the arts, and hotel management.

From the permanent snow of Les Diablerets down to the gentle lake shores, from walking tracks through the forests of the Jura to cycle paths across the plateau, Vaud has probably the widest variety of landscapes of any canton, and a history that stretches back several thousand years.

Lausanne’s University Hospital (CHUV) has European status and develops research partnerships with biomedical companies which stimulate the cantonal economy.

www.unil.ch www.epfl.ch www.vd.ch/enseignement-superieur www.vd.ch/apprentissage

www.region-du-leman.ch

The canton also benefits from a dense network of medical-social establisments (EMS) complemented by an excellent homecare system. www.vd.ch/soins www.chuv.ch

LAUSANNE IS A CANDIDATE TO HOST THE YOUTH WINTER OLYMPICS IN 2020.

Major international events, such as the Leysin Champs Open, are regularly organised in the canton (© Etienne Messikommer).

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SPORT

CULTURE

MOBILITY

Home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1915, Lausanne was officially named the Olympic capital in 1994.

Also located in the canton are the Olympic Museum, 24 federations and 32 sports-related international organisations.

With its numerous cultural sites, buildings, activities and festivals, the canton draws a large audience from far beyond its borders. All forms of cultural expression by well established artists take place here. There is a strong emphasis on young creative talents who benefit from prestigious training, financial assistance and multiple opportunities for presenting their work.

Supporting economic growth while preserving the quality of life requires that all the regions in the canton are linked to a comprehensive, efficient transport network open to the surrounding areas. To achieve this and address the traffic saturation on some routes, it is important that the different ways of moving around complement each other.

www.vd.ch/sport-international www.olympic.org

The canton offers more than 80 museums devoted to fine arts, science, history and a host of other subjects ranging from sport and games to photography and food.

It also has a wealth of historical monuments, castles and fine houses as well as the exceptional vineyards of Lavaux, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. www.vd.ch/culture www.musees.vd.ch www.patrimoine.vd.ch

TRANSPORT IS ONE OF THE CANTON’S PRIORITIES. The view from the driver’s cab of a goods train as it enters the marshalling yard at Denges (© Olivier Vogelsang/tdg.ch).

The growth of rail infrastructure goes hand-in-hand with the development of public transport and non-motorised mobility (“mobilité douce”). This is complemented by the improvement and modernisation of the road network to aid traffic flow, one of the canton’s priorities. www.vd.ch/mobilite

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THE CANTON'S AUTHORITIES LEGISLATIVE Legislative power is exercised by the Grand Council, a parliament composed of 150 members elected by proportional representation.

The constituencies correspond to the districts, ensuring that all the regions in the canton are represented.

Ever since 1946, political power in the canton has been divided between a centre-right majority and a left-wing minority associated with the government. However, the 2012 election changed the political landscape with the centre-right becoming a minority in the State Council, and with the arrival of a new group in the Council, the Green Liberals.

The Grand Council sits every Tuesday except during school holidays. Its sessions are open to the public and can be followed on the Internet. www.vd.ch/gc

Groups in the state Council Liberal-Radical (PLR) 47 members Socialist (SOC) 40 members Central Democratic Union (UDC) 26 members Greens (VER) 19 members Green Liberals (V’L) 7 members PDC – Vaud Libre 5 members The Left POP-solidaritéS 5 members

THE STATE COUNCIL HAS A MAJORITY OF WOMEN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS HISTORY

THE EXECUTIVE

THE JUDICIARY

Executive authority is exercised by the State Council, a government of seven members elected directly by the people.

Each State Councillor also heads a Department.

The judicial authorities and offices attached to the cantonal court are: the cantonal tribunal, the urban courts, the juvenile court, the bail court, the tribunal of constraints and sentencing, the justices of the peace, the claims offices, the bankruptcy offices and the cantonal commercial registry.

