Swiss voters decisively opposed a proposal on Sunday to introduce a stricter form of neutrality that would have prevented the country from imposing economic sanctions or collaborating with NATO. According to the latest referendum estimates by state broadcaster SRF, over two-thirds of voters rejected the idea of incorporating a narrowly defined neutrality concept into the Swiss constitution. With the initiative failing to garner the necessary support from the majority of Switzerland’s cantonal constituencies, it has effectively been dismissed.
Swiss neutrality, established since the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815, lacks specific details on its implementation. The right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) asserted that Switzerland’s traditional stance has been compromised following sanctions imposed on Russia after its incursion into Ukraine.
The SVP-led campaign distributed posters nationwide advocating for a vote against the proposal under the slogan “No war, yes to neutrality,” featuring symbolic white peace doves. Most political parties, including the Swiss government, opposed the initiative, citing concerns raised by Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis about potential negative impacts on national security and Swiss participation in NATO training.
The Green Party and the Evangelical People’s Party (EVP) expressed relief at the referendum outcome, with Green Party lawmaker Sibel Arslan criticizing the SVP’s motives as isolating Switzerland internationally and evading responsibilities under international law. Despite the defeat, the SVP acknowledged the results and currently has no plans for further action.
Swiss voters strongly support the country’s neutrality, with Professor Fabio Wasserfallen from the University of Bern noting their approval of the government’s current implementation. The campaign aimed to enshrine in the constitution that Switzerland would refrain from military alliances unless under attack and would only join sanctions with UN approval, emphasizing the historical benefits of Swiss neutrality in avoiding conflicts like the world wars.
Christoph Blocher, a prominent figure in the SVP and a supporter of the initiative, highlighted the importance of Swiss neutrality in maintaining peace for the past two centuries. However, he expressed concerns about Switzerland’s perceived deviation from neutrality, particularly in the context of the Russian conflict due to imposed sanctions.