Swiss reject tighter neutrality rules in referendum backed by right-wing populist party

Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to tighten the country's neutrality in a referendum, according to final results. The initiative, championed by the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party (SVP) and dubbed "pro-Russian" by opponents, aimed to enshrine a strict definition of neutrality into the constitution. The proposal was rejected by 70.1% of voters.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis emphasized that this result is not a vote against neutrality, stating that Switzerland's traditional armed neutrality will remain unchanged. The proposal sparked deep disagreement over what exactly neutrality entails, especially in the context of Russia's war in Ukraine. Concerned over Bern's decision to support EU economic sanctions on Russia, the Pro Switzerland organization collected enough signatures to trigger the referendum.

Opponents, including the government, parliament, and most major political parties, argued that the proposal was too rigid and would limit Switzerland's flexibility in a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. While Switzerland has no plans to lift its ban on selling arms to conflict countries, including Ukraine, Cassis stressed that neutrality does not mean indifference and that the country would not look away when violations of international rules occur.