Swiss reject stricter neutrality initiative

In a referendum, the Swiss rejected the proposal to enshrine stricter neutrality in the constitution. According to an initial projection, 71 percent of those who voted voted no, as the co-head of the survey institute gfs.bern, Lukas Golder, said on SRF television.

The initiative came from the “Pro Switzerland” association, which is close to the right-wing conservative SVP. She argued that Switzerland would be safer if it did not just stay out of all armed conflicts and military alliances, as it has done so far. She also wanted to prevent Switzerland from imposing sanctions on warring parties. The fact that the Swiss government largely adopted EU sanctions in the case of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was a thorn in its side.

Opponents argued that Switzerland's security could only be guaranteed in cooperation with other countries. In addition, perpetrators and victims of an armed conflict should not be treated equally.