Swiss Voters Reject Initiative to Tighten Neutrality Rules

Geneva, September 27 (KUNA) – Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected on Sunday a popular initiative aimed at enshrining stricter provisions on the principle of neutrality in the country’s constitution, with final results showing that 70.2 percent voted against it.

Speaking at a press conference in Bern following the announcement of the results, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said neutrality is essential for Switzerland’s security and independence, emphasizing that “neutrality does not mean indifference to what is happening, but rather that neutrality protects the country, provided that Switzerland is useful to other states.”

The popular initiative, submitted by the organization Pro Suisse, known for its opposition to European integration, and backed by the Swiss People’s Party (the largest political force) and parts of the radical left, seeks to embed a more rigid concept of neutrality in the Swiss Constitution. The initiative’s proponents proposed that Swiss neutrality be “permanent and armed,” and that Switzerland not join or cooperate with any military or defensive alliance unless it faces a direct military attack or preparatory actions for such an attack. They also suggested that Switzerland refrain from participating in military conflicts between states and from imposing economic or diplomatic sanctions on warring countries, except for sanctions mandated by the United Nations and measures aimed at preventing sanctions evasion.

In contrast, opponents of the initiative, including the Federal Council and Parliament, stressed the need to preserve a “neutrality” that allows Switzerland sufficient flexibility to adapt to international developments and defend its interests, arguing that the proposed restrictions could limit its ability to safeguard its security, independence, and prosperity.

The current approach enables Switzerland to cooperate with other countries and organizations in the security field, including cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), without joining it. It also allows Switzerland to participate in certain sanction regimes, such as those adopted by the European Union against companies and individuals from countries like Russia. Swiss authorities view sanctions as an important tool for responding to violations of international law and threats to the international system, warning that a ban on adopting such sanctions could constrain Switzerland’s room for maneuver and affect its interests and international relations.

The principle of neutrality has enabled Switzerland to play a role in mediation and good offices, providing a platform for dialogue between conflicting parties. This has allowed it to host and support dialogue meetings and initiatives on various international issues, including communications related to the Russian-Ukrainian war, dialogue between Iran and the United States, and diplomatic efforts and initiatives concerning conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (End) A.M.K. / M.M.J.