Swiss reject plan to toughen neutrality

Switzerland's voters decisively rejected a proposal on Sunday to strengthen the country's longstanding policy of neutrality, according to final results. The initiative, championed by the hard-right and branded "pro-Russian" by critics, aimed to enshrine a strict definition of neutrality into the constitution. It was rejected by 70.1% of voters, indicating deep divisions over the definition of neutrality.

Switzerland has traditionally maintained armed neutrality, but the war in Ukraine has sparked debates about how this stance should apply to modern conflicts. The Swiss foreign minister, Ignazio Cassis, reiterated the country's commitment to neutrality, emphasizing that it will remain neutral regardless of the outcome. The proposal, which called for Switzerland to have "armed and perpetual" neutrality, would have barred the country from forming military alliances, such as NATO, unless directly attacked.

Opponents argued that the proposal would restrict Switzerland's flexibility during heightened geopolitical tensions. While most major political parties and the government opposed the initiative, it was backed by the country's largest political party, the hard-right Swiss People's Party.