Swiss voters reject proposal to tighten neutrality rules
More than two-thirds of Swiss voters opposed a proposal that would have barred economic sanctions and cooperation with NATO, according to referendum projections.
Bern, Switzerland. Swiss voters on Sunday rejected a proposal to write a more restrictive form of neutrality into the constitution, according to the latest referendum projections by state broadcaster SRF. More than two-thirds voted against the measure, which would have prevented Switzerland from imposing economic sanctions or cooperating with NATO.
Proposal fails cantonal test
The initiative also failed to secure the required support from a majority of Switzerland’s cantonal constituencies, effectively ending the proposal.
Swiss neutrality has been internationally recognised since the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815, but how the government implements it is not spelled out. The right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) argued that the country’s traditional position had been eroded after Bern imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Ahead of the vote, the campaign funded posters across Switzerland bearing the message “No war, yes to neutrality” and featuring white peace doves.
Government and parties opposed measure
Most parties other than the SVP, along with the Swiss government, opposed the proposal. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said it would harm national security and prevent Switzerland from training with NATO.
The Green Party and the smaller Evangelical People’s Party (EVP) expressed relief at Sunday’s projections. “Voters understood what the SVP wanted: it wanted Switzerland to isolate itself internationally and shirk its responsibilities when international law is being trampled on,” said Sibel Arslan, a Green Party lawmaker.
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