Swiss voters to decide on stricter neutrality rules

Bern, Switzerland. Swiss voters will decide on Sunday whether to write a stricter form of neutrality into the constitution. The proposal would restrict Switzerland’s ability to impose economic sanctions or cooperate with NATO.

Neutrality and sanctions

Swiss neutrality has been internationally recognised since the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815, but the constitution does not spell out how the government must implement it.

The right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) says Switzerland’s traditional position has been eroded since Bern imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The campaign has funded posters across the country featuring white peace doves and urging a vote for “No war, yes to neutrality”.

The proposal would bar Switzerland from joining or cooperating with a military or defence alliance unless it were attacked. It would also prevent the country from joining sanctions unless they were approved by the United Nations.

Polls point to rejection

Opinion polls suggest the proposal will be rejected. One recent survey found 68% opposed and 31% in favour.

Fabio Wasserfallen, a professor of European Politics at the University of Bern, said Swiss voters support neutrality but approve of how the government currently applies it. He said they generally favour sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine and do not want that policy to change.

The campaign says neutrality kept Switzerland out of both world wars and helps Bern offer its “good offices” in negotiations between warring parties.