Swiss vote on stricter neutrality

In Switzerland, voters are voting in a referendum today on a stricter definition of the Swiss principle of neutrality. If the initiative is accepted, Switzerland will no longer be able to impose sanctions against warring parties such as Russia in the future.

The Pro Switzerland association, which launched the initiative, argues that Switzerland has weakened its principle of non-intervention by adopting EU sanctions against Russia. Pro Switzerland was founded in 2022 and is the successor organization to the Action for an Independent and Neutral Switzerland (Auns). The association emerged from a merger of three EU-critical associations and is close to the right-wing conservative SVP party.

Neutrality is already anchored in the Swiss constitution, but the initiative wants to enshrine so-called “perpetual” neutrality. The government has spoken out against the initiative. Recent surveys suggest that a majority of Swiss people will support her.

Proponents say this makes Switzerland safer because all countries respect strict neutrality and it is therefore protected from attacks, including by Russia. Opponents say that nowadays one cannot hide behind neutrality and treat perpetrators and victims equally.