Since the last cantonal elections in 2012, the State Council has a majority of women for the first time in its history: four women and three men. Three parties are represented: Socialist (3) Liberal Radical (3) and Green (1) www.vd.ch/autorites www.vd.ch/ce www.vd.ch/departements

www.vd.ch/ojv www.vd.ch/justice

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THE CANTON'S PRIORITIES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

BÉATRICE MÉTRAUX Green, head of the Department of Institutions and Security JACQUELINE DE QUATTRO Liberal-Radical, head of the Department of Territory and the Environment ANNE-CATHERINE LYON Socialist, head of the Department of Education, Youth and Culture PIERRE-YVES MAILLARD Socialist, president of the Council, head of the Department of Health and Social Services PASCAL BROULIS Liberal-Radical, head of the Department of Finance and External Relations PHILIPE LEUBA Liberal-Radical, head of the Department of the Economy and Sports NURIA GORRITE Socialist, head of the Department of Infrastructure and Human Resources

THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME 2012-2017

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

This instrument of political policy is an action guide for the government and the administration over its 5-year term, although revisions and additions may be authorised during that time. Its measures and actions are intended to reinforce the Canton’s strengths and enable the best possible response to the challenges of the next few years.

The aim is to create the framework in which all inhabitants of the Canton can achieve personal fulfilment and prosperity.

Putting a sustainable development policy into action requires the use of specific tools. Since 2004 the canton of Vaud has been using such tools and making them available to the public, including boussole21.ch for the evaluation of projects, a guide to responsible professional purchasing, and Smeo for the construction of durable buildings and neighbourhoods.

www.vd.ch/prog-leg

The Canton's objectives for sustainable development are

The measures are grouped under five headings àà ensuring

a secure quality of life

àà supporting

growth and purchasing power

àà supporting

research – education – integration into the job market

àà investing

- innovating – promoting the success of the canton

àà optimising

the management of the canton

www.vd.ch/durable

àà to

give the authorities room for manoeuvre in investment planning by keeping the public finances under control

àà to combat climate warming by promoting the use of renewable energy and public transport

àà to help protect the environment and promote the efficient use of natural ressources

àà to integrate everyone into society and the world of work

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FINANCE The cantonal accounts were closed for 2013 with a surplus of 8 million francs. Expenses for the year rose to 9271.7 million francs, which included several closing payments, notably 106 million of pre-financing for the communes. Also included was a new tranche of 735 millions as part of the recapitalisation of the Pension Fund (CPEV).

Apart from these closing payments, cantonal operating expenses in 2013 were 43 million less than forecast while total expenditure rose by 227 million compared to 2012. This modest increase of 2.8%, appreciably lower than in previous years, was mostly caused by rising costs in the areas of health and social work, training, culture and security.

On the other side of the balance sheet, revenues reached 9279.6 million, an increase of 5.5% from 2012. Taxes rose in line with this increase (5.8%) yet exceeded the forecast budget by 13.6%. The difference can be explained by some catching up in the collection of withholding tax, and a favourable economic climate particularly in the financial, insurance and watchmaking sectors. www.vd.ch/finances-publiques

THE 2013 ACCOUNTS PRODUCED THE SEVENTH

1,000

475 20

2,000

200

785 28

3,000

300

1,430 43

5,000 4,000

400

1,910 71

4,055 155

7,000 6,000

0

100

For the ninth consecutive year, the deficit has been reduced.

It now stands at 475 million francs.

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

0

Millions of francs

600

500

2,450 91

8,000

2,960 107

9,000

Total net debt Interest 5,879 189

6,968 216

10,000

2004

Millions of francs

8,649 246

POSITIVE RESULT IN A ROW

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HISTORY A LAND AND ITS ORIGINS

45 – 35 million years ago Formation of the Alps.

In Vaud they reach a peak of 3,210 metres, at Les Diablerets.

10 – 5 million years ago The Jura was the last Alpine massif to be formed. Vaud contains one of the highest and most folded regions in the Jura range.

FROM THE FIRST MILLENNIUM TO THE MIDDLE AGES

PRINCIPAL EVENTS BEFORE OUR AREA

13,500 BC The region was occupied by Palaeolithic hunters.

Around 5,500 BC They settled on the shores of the lakes and by around 2000 BC had mastered some metalurgical skills.

58 BC In 58 BC Julius Caesar prevented the Helvetians from migrating towards Gaul and put them under Roman rule.

Avenches became the capital of Helvetia.

4th – 10th centuries In the 5th century, the region was inhabited by invaders from Burgundy, then for 500 years was ruled by the kings of the Francs.

10th century The comitatus waldensis (county of Vaud) was ceded to the diocese of Lausanne.

