Dittli faces questions over nearly 20,000-franc political donation

SRF reports that Vaud politician Valérie Dittli received nearly 20,000 Swiss francs in payments to a Centre Party account from wine entrepreneur Jürg Stäubli, shortly after the cantonal government announced more than 17 million francs in support for the struggling wine sector.

The donation was initially intended to remain anonymous. Four companies owned by Stäubli each transferred 4,950 francs to the account, according to documents seen by French-language broadcaster RTS. Stäubli confirmed to the newspaper 24 Heures that he supported Dittli.

Most of the money was transferred the day after Dittli announced the support package. As the government’s agriculture director, she was responsible for the government proposal.

The payments came to light after a Vaud section of the Centre Party accused Dittli last week of trying to close the party account and withdraw more than 20,000 francs in July. The bank prevented this and informed the party.

Dittli denied trying to close the account. She said party members had established it so that people supporting her could contribute transparently and in line with the law.

The Vaud State Chancellery said government members are prohibited from accepting gifts worth more than 300 francs and may not accept money under any circumstances.

Dittli said the money was not a gift but a campaign donation. “Jürg Stäubli chose the amount and the timing of the transfer himself. That is not my responsibility,” she said. She added that the 17 million franc support package had been prepared by her predecessor together with winegrowers.

Dittli left the Centre Party last week and no longer has access to the account. She said the donors must now be asked whether they want the money to remain with the party or to support her campaign with the Liberal Movement.

Vaud lawyer and criminal law expert Loïc Parein said he could imagine the public prosecutor examining the case and opening corruption proceedings. He said someone could file a complaint, but that prosecutors could also act on their own initiative because of the media reports.

Two criminal proceedings are already under way against Dittli, including an investigation into alleged abuse of office. The presumption of innocence applies in all cases.