Swiss voters appear to reject tighter neutrality rules
A GFS Bern projection for public broadcaster SRG put opposition to the initiative at about 71 per cent, preserving the government’s policy latitude if confirmed.
Swiss voters appear to have rejected a proposal to set stricter constitutional limits on the country’s neutrality, according to a projection by polling institute GFS Bern for public broadcaster SRG. The projection put opposition at about 71 per cent; official results were pending.
The initiative sought to define neutrality as “perpetual and armed”. It would have restricted military cooperation, allowing it only if Switzerland faced an attack or an imminent threat, and limited sanctions against countries at war to measures approved by the United Nations Security Council.
If the apparent rejection is confirmed, the government would retain its current latitude to cooperate with NATO and impose sanctions while keeping Switzerland outside military alliances.
Pro Switzerland organised the initiative, which was backed by the Swiss People’s Party. Supporters argued that security cooperation with NATO and Switzerland’s adoption of EU sanctions against Russia had weakened its traditional neutral role.
The government, parliament and nearly all major parties opposed the proposal, saying it would limit the country’s ability to respond to international crises. The debate sharpened after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and Switzerland’s adoption of EU sanctions against Moscow.
Switzerland has been internationally recognised as neutral since 1815. Its current policy permits security cooperation and sanctions while maintaining its position outside military alliances.