1536 Conquered and ruled by the Bernese for 262 years, then moved towards the Reformation.

THE INDEPENDENCE OF VAUD WAS DECLARED ON JANUARY 24TH, 1789 IN LAUSANNE

THE CREATION OF THE CANTON

Revolution The independence of Vaud was declared on January 24th, 1789 in Lausanne.

The “Canton of Léman” was then integrated in to the short-lived Helvetic Republic.

Sovereignty Napoleon’s Act of Mediation, issued on February 19th, 1803, created a canton of Vaud within the Swiss Confederation giving it equal status with other cantons.

The Grand Council first met in Lausanne on April 14th.

The Constitution The first constitution dates from 1803.

Universal suffrage was introduced in 1831 and extended to include women in 1959 (Vaud was the first canton do so).

The new constitution dates from 2003.

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THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF VAUD

RAISINÉE, also known as “vin cuit” simmers for hours in large cauldrons.

Apple or pear juice is reduced to a thick syrup which is used in the famous raisinée tarts that are served with a variety of dishes (© www.vullieminpomy.ch).

In 2012, Switzerland published a list of its on-going traditions, including such activities as the Carnival in Basel, the Onion Fair in Berne, the Fête des Vignerons in Vevey, the art of paper cutting in the Pays d’Enhaut and Simmenthal, and the youth country festivals. Now that the inventory, identification and documentation phase is largely complete, the canton of Vaud has launched an initiative in 2014 to raise awareness of its cultural heritage. To keep this heritage alive, it is important to encourage people to pass on these traditions and give them a place in today’s society.

A short introduction to the canton’s living traditions is now publicly available. People who actively maintain these traditions are offering conferences, demonstrations and workshops, and this guide will not only give them publicity but also pay tribute to their efforts, passions, skills and savoir-faire. Paper-cutting workshops, a description of life in a circus, patois courses for the younger generation, recounting Vaudois legends in the forest, demonstrating the craft of making oils, or friendly local gatherings to prepare raisinée… The range is huge. The guide is an invitation to try new experiences and is a first in Switzerland. www.patrimoine.vd.ch/immateriel

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THE NEW PARLIAMENT

A NEW BUILDING FOR THE PARLIAMENT The first stone of the new cantonal parliament was laid on March 24th, 2014. The building will be at the heart of the medieval quarter of the CitÊ de Lausanne, rising from the foundations of the previous parliament that was destroyed by fire on the night of May 13 th -14th, 2002.

On that date, both the history and heritage of the canton suffered a major loss. The Parliament chamber, built in 1803-4 by the architect Alexandre Perregaux, had been one of the best preserved in Switzerland. It was immediately decided to rebuild, but construction was delayed by financial problems and disagreements about its design. The new parliament will reuse the pediment of its predecessor but will have a remarkable tiled roof. It will also be highly energy-efficient and provide ideal working conditions for the elected members. It is scheduled to be finished in late 2016, at a total cost of 17 million francs. www.parlement.vd.ch

THE REBUILDING OF THE PARLIAMENT, agreed 10 years ago, began in March 2014 when the foundation stone was laid. The work will continue until Spring 2017 with its inauguration planned before the end of the legislature.

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INNOVATION ENERGY: THE FUTURE BEGINS TODAY In January 2012, the State Council launched an ambitious programme, “100 million for renewable energies and energy efficiency”. It had two objectives: to begin the energy transition made essential by the evolution of the energy sector, and to give a boost to the economic environment of the canton.

The programme covers many areas of activity. Some reflect the everyday concerns of cantonal residents, such as the subsidies for energy upgrades in excess of normal requirements, and the encouragement of solar energy. Others aim to diversify energy supply by developing the wood-based energy sector and the electricity generated from wet biomass. The State Council has also oriented the programme towards the future by supporting research projects at EPFL, HEIG -VD and UNIL. www.vd.ch/energie www.vd.ch/100-millions

MOUDON HAS INSTALLED 1200 m2 OF SOLAR PANELS on the roof of its communal building (© agena-energies.ch).

THE CANTON OF VAUD 2014

CENTRE OF INNOVATION FOR DEVELOPING ECONOMIC DIVERSITY The canton of Vaud benefits from a concentration of academic establishments that is unique in Switzerland, including one of the largest university campuses and several institutes with international reputations. In addition, it is home to numerous research laboratories and innovative companies. Together they create centres of knowledge and expertise that are particularly strong in high value-added sectors of the economy.

