Switzerland Holds Referendum on Stricter Neutrality Policy

Swederland

Swiss voters will decide whether to impose stricter constitutional limits on the country’s neutrality.

Swiss voters headed to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to enshrine a stricter form of neutrality in the country's constitution, a move that could prevent Switzerland from imposing economic sanctions or cooperating with NATO.

The referendum asks voters whether a more narrowly defined version of Swiss neutrality should become a constitutional principle.

Although Switzerland's neutrality has been internationally recognised since the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815, the constitution does not explicitly define how the government should apply it in practice.

The right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), which backed the proposal, argues that Switzerland's traditional neutrality has been weakened since Bern joined sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

The proposal would prevent the Swiss government from imposing sanctions on countries involved in conflicts unless those measures had been authorised by the United Nations. In practice, that would limit Switzerland's ability to adopt sanctions such as those imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, as Moscow holds veto power as one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Supporters argue that Switzerland's commitment to neutrality should be reaffirmed and upheld in the face of every conflict, claiming that the government has moved "dangerously close" to the European Union and NATO in ways they say threaten the country's security and independence.

Opponents, including the federal government and parliament, argue that the constitution already gives the government sufficient flexibility to protect Switzerland's national interests.

Under Switzerland's system of direct democracy, voters typically go to the polls four times a year to decide on national referendums and other policy issues.

The campaign has funded posters across the country urging people to vote "No war, yes to neutrality", featuring white peace doves ahead of the vote.

The campaign seeks to enshrine in the constitution a provision preventing Switzerland from joining or cooperating with military or defence alliances unless the country comes under attack. It also proposes that Switzerland should refrain from imposing sanctions unless they are authorised by the United Nations.

Supporters argue that Swiss neutrality has served the country well, helping it avoid involvement in both World Wars while enabling Bern to offer its "good offices" as a mediator in peace negotiations between warring parties. 

Most parties and the Swiss government oppose the proposal, with Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis saying it would harm national security and prevent it from training with NATO.



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