Heinz Tännler determined to ensure canton's finances are under control

Heinz Tännler, the current director of finance, is hoping to be re-elected to the cantonal government in October so he can continue with his job of ensuring the canton will be able to balance its books.

The 58-year-old was interviewed by a journalist of the Zuger Zeitung at the Allmend Zug Tennis Club at the end of August, not long after he had returned from spending his holidays in Sardinia and the Ticino with his wife.

Unfortunately, owing to a busy schedule, the trained lawyer had not had the opportunity to take to the (tennis) courts for three months. What is more, he has had no fewer than eight ligament operations on his knees, but this has not stopped the former chairman of the Zug Tennis Club and Zug Tennis Association from carrying on playing. His tactic when playing is to concentrate on attack. “I am not one for defending,” he said, which in a way is typical of his approach to life, too.

The SVP politician, who holds a doctorate in law, brings the urgency needed in tennis to his style of politics too. “I am not one for lengthy debates,” he admitted. “I like to get on with the job of finding solutions without delay,” not that this meant taking rash, unconsidered decisions without consulting others, he explained, on the contrary, he enjoyed being challenged.

Tännler has been director of finance for three years now. Naturally it is not an easy job with criticism inevitably coming in from all sides. He explained how he had opportunities open to him had he decided not to stand for re-election but is determined to see the canton able to balance its books again. As to the current situation, he described it as being like a pilot on a continual climb, but unquestionably following the right flightpath.

Indeed, the “Finanz 19” project, by which he wants the canton’s finances to be able to break even by 2019, is on the right tracks, though naturally matters beyond his control such as the National Equalisation Fund and state tax reforms remain a cause for concern. Then there has been the reorganisation of the Office of IT and Organisation which is taking time and is not expected to be complete until 2021.

One of his current preoccupations is Crypto Valley and his concern that some companies active in this area may leave. Hence he has sought out contact in Bern, including a members of the Federal Council, urging them to act without delay. “What we cannot have,” said Tännler, “is a situation where a start-up company is considering leaving Zug because it cannot find a bank which will accept them, meaning they cannot even pay their employees’ salaries.”  While in most people’s eyes, blockchain relates to crypto currencies, Tännler pointed out it is about much more than this, the technology presenting so much potential. “Here we are in Zug, playing a leading role in luring blockchain companies here, only to risk losing them to other jurisdictions. This is why a solution must be found, and quickly.”