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The Agora project – Cancer Centre – was formed by a partnership between CHUV, EPFL, UNIL and the ISREC Foundation. It is a perfect example of the unique position the canton enjoys in the field of life sciences. This kind of flagship project makes a real contribution to the healthy diversity of the cantonal economy.

This diversity, supported by the canton’s economic promotion activities, makes the region attractive to start-ups, small and medium-size businesses, and multinationals. For example, 25% of all the advanced-technology companies launched in Switzerland since 2001 are here.

The canton also has an efficient network of highly specialised small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as international companies, in life sciences, precision industries, IT and communications. www.vaud.ch

International companies established in the canton of Vaud (Classified by sector of activity)

Head offices SC Johnson Europe Tetra Laval International Honeywell Europe Philip Morris Sunstar International Nissan Europe Vale International British American Tobacco

Agriculture

and food production Nestlé Nespresso

General Mills

Cereals Partners Worldwide

Engineering, micro technology, watchmaking Jaeger-Lecoultre

Audemars Piguet Breguet Hublot Bobst Eaton

Fischer Connectors Lemo Honeywell Rueger

Innovative and sustainable technologies

Solar Impulse Pentair

Biotech/Medtech

Merck Serono Medtronic

B. Braun Medical

Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Symbios Orthopédie Edwards

Intuitive Surgical

ICT (Information

and communication technology) Cisco Marvell Logitech

Nagra Kudelski Group Salesforce

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THE CANTON IN NUMBERS GEOGRAPHY Surface area........... 321,205 hectares ............................. 4th biggest canton ............................. 7.8 % of national territory Inhabited and infrastructure area.. 9.3 % Farming area.......... 42.4 % Wooded area.......... 32.1 % Lake area............... 12.1 % ............................. Lake Geneva, ............................. Lake Neuchâtel, ............................. Lake Morat, Lake Joux Non-productive area....................... 4 % ............................. other lakes, rivers, ............................. glaciers, snow, ............................. areas without vegetation ............................. or with non-productive ............................. vegetation Highest point.......... Les Diablerets, 3,210 metres Lowest point.......... Genfersee, 372 metres Borders.................. 750 kilometres, ............................. including a 146 km frontier ............................. with France

STRUCTURE Capital ................... Lausanne, ............................. 4th largest Swiss city Municipalities......... 318 since January 1st, 2013, ............................. of which 12 have more than ............................. 10,000 inhabitants Districts................. 10 Smallest municipality ........... Rivaz (0.31 hectares)

Biggest municipality................. Château-d’Oex .................................. (113.71 hectares)

STRUCTURE Most populous municipality................. Lausanne .................................. (132,626 inhabitants) Least populous municipality................. Mauraz .................................. (52 inhabitants) Population................... 743,317 inhabitants .................................. 31.12.2013 Growth in 2013............ 1.8 % Density........................ 262 inhabitants per km2 .................................. (without lakes) Non-Swiss residents.... 32.4 %

EMPLOYMENT Jobs in 2011 (preliminary data)......... 406,788 Primary sector............. 13,726 (3.4 %) Secondary sector........ 70,802 (17.4 %) Tertiary sector............. 322,260 (79.2 %) Sources : Swiss Federal Statistical Office (OFS), Swiss Surface Statistics, data 2004-2005.

OFS, Statistique structurelle des entreprises 2011, data on November 15th, 2013 www.stat.vd.ch B

1. Aigle 2. Broye – Vully 3. Gros-de-Vaud 4. Jura – Nord vaudois 5. Lausanne

4

A

DISTRICTS

C

2 3

6. Lavaux – Oron 7. Morges 8. Nyon 9. Ouest lausannois 10. Riviera – Pays-d’Enhaut

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LAKES

9 5 6 D

10 1

A. B. C. D.

Lake Joux Lake Neuchâtel Lake Morat Lake Geneva

Design: cemcav–CHUV | 14 14698

Layout: Lionel Melchiorre

Text: www.vd.ch/bic

Translation: Baxter Lindsay

Printed on FSC Mix paper, made from 60% of recycled fibres