Swiss voters went to the polls on Sunday on a citizen initiative to strengthen the country’s permanent neutrality. Backed by nationalist right-wing groups, it would enshrine in the constitution a ban on joining military alliances and on imposing economic sanctions against third countries, except those adopted by the United Nations. Initial results were expected in the afternoon.
The debate reflects two competing views of neutrality. Supporters of a more flexible approach say Switzerland should retain room to adapt its policy to circumstances. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has argued that neutrality does not mean turning a blind eye to violations of international law; that approach has allowed Switzerland to cooperate with NATO without joining it.
The initiative was launched by Pro Suisse and backed by the country’s largest right-wing party, the Swiss People’s Party. Céline Amaudruz, a party vice-president, described permanent armed neutrality as essential to credible diplomacy. Moscow welcomed the proposal, while accusing Bern of abandoning neutrality by adopting EU sanctions against Russia.
Neutrality has been written into Switzerland’s federal constitution since 1848. But sanctions on Moscow and Switzerland’s 2023–2024 term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council have brought the issue back to the centre of political debate.
Voters were also deciding a separate proposal to raise domestic food self-sufficiency to 70% within ten years, from 42% in 2024. The government and most parties called the target unrealistic and urged rejection; the Greens issued no voting recommendation. Source: HotNews.ro, AFP.