Switzerland rejects stricter neutrality in constitution in referendum

Brief retelling from RIA II

A referendum was held in Switzerland on the issue of tightening the principle of neutrality in the constitution; the initiative of the Swiss People's Party was rejected by 70% of voters.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said that the country rejected the tightening of neutrality and retained freedom of action.

Cassis stressed that Switzerland will remain neutral in the future and will make decisions on economic sanctions on a case-by-case basis.

GENEVA, September 27 - RIA Novosti. Having rejected the tightening of neutrality, Switzerland has reserved freedom of action, said the head of the confederation's Foreign Ministry, Ignazio Cassis.

On Sunday, Switzerland held a referendum on tightening the principle of neutrality in the constitution. The initiative of the Swiss People's Party proposed to prohibit the country from joining sanctions not approved by the UN Security Council and entering into military alliances. It was rejected by 70% of voters.

"Switzerland has chosen neutrality, which has proven to be effective. Switzerland retains freedom of action to protect its security, independence and prosperity," Cassis said at a press conference following the vote.

According to him, this result is not a “vote against neutrality.”

“Switzerland was neutral yesterday, it is neutral today and will remain neutral in the future,” the minister added.