Swiss voters expected to shun stricter neutrality

Swiss voters are expected to reject a proposed amendment to tighten the nation's long-standing policy of neutrality, according to recent polls. The initiative, which aims to raise Switzerland's food self-sufficiency rate to 70% and establish armed and perpetual neutrality, has sparked heated debate over what the principle of neutrality truly entails.

While initial opinion polls suggested a tight race, the final surveys indicate a clear majority – over 60% – of voters plan to reject the proposal. The Swiss government and parliament have both rejected the initiative, arguing that it is too rigid and would limit the country's flexibility in a time of increasing geopolitical tensions.

This proposal is only supported by the Swiss People's Party, Switzerland's largest populist right-wing party. Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis emphasized that neutrality does not mean indifference, stating that Switzerland will not turn a blind eye to violations of international rules. Critics fear that adopting such a strict neutrality definition could lead Switzerland to join NATO and lose its role as a mediator and host of international organizations.