The Valais State Parliament reviewed the 2025 accounts for the Department of Security, Institutions and Sport (DSIS) on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Lawmakers focused their scrutiny on the operational struggles of the Child and Adult Protection Authority (APEA) and ongoing staffing shortages within the Cantonal Police, citing concerns over public security and administrative efficiency.
Did You Know? The Valais currently maintains a ratio of one police officer for every 745 inhabitants, failing to meet the target ratio of one officer per 650 citizens.
Concerns regarding the APEA
Legislators expressed significant apprehension regarding the current state of the APEA. Maud Theler (PS) highlighted rising costs for medical expertises and warned against the loss of temporary positions within the agency. François Vaudan (Le Centre du Valais romand) noted that the structure remains fragile despite previous efforts toward cantonalization, leading to high staff turnover and increased pressure on the entire child protection system. Elodie Praz (Les Vert-e-s) added that the agency is under “maximum pressure” due to personnel shortages and a lack of viable solutions for therapeutic measures in closed institutions.
Staffing and security challenges
The Cantonal Police face similar scrutiny regarding personnel levels. Cyrille Fauchère (UDCVR) stated that the force lacks the necessary staff to reach fixed objectives, a situation he linked to rising indicators of criminal activity, particularly regarding life and bodily integrity. Andrea Duchoud (PLR) echoed these concerns, emphasizing that security is a “regalian mission” that is currently not meeting legal benchmarks. Furthermore, several members of Parliament pointed to delays in motor vehicle inspections, suggesting that increased staffing in that sector could improve state financial returns.
Expert Insight: The persistent tension between budgetary constraints and the demand for increased staffing—specifically for the APEA and the Cantonal Police—suggests a recurring legislative standoff. While departments aim for fiscal discipline, the gap between current staffing levels and established legal or operational requirements indicates that these resource debates are likely to intensify during future budget cycles.
What happens next
Stéphane Ganzer, the State Councilor in charge of the DSIS, acknowledged the fragility of the APEA, noting that new cases in Valais are rising by 3%, compared to a 2% national average. As a result, the department is preparing for the 2027 budget cycle. In December, lawmakers are expected to consider formal proposals to increase staff for both the APEA and the Cantonal Police, despite the Parliament having rejected similar requests for the police force at the end of 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are lawmakers concerned about the APEA?
According to members of Parliament, the APEA is struggling with high staff turnover, rising costs for medical expertises, and a loss of temporary positions, which collectively put the child protection system under significant pressure.
What is the current status of the Cantonal Police staffing?
The police force currently has one officer per 745 residents, missing the legal target of one officer per 650 citizens. Lawmakers argue this shortfall contributes to rising crime statistics and operational inefficiencies.
What is the next step for these staffing issues?
Stéphane Ganzer, the head of the DSIS, intends to propose an increase in personnel for both the APEA and the Cantonal Police during the December budget session for 2027, despite previous legislative resistance.
How do you believe the state should prioritize its spending between administrative services and frontline security forces?
