Poll shows Swiss neutrality proposal likely to be rejected

Bern, Switzerland. Swiss voters appear likely to reject a proposal to tighten the constitutional definition of neutrality, according to a poll published on Wednesday.

The initiative would prevent Switzerland from imposing economic sanctions or cooperating with NATO, while the government has opposed it.

Poll findings

The survey, conducted for newspapers 20 Minuten and Tamedia, found that nearly two-thirds of respondents opposed the neutrality initiative.

Some 62% of the 13,154 people surveyed were against the proposal, backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), while 32% were in favour.

Switzerland will vote on the initiative on September 27.

Proposed neutrality rules

The proposal seeks to write a tighter definition of Switzerland’s traditional neutrality into the constitution.

Supporters want neutrality to be defined as “perpetual and armed”, barring Switzerland from joining or cooperating with military or defence alliances except in the event of an attack or imminent attack.

It would also prohibit participation in third-country wars and sanctions against belligerents, except for United Nations sanctions and anti-circumvention measures. The initiative would require Switzerland to use neutrality to support mediation.

Party positions

Only SVP supporters were clearly in favour of the proposal, according to the poll. Supporters of all other Swiss parties were strongly opposed.

The centre-right FDP party said the initiative would be harmful and would favour aggressive nations such as Russia.

“Prohibiting Switzerland from supporting international efforts in response to flagrant violations of international law would, in effect, help strengthen the aggressors’ camp,” FDP co-president Benjamin Muehlemann said.

“Switzerland must stand on the side of peace, the rule of law, and democracy — not on the side of autocrats